Local Committee

At St Mary's C of E Primary School, we are proud to be part of an academy trust that is committed to providing the highest quality education for our children. The Local Committee, also known as the governing body, plays a central role in ensuring the smooth running and success of our school. The Committee works with the officers and trustees of The Good Shepherd’s Trust, the Multi Academy Trust which oversees the work of the school.

The Local Committee is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the school, working closely with the headteacher, and the senior leadership team. The LC’s main duty is to quality assure the school to ensure it provides a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum that enables all children to thrive. This includes monitoring the effectiveness of teaching and learning, reviewing policies, and ensuring the school's resources are managed effectively.

Furthermore, the local committee is dedicated to nurturing an environment where our school values are understood and lived out by all our children. These values are not only fundamental in shaping their character during their time at St Mary's but also in preparing them for their futures. We believe that by instilling these values, our children will develop into responsible, caring, and compassionate individuals who will make a positive difference in society.

As a Church of England school, we aspire to do something meaningful and give back to the community which shapes the lives of all our pupils. The Local Committee actively seeks opportunities for our school to contribute to the local area, fostering a sense of civic responsibility among our children. We firmly believe that by engaging in community service and outreach programmes, our children will develop a deep sense of gratitude, empathy, and social awareness.

Jane Bell

Chair

I have lived in the village for over 30 years and been associated with St Mary’s School for most of that time as parent, employee, volunteer. As a member of St Mary’s Church, a volunteer at The Chiddingfold Archive and a keen supporter of local nature groups I am passionate about our village community and all it offers to enhance the lives of the young people who grow up here.  In my role as Chair of the Local Committee I strive, along with my colleagues, to ensure every child in the care of our School is given the best possible start on their lifelong learning journey.

Jane Bell - Chairperson, email: bell@stmarys-godalming.surrey.sch.uk

Alison Evans

Emma Hampshire

I have been a teacher since 2003 and have had experience of working across all primary age phases, in a range of settings. I consider myself very fortunate to have been appointed as a class teacher at St Mary’s CE Primary School in 2018. I currently teach in Year 6 and am Acting Assistant Head Teacher. I absolutely love being a member of the staff team here and feel very privileged to live and work in this community. I was appointed as a Local Committee Member in 2025, and I am enjoying being part of this dedicated team who want the best for our school and pupils. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going on walks, visits to the theatre and looking after my pet rabbits!  

Rev Rachel Greene

Rachel is the Rector of Chiddingfold. She joined the Local Committee in Spring Term 2019, as the parent of a pupil, to contribute to its strategic direction and vision, and to ensure the school is enabling pupils and adults to flourish.  She has taught theology, ethics and literature to undergraduate and graduate students and RE to students in Key Stages 1 and 2. Rachel has held specialist roles as a mentor and advocate to young people with disabilities and young people in the care system, and is passionate about getting young people's voices heard.

Joe McCarthy-Holland

Paul Mercer

Jonathan Willis

Tom Boulderstone

 

Yvette Oqvist - Clerk