Governors

Governors are volunteers who work in partnership with the school to ensure that children receive the best education possible.

We value governor involvement in the life and work of Sandown School and would encourage you to think about becoming a member of the Sandown School governing body when an appropriate opportunity arises. Parent Governor vacancies are notified by a letter to parents and guardians and mentioned in the school newsletter. Anyone can become a school Governor based on how their skills would fit with the current needs of the governing body.

Being a Governor is a rewarding experience. We are a group of hard working people who give freely of their time and energy, committing their skills to the service of Sandown School.

Governors come from different backgrounds, reflecting the many interest groups involved in our school, but they have one important thing in common: they are dedicated to ensuring that the children at Sandown School have the best education possible.

This is the primary focus of all governing body business. The governing body members have a huge amount of knowledge, experience and competence to draw on and we recognise that school governance is a team effort and decisions are made corporately.

High quality training and development is available for all Governors and all Governors are recommended to attend a Governors' Induction course as well as continue with their professional development throughout their term of office.

Governing bodies have many responsibilities but in general they are there to set the strategic framework for the school (including developing policies and the School Improvement Plan), agree the 3 year plan, monitor the finances, to act as support and challenge to the Headteacher as well as to monitor the implementation of the School Improvement Plan and policies as managed and carried out by the Headteacher and staff.

Effective governance is about team-work with headteachers, staff, governors and the community.

Information on the role of School Governors can be found at http://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-governors/become-a-school-governor

Or you can contact the Chair of Governors at: farrettm@sandown.kent.sch.uk or via the school at :Sandown school, Golf road, Deal, Kent, CT146PY

2025-2026 Sandown School Local Governing Body

Matthew Anderson – Staff Governor: 23-11-22 to 22-11-25
Lucy Blown - Co-Opted Governor & Vice Chair: 23-11-22 to 22-11-26
Michelle Farrett - Chair of Governors & Co-opted Governor: 25-9-24 to 24-9-28
Kate Luxford – Head Teacher: April 2012 continuous
Jennet Werth - Co-Opted Governor: 20.03.24 to 20.03.28
Adele Laing - Parent Governor: 12.03.25 to 12.03.29
Michelle Meadows - Parent Governor 07.05.25 to 07.05.29

o All Parent Governors are nominated and elected by parents

o Co-Opted Governors are appointed by the LGB

Interests Declared

· Michelle Farrett - Sessional Staff Member at Canterbury Christ Church University

& Trustee Dover Christ Church Academy

Attendance records 2024 - 2025

Kate Luxford 100%

Sandie Butcher 83%

Michelle Farrett 100%

Jennett Werth 100%

Lucy Blown 100%

Matthew Anderson 83%

Matt Cook 67%

Adele Laing 50% (from 12/03/25)

Michelle Meadows 33% (from 07/05/25)

Sandown's Governing Body follows the 'circle' structure with individual committees.

Resignations during academic year 2024 - 2025

Alfred McConnell - Stepped down 05.11.24

Luke Mussett - Stepped down 29.01.25

Matthew Cook - Stepped down 18.06.25

Resignations during academic year 2025 - 2026

Sandie Butcher - Stepped down 27.01.26