Governors Information

A message from Anna McCormack, Chair of Governors                                                   

Dear Parents and Guardians,

A warm welcome to all new pupils, families, and staff members joining us in the 2023/24 academic year. And for returning members of our St George family: welcome to a new school year. 2023 was incredibly busy for everyone at St George, and we have another exciting year ahead. 

In May 2023, we had a successful visit from the Catholic School Inspectorate, who graded the school as Good overall, with the Catholic Life and Mission as Outstanding.  We are immensely proud of the positive feedback we received around students’ exemplary behaviour, the culture of continuous improvement, and the dedication of staff and governors.  The report also recognises our inclusive approach, empowering students of all backgrounds and abilities to actively contribute to our vibrant community and our commitment to religious education and impactful liturgical events.  According to inspectors:

  • “Everyone looks out for each other, and the teachers are so helpful.’ Students’ behaviour is exemplary, showing the respect they have for themselves and others.  Students are proud of their ‘ASPIRE’ approach to school life which informs both their learning and their relationships with students and staff.  Students speak confidently about how their school welcomes those of all faiths and none, provides a safe and empowering space for all and, therefore, aids their moral development.” 
  • “The school has worked tirelessly to ensure that religious education is at the centre of the school’s curriculum and is represented in all aspects of school life.”
  • “Staff commitment at all levels is exceptional; they readily serve the community and participate in activities and routines which promote the school’s high standards, and especially those which reinforce the ethos of the school.” 

Then, in June 2023, we had a highly successful Ofsted visit, which graded the school “outstanding” in all areas.  The Ofsted report (available to read on this website) beautifully reflects the true essence of our St George family and offers an excellent overview of the school.  The inspector commented: 

  • “This is a truly inclusive and welcoming school.  The school’s ASPIRE values are understood and treasured by the whole community.  One pupil said ‘I love the school values.  I will carry them with me for ever’. 
  • Leaders have established a highly aspirational culture where pupils want to work hard and achieve well.  Pupils are supported to do their best by teachers who they share warm and respectful relationships with.  Expectations for behaviour are extremely high and pupils live up to these.  Behaviour is exemplary in classrooms and during social times.  Staff and pupils are rightly proud to be a part of this school.”

Pupils also achieved another set of exceptional GCSE results, with 88% securing at least a grade 4 pass in both English and Maths GCSE, our highest ever, and all subjects achieving 85% grades 4-9 or above. The cohort achieved an estimated progress score of +0.5 (internal estimate), which means that, on average, pupils at St George gained almost half a GCSE grade higher than expected in each subject. These are stunning results, especially considering the impact of COVID-19 on the year group. The results testify to pupils’ hard work and the staff going above and beyond to compensate for lost learning time.

We know from parents’ recent comments they are delighted with the education and development their children receive at St George: 

  • “Staff have consistently gone above and beyond to make my son’s time at school successful, and I will be forever grateful for this start he has had into young adulthood.”
  • “My son is a better human being for having been educated at St George – he has been enabled to thrive and fulfil his potential.”
  • “Wonderful, loving community and such brilliant leadership and staff engagement.” 
  • “You pushed my daughter far and beyond to achieve her potential.”
  • “He was happy from day one to his last day at school.  Very proud to be part of St George!”
  • “I could not recommend this school enough and will feel sad that my children are no longer part of the St George family.”

We also continue to improve the physical infrastructure of the school. Following the successful completion of our state-of-the-art Science and Technology facility, a new, permanent building with dedicated classrooms for our Geography department and the newly resurfaced 4G sports pitches, we await confirmation of the start date of the next phase of building works, which will deliver a brand-new library/resource centre, an enlarged chapel right at the heart of the school, improved kitchen and dining areas, and a more welcoming, secure and attractive reception area, showcasing our Aspire values and mission statement. 

As Chair of Governors, I am immensely proud of what the Governing Body and Leadership Team have achieved together at St George.  We are fortunate to have a knowledgeable, experienced, and committed group of volunteer governors dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for the school and its pupils.

Our Catholic ethos and unique Aspire values underpin the St George family spirit and play an enormous part in the day-to-day welfare of the students through safeguarding, pastoral support and every other area of student wellbeing.

With the start of this new year, I hope we can continue to help each other within our St George family community and, indeed, Aspire to become all that God has created us to be.

I look forward to hearing from parents, guardians, staff and students with any comments, questions, or concerns.

With best wishes,

Anna McCormack

Anna McCormack Chair of Governors 
Roger Peplow Vice-Chair and Chair to the Curriculum Committee
Nick Guyer Vice-Chair and Chair to the Finance & Resources Committee
Jeanine Bonavia Clerk to the Governing Body
 

Foundation Governors

Other Governors

Anna McCormack                            

Sarah Davis (Parent)
Nick Guyer Jacqui Cammish (Parent)
Fr Anthony Chiatu James Habberley (Ex Officio)
Richard Avery Roger Peplow (LA)
Bethany Hendrikse Rebecca Heneghan (Staff)
Stephen Fenn Kate Paradine (Associate Member) - no voting rights
Lorraine Swann Kasia Davenport (Associate Member) - no voting rights