Governing Body
The governors of Notre Dame High School are justly proud of the school community. Our students achieve standards well above national averages which is testament to their hard work and the dedication of our staff. However, Notre Dame is about so much more than just exam results; the support our community gives to both local and national causes in fundraising and volunteering is a true reflection of the Notre Dame ethos. Our school vision is supported by strong and vital links to the Catholic Diocese of East Anglia which underpin our entire decision-making process.
Notre Dame is part of the St John the Baptist Catholic Multi Academy Trust, company number 7913261, set up as a charitable trust limited by guarantee. It has a tiered management and governance structure, with the Members of the Academy Trust Company overseeing the strategic direction of each of its academies. The Members of the Academy Trust Company are the Roman Catholic Bishop of East Anglia, Rt Rev Peter Collins, the Diocesan Trustees (represented by Rev Canon David Bagstaff), the Diocesan Schools Manager Dr Andy Stone, Mr Fred Corbett and the Chair of the Multi Academy Trust's Board of Directors, Mrs Ruth Hollis. Below this tier is the full Governing Body of the school. The Governing Body is responsible for setting the vision of the school, holding the Headteacher to account for educational performance, and ensuring that the academy's money is well spent.
The role of governors is to provide the strategic lead in supporting the provision of high quality Christ centred education, and is underpinned by the school vision to enable students to become independent lifelong learners. Over the years the Governing Body has taken many important strategic decisions that have influenced the life of the school, including the conversion to Academy status on 1st March 2012, and the decision to form a Multi Academy Trust four years later. This has allowed the Trust to take control of its future and to continue to provide outstanding educational opportunities for all its pupils across this area of the Diocese.
There are up to 18 positions on the Governing Body, which is composed of up to 11 Foundation Governors (appointed by the Diocese), 2 Parent Governors (elected from parents), the Headteacher, 2 other Staff Governors (elected by staff), and up to 2 Governors appointed by the Governing Body itself. A Governor's term of office is 4 years, though they may stand for re-election or re-appointment if desired. Most of the Governing Body's work takes place in committees that are led by knowledgeable and experienced chairs. There are four committees which oversee all aspects of school life: i) Resources (with Pay and Pay Appeals sub-committees), ii) Pastoral and Admissions committee, iii) Teaching, Learning and Standards committee, and iv) the Chairs of each committee. Notre Dame also works closely with the other schools in the Multi Academy Trust, and with wider partnerships of schools as part of its commitment to the wider education community.
The Governing Body’s commitment to the school is unwavering in ensuring the continued provision of an outstanding educational experience for students both now and in the future. To this end Governors are always eager to hear the views of members of our community including parents and pupils. The Chair of Governors, James McGarry, can be contacted through the Compliance Manager at the school JEady@ndhs.org.uk
The Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State for Education, and St John the Baptist Catholic Multi Academy Trust's Articles of Association, the Annual Report and Financial Statements, and the Memorandum of Association can be found on the financial and governance pages of the Trust's website.
Foundation Governors
The Governing Body is currently seeking practising Catholics willing to become Foundation Governors. Please see the attachment below for further details.
Advert for Foundation Governors
The Governing Body's Register of Interests, and the membership and attendance of the Governing Body and its committees may be accessed via the links below.
Membership of the Governing Body and its committees
Governors Register of Business Interests
Governors Attendance at meetings 2024-25
Governors Attendance at meetings 2023-24
Governors Attendance at meetings 2022-23
Governors Attendance at meetings 2021-22
Other useful links (please click on the name to be taken to their website)