Parent Governor Election

I am pleased to announce that Mr Steve Ellis and Mr Michael Rudd have been elected as Parent Governor representatives on our Governing Body, with effect from Monday, 2nd March 2026.  Below is a copy of the candidates’ statement.

Mrs Sue Anderson
Chair of Governors

As a parent, I care deeply about the quality of education, wellbeing and opportunities provided for every child at Bishop Heber. I am applying to serve as a Governor because I want to support the school’s continued success and contribute positively to its strategic direction.

In my professional role as a Chief Executive Officer within the education sector, I have extensive experience in governance, strategic planning, finance, risk management and organisational improvement. I regularly work with Boards and senior leaders to set clear priorities, monitor performance and ensure strong safeguarding, inclusion and value for money. I understand that a Governor’s role is not operational, but strategic: providing constructive challenge, ensuring statutory duties are met and holding leaders to account while supporting them to succeed.

I would bring a balanced, evidence-informed approach, strong listening skills and the ability to ask the right questions in a respectful and supportive way. I am committed to the time required to read papers, attend meetings, and contribute to school improvement, and I am fully willing to undertake any training and development needed to carry out the role effectively.

Above all, I am motivated by a desire to help the school provide the best possible outcomes for its pupils and to strengthen the partnership between the school and its community.

We give our children into the care of the education system daily, and it is vitally important that our children feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to reach their maximum potential. I am standing for election as a Parent Governor because I am invested in our school community and want to contribute to the education and wellbeing of our children. As a parent, I understand the challenges we face, and as a current primary school Governor I understand the challenges faced by schools.

I am a barrister specialising in Planning and Local Government law. I have been a Governor at Farndon Primary School for eight years, the Chair for two years, and Vice-Chair for three years. I have been the Health and Safety Lead Governor throughout that time, and the maths link Governor for two years. I have supported the school through two OFSTED inspections. I have also been a volunteer rugby coach at Bishop Heber since 2024.

I fully understand the role of governance in our schools, am committed to ensuring excellence in our education system, and the welfare and prosperity of our children, and have dedicated a great deal of time to achieving those ambitions. During my time as a Governor I have developed a strong and supportive partnership with parents, school leadership and staff, and other governors. If elected, I would bring these governance skills and experience to the role at Bishop Heber.

I would relish the opportunity to offer my skills and experience to Bishop Heber.