The Governing Body at St Andrew’s and St Mark’s Church of England Junior School is made up of volunteers who have a wide range of technical and personal expertise and qualities. The members are elected by parents and staff but also appointed by our Parish Council, the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education, and the Local Education Authority. We also have a number of associate governors who give freely of their time and expert knowledge in areas such as finance, computing and Special Educational Needs.

The full Governing Body meets twice a term. However, the responsibilities of governors are wide and varied and it would be impossible to meet those responsibilities fully without the work of the committees. These committees are delegated specific authority, and in return must report their actions and decisions to the full body. The committees are:

• Finance

• Management and Resources

• Curriculum and Standards

• Admissions

In addition to these formal committees there is a Faith Group. Members of this group work with the headteacher, staff and parents to ensure that the distinctiveness and effectiveness of our church school is maintained and enhanced.

Each governor is also linked to a subject area.

The Governing Body works with the headteacher and staff to decide the school's strategy for improvement so that pupils learn effectively and achieve the highest standards, while always respecting the professional roles of the school staff and their responsibilities for the day to day management of the school. The governors focus on where they can add most value, drawing on their knowledge and experience. They need to act as a critical friend to the school, providing support, information and advice as well as asking challenging questions and pressing for improvements.

The Clerk to the Governors is Dale Byrne and she may be contacted via the school office or at office@sasm.rbksch.org