A Common Interest is shared
The governors share a common interest in our school and recognise that the school has a role to play in the success of the community which it serves.
Strategic direction
The governors are responsible for the strategic direction of the school, acting within a policy framework set by national legislation. They are involved in creating and developing a strategic plan for the school, setting and agreeing objectives, and monitoring and evaluating success by focusing on progress and outcomes.
partnership
At Andrews’ Endowed, the head teacher and governors work in partnership and liaise closely on all matters affecting the school. The Governing Body acts as a ‘critical friend’ to the school, asking challenging questions about performance and using their skills and experience to support the school in addressing its aims.
The governing board at Andrews’ Endowed provides strategic oversight, playing a vital role in supporting the Head to ensure pupils benefit from the best possible educational, moral and spiritual outcomes. Everything we do at Andrews’ Endowed is designed with the children in mind.
To assure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction, governors audit and advise across a number of strategic areas, for example, Finance, Admissions, Pay, Buildings, Health & Safety; Safeguarding, Data Protection, Training & Development, Equalities, and Marketing. The governors also meet with the pupil School Council and generally provide support and advice to the school body. To perform these tasks our governors come from a variety of backgrounds, holding a wealth of experience and skills, from finance, law, medicine, academia, education, marketing and, of course, the Church of England. Governors work with our highly committed Head, staff and pupils to create a very special community at Andrews’ Endowed.
Getting to know the Governors
Ailsa Jacob
Chair Of Governors
Having worked in Norway in telecoms/internet development, I returned to the UK in the late 1980s as a manager in higher education. Having acquired a PGCE, MBA and a PhD, I then became a lecturer in Management at the University of Surrey, Guildford. During my academic career I served as a governor at Prior’s Field School, Godalming. Now retired and a grandparent to several primary-age children, as a Foundation Governor at Andrews’ Endowed I hope to use my knowledge and experience to help ensure the success of the school.
Debbie Whitehead
Vice-Chair
My career as an educational professional meant that on retirement, I was keen to continue to use those years of expertise. Becoming part of a Governing Board was an obvious step. It has provided a great focus, lots of challenge and a sense of being able to give to something worthwhile – to the village and to the school that my children attended way back. I started in March 2024 and can recommend it. Andrews’ Endowed is a welcoming, warm school with a big heart and the Governing Board is made up a wide range of lovely folk, each bringing different skills to the team. I am a Local Authority Designated Governor and one of my designated responsibilities is for Wellbeing.
Charles Walters
Foundation Governor
I have been a Foundation Governor at Andrews’ Endowed School since September 2021. I took up the roll soon after I retired from my work as a partner in a GP medical practice in Bordon. As a governor I am currently the governor lead for SEND and Health and Safety. I have lived in Holybourne near Andrews’ Endowed school for the last 20 years and am aware of the importance of the school to the village.
Bryn Jones
Parent Governor
I have lived in Alton since 2007 with my wife. We have one Daughter, who is now in Year 5 at Andrews’ Endowed School. I enjoy being a part of the local community, more recently this is mostly through my daughters’ memberships at the local Rugby, Hockey and Cricket clubs. Professionally, I am a finance director at a publishing company, my experience in finance and business will enable me to contribute positively to the school during my time as a Governor. Outside of work, my interests include spending time with family, running and motorsport.
Sarah King
Foundation Governor
I am the current Maths and Development & Training Governor and joined the board as a Foundation Governor in April 2024. I have been associated with the school for nearly 4 years now as my child is in year 3. My background is the financial sector where I have worked for the last 21 years.
Jess Armstrong-Field
Co-Opted Governor
I’m Jess Armstrong-Field, I live in Alton and have 2 boys aged 12 and 18 who used to attend Andrews Endowed. I work at Holybourne Village preschool, volunteer as a Cub Scout leader in Basingstoke and enjoy walking and reading in my spare time. I am a Co-opted Governor and I monitor safeguarding and attendance.
Jessica Fitzharris
Foundation Governor
I joined the governing body as a Foundation Governor in 2022. I am one of two safeguarding leads on the board, a member of the Pay Committee and am joint Development and Training Governor. In my professional life I have worked in HR for the last 15 years across a number of central government departments specialising in policy development, recruitment, employee relations, litigation and organisational design and development. My husband and I have two children, one of whom has been a pupil at Andrews’ for several years. We very much value and enjoy being part of the Andrews’ family and wider local community.
Chloe Durrant
Staff Governor
Neil Metcalfe
Foundation Governor
Hi, I am Neil, a Foundation Governor and in terms of governance I am responsible for Marketing and Communications as well as English and Equality within the school. My wife and I have a daughter in Acorns and a son still at nursery. Outside of Andrews Endowed I work within sales as a National Account Manager for the largest dairy company in the world and when I am not working, I enjoy quality time with my family as well as cooking, sport and a good TV box set or film.