Governing body

Our main role is to support the Headteacher and the staff – the phrase often used to describe this role is ‘a critical friend’. We help them to set and reach targets and to strive for excellence across the whole spectrum of school life. The two key documents used for this are the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and the Self Evaluation Form (SEF). The SIP is an annual strategic plan for the school, with targets that everyone works towards and the SEF sets out how well the school is doing and where we aim to make improvements.

Our legal duties include:

The Governing Body meets once every new term. We  have committees: Teaching and Learning; Resources; Pay and Appraisal; HTPM- Headteacher Performance Management; that also meet termly. All governors are informed about what happens at these committee meetings.

There are several categories of governor, appointed by different groups that have an interest in the school. These are Foundation, Co-opted, Authority, Parents, and Staff. All governors have equal status, however they are appointed.

We are committed to providing an excellent environment for all pupils to enjoy during their time at our school.

 

Committees

Teaching and Learning  (Chair: Rachel McQuillin)

Resources (inc. Pay & Appraisal)  (Chair: Paul Martin )

HTPM- Headteacher Performance Management  (Chair: Rachel McQuillin)

 

Who’s Who on the Governing Body

Paul Martin – Chair/Co-opted governor

 

I am a Chartered Accountant by trade and now run my own design, packaging and communications group with my business partner. My daughter, Eleanor, is a former pupil of the school and left in 2008. I have been a Governor, an active PTA father and treasurer whilst Eleanor was at the school. Since Eleanor left I have remained a Governor becoming Chair in 2015.

Appointed: 1/9/2004 by Full Governing Body

Term of office ends: 13/10/27

Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Chair of Academy Members of Weald of Kent Grammar School

Attendance: 3:3

Daniel Eaton - Headteacher

 

As Headteacher of St Lawrence Primary School (which is the best job in Kent!), I am automatically on the governing body. I am a member of both the Resources and the Teaching and Learning Committees and I meet regularly with the safeguarding governor to report on safeguarding practice and policy.

Appointed: 25/5/2023

Term of office ends: ex officio

Attendance: 3:3

Teresa Anderson - Foundation Governor

 

 

Teresa has lived in the Sevenoaks area for over 45 years. She has taught locally and was Head of a Primary School in Tunbridge Wells. Now retired, she enjoys many activities including crafting, baking and gardening, and most especially enjoys being with her family. Teresa is a member of St Lawrence Church and has a granddaughter in Ash Class

Term of office ends: 21/09/29

Attendance: 1:1

Victoria Newins - Staff governor

 

 

 

I am fortunate to have been a primary school teacher for 20 years, a job I truly love. I have been at St Lawrence for 4 years now and currently teach Year 3/4 while leading KS2 and the school curriculum.  

 Term of office ends: 21/09/29

Attendance: 0:1

Rachel McQuillin - Authority governor

Rachel McQuillin is Head of Middle School and teacher of History at Sevenoaks School, Kent. She has previously worked in an International school in Switzerland and a CofE girls’ comprehensive in central London. She has a keen interest in both the academic and pastoral aspects of school education, which are in reality inextricably linked, leading to her current role at Sevenoaks. Among a wide variety of interests, Rachel enjoys making pottery, skiing and recently, learning to surf!

Appointed: 10/5/2017  by local authority

Term of office ends: 26/5/2028

Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Employee at Sevenoaks School

Attendance: 3:3

Rev. Serena Willoughby – Foundation governor – ex officio

I am Vicar of St Lawrence Church and St Margaret's Underriver. My eldest child has just left home for Bristol uni and my youngest child is studying at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for boys. My husband is Deputy Head st Skinners Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells. In my spare time I really enjoy walking my dog with friends and as many Pilates classes as I can fit in. I've just started singing with a fun choir and am enjoying it much more than I ever expected!

Appointed: 01/9/2017

Term of office ends: on resignation

Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None declared

Attendance: 1:3

 

 

 

Sue Fortune - Co-opted Governor

Sue has two grown up sons and three grandchildren. Although her career was not in education, since retiring she has been involved in the sector for over 20 years both as a grammar school governor and a volunteer in a junior school. She finds working with young people both inspiring and rewarding. In her spare time she enjoys reading, yoga and mind puzzles.

Appointed: 7/2/2019 by governing body

Term of office ends: 23/9/2026

Attendance: 3:3

Sam Bordoli - Parent Governor

 

 

Sam is an award-winning composer and pianist, with a diverse body of work, including operas, musicals, choral anthems and film scores, which have been heard throughout the UK and Europe. He is also dedicated to teaching and is passionate about inspiring young people. He works with a regular roster of private pupils and is a Visiting Piano Teacher at two independent schools in Kent.

 

Appointed: 

Term of office ends: 18/02/2029

Relevant business and pecuniary interests: 

Attendance: 1:1

David Lee - Parent Governor and SEN governor

David is a new parent to St Lawrence. He has a son in Year R and a daughter who will join in the next academic year. David is an Operations Manager with the British Standards Institution, managing a team and the delivery of audits to clients across a wide range of industry sectors. Outside of work David has a keen interest in youth provision and is an assistant scout leader and a trustee for a Down Syndrome charity who support young people to achieve their full potential.

Appointed: 11/2/21

Term of office ends: 10/2/25

Relevant business and pecuniary interests: 

Attendance: 2:3

Andrew Braisted - Clerk to the Governors

Hi, My name is Andrew Braisted and I am the Clerk to Governors for the Full Governing Body and the Resource Committee. I live in Meopham, am married and have two daughters, one of whom is a trainee Solicitor based in Chichester and the other is a newly qualified teacher in Reading. My wife is an Assistant Head at Ifield School in Gravesend. I have previously worked for Coutts & Co, UBS and Barclays Wealth and currently work for a Health and Safety Company in Rochester. I am also a fully qualified London Black Cab driver, having completed ‘The Knowledge’ a year or so back.