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Governing Body of Sydenham School

Our Governors are representatives of the local community, parents, school staff and the Local Education Authority. They bring a range of interests, knowledge and skills to the school and they all work in a voluntary capacity. They have responsibility for overseeing the strategic framework of the school including setting policies, approving the curriculum and overseeing the school budget.

The Governors support the Headteacher and give feedback, recognising and celebrating achievement, identifying where the school is not achieving as well as it could, and providing support and encouragement when exploring ideas for improvement. The Governing Body works as a team with shared responsibilities - Governors never make decisions on their own, nor do they act as individuals.

The Full Governing Body Minutes are available to view on request. Please contact the Clerk to the Governors via the school to arrange this.​

Co-Opted Governor Vacancies- Sydenham School

Co-Opted Governor Vacancies- Sydenham School  

We have vacancies for Co-opted Governors on the Sydenham School Governing Board, and we invite expressions of interest from suitable candidates. We are looking for individuals who will bring their energy and experience for the benefit of our school, holding school leaders to account and helping to secure the best possible education for our students.   

We are particularly interested in applicants who have experience and skills that will strengthen the Governing Body. We have identified areas of particular interest:  

 

  • Experience within the education sector or school learning environment.  

  • Operations management experience, including financial management. 

  • Income generation (fundraising) experience.  

 

Whilst experience in these areas is desirable, we welcome applications from anyone who wants to get to know our school and play an active role in our Governing Body. However, all applicants should be able to demonstrate:  

 

  • A commitment to closing the educational gap between disadvantaged students and their peers. 

  • The ability to support and challenge an organisation. 

  • A clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. 

  • A commitment to helping to embed a proactive approach towards diversity, equity, and inclusion in the school.  

 

We are looking to ensure that the Governing Body reflects the diversity of the school and local community, and we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse communities, and individuals with lived experience of disability. At present, the Governing Body is underrepresented in these areas.  

 

Sydenham School is a thriving secondary school in Forest Hill, Lewisham. Our inclusive and diverse community welcomes students from all backgrounds. Our motto, "Aim High," reflects our core values of ambition, determination, and respect. We encourage our students to set ambitious goals, explore their passions, build resilience, develop self-respect as well as respect for others, and cultivate empathy. Sydenham School believes in every student's potential for success. We provide a supportive environment and emphasise the importance of a growth mindset, helping our students overcome challenges and reach their goals. 

The Governor role at Sydenham School is varied and fulfilling. It is a rewarding way to support the community, as well as an opportunity to develop new skills and experience that can be of great value to your personal and professional development. We are a professional and friendly Governing Body and will support new Governors to be successful and enjoy their roles. You will receive induction, training including one-to-one mentoring and support as well as access to external Governor training.  

Here is a link to the National Governance Association’s website, giving an overview of the responsibilities of a Governor: https://www.nga.org.uk/Governance-Recruitment/Be-a-school-governor-or-trustee.aspx  

If you are interested or would like to find out more about the role, please email us with a brief CV and a paragraph outlining your interest in the role. We are also available to speak to any interested candidates who wish to discuss the role informally prior to interviews. Please let us know if you wish to do so.   

Applications or enquiries should be sent to chairofgovernors@sydenham.lewisham.sch.uk 

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Friday 13th September 2024 

We expect to conduct interviews on Monday 23rd or Wednesday 25th September 2024   

 

The school is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and diversity. We have a clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safeguarding is the ‘golden thread’ that runs throughout the school. The successful applicant will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure for the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as the Criminals Records Bureau). 

Co-Opted Governor Vacancies- Sydenham School - PDF Version 

 

PARENT GOVERNOR ELECTION OUTCOME

We are writing to let you know the outcome of Sydenham School’s Parent Governor Election.

We are very pleased to welcome the following candidate as one of our Parent Governors on to our Governing Body:

 

Mr Hugh Dames with 45.60% of all votes

 

All candidates have been informed individually of the outcome of this election.

We would like to thank all nominees and everyone who took part and voted, for their support and commitment.

Current Governing Body of Sydenham School

Governor Biographies