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  • Meet the Governors

    The role of school governors and trustees

    Find out what school governors and trustees do and the key role they play in helping schools to succeed. This short film gives you all the essential information about this rewarding voluntary role. Most people over 18 years old are eligible to govern so, if you're interested in education and making a difference, watch this film to find out more.

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    On this page you will find details of the names and terms of office for all of our Governors, together with details of their category of Governor, positions of responsibility and details of any additional committees that they serve on. We have also included details of the business and financial interests of each Governor and information about any Governance role they play in other schools, as well as a full breakdown of the structure and responsibilities of the governing body of our school and its committees.

    As Governors of The Elms Primary School we would like to hear from you if you have any views or concerns about the school, and have any ideas as to how we can further improve the school. You can contact the governors, including the Chair of Governors using the school address or via our clerk at queries@cambrianlt.org.

    The structure and remit of the CLT Members, Trustees, and its committees including the LGCs is available on the Trust website and can be found here >

    The Local Governing Committee (LGC) constitution allows for up to 14 governors and the LGC meets formally once each term. It is an integral part of the senior management team of the school. It sets strategic targets and monitors pupil progress through detailed analysis of academic results. Outcomes are continuously tracked at the Quality of Education Committee and supporting elements are enabled though the Resources Committee. The Safeguarding committee ensures we meet all our statutory obligations in terms of keeping children and staff safe. Teaching staff performance is monitored at performance management reviews.  

    Governors for The Elms Primary School

    Sarah Nisbett – Community Governor, Chair (Safeguarding & Attendance)

    First Appointed: 25/07/2025

    Term of office: 25/07/2025 - 15/05/2029

    I would like to introduce myself as the new chair of the newly formed Elms Local Governing Body. I have a long and varied relationship with the Elms going back to the FJS days when I was a teacher and subsequently a parent at the school. I am so pleased to be involved in the school once more and look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength. Professionally, I was a primary teacher for many years, specialising in Early Years and then a headteacher of two Oxfordshire Primary schools over twenty years. I also worked as an executive Headteacher of two schools and hope that these experiences will help in the role of governor. Although retired for five years, I have continued until recently to work as a School Improvement Partner in the maintained section, working with approximately 25 schools across Oxfordshire. Having now retired from this too I feel I have the time, energy and recent educational experience to support TEP.

     

    Joseph Rubba - Executive Headteacher

    First Appointed: 05/09/2024

    Ex Officio

     

    Daniel Read - Community Governor (Pupil Premium)

    First Appointed: 06/05/2025

    Term of office: 06/05/2025 - 05/05/2029

     

    Katie Stewart - Staff Governor

    First Appointed: 21/10/2024

    Term of office: 21/10/2024 - 20/10/2028

    Hi, I'm Katie and have been a part of The Elms for 6 years now. I am currently teaching Year 1 and am the Science lead. I am passionate about fostering a love for learning in my students, encouraging curiosity and hands-on learning. Outside of school, I am an avid reader, and I enjoy spending weekends walking my Golden Retriever, Barney. As a member of the governing team, I am excited to bring my experiences to support our school community further!

     

    Calum Ison-Jacques - Head of School

    First Appointed: 01/09/2023

    Term of office: 01/09/2023 - 31/08/2027

    My name is Calum Jacques and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. Over the past 11 years, I have worked a variety of schools throughout the country.  I feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity to lead The Elms and work together with parents/carers, children, Governors and the local community to make it a place where pupils receive high quality learning experiences. The vision for The Elms is to be a community where everyone is inspired by a love of learning, children are supported and encouraged to believe in themselves.

     

    Emma Ellins - Parent Governor (SEND)

    First Appointed: 09/10/2023

    Term of office: 09/10/2023 - 08/10/2027

    Hi, I’m Em!  I’m a doting mother of two children at The Elms Primary and have been actively involved in setting up and developing the Parents Association there.  Central to my core values is building meaningful relationships – as Governors we should, and shall, strengthen parent-school partnerships. Professionally, I’m a business consultant who’s spent 20 years working in strategic marketing and commercial roles.  I’m a creative thinker and problem solver who loves collaborating and ‘getting things done’.  Appointed in October 2023, I hope to bring freshness and energy to the team.

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    Contact Details

    The Elms
    Gloucester Street
    Faringdon
    Oxfordshire
    SN7 7HZ