Governors
Governor details
By law[1], the Governors of Stafford Manor High School are required to discharge three core strategic functions:
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Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
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Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils; and
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Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
The composition of the Governing Board is regulated by the School’s Instrument of Government which provides that it shall consist of:
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2 Parent Governors
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1 Local Authority Governor
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1 Staff Governor
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1 Headteacher Governor (where the Headteacher chooses to be a Governor)
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2 Foundation Governors
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5 Co-opted governors
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All have voting rights on the Full Governing Board.
Parent and Staff Governors are elected. The Local Authority Governor is nominated by Staffordshire County Council and the Foundation Governors are appointed by the School’s legal foundation which is the Stafford Community Learning Trust.
Co-opted Governors are chosen from a variety of backgrounds in order to ensure that the Governing Board collectively possesses the range of skills necessary to perform its statutory duties and are appointed by the Full Governing Board. These skills are regularly audited and augmented by a programme of ongoing training and development.
The Board is made up of:-
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I have lived locally for 15 years. After teaching secondary and special needs pupils I moved into working with, and supporting, governing boards and have also been a governor for several years. I passionately believe that all children should be able to achieve their individual potential.
I am pleased to be working with the governors of Stafford Manor High School and to be able to use my skills and experience to improve outcomes for pupils.
MICHELLE WHITEMAN
Chair of Governors
MEL COOPER
Vice Chair/Foundation Governor
I have lived in Stafford most of my life and have family connections in the area. I, together with other members of my family, am a former student of Rising Brook High School, most recently my daughter left in 2025.​
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I am a qualified Nursery Nurse and have working in various sectors of childcare. I have also worked at St Georges Hospital in the field of learning disabilities and mental health. I feel I will be able to use my previous knowledge to help me as a Governor and I look forward to being part of the school's journey.
AARON THURSTANCE
Foundation Governor
Growing up being on free school meals and as the first person from my family to go to university, I am proud of my journey and now feel inspired to support others to achieve the same. The community of Rising Brook has a special place in my heart and Stafford Manor High School is a key part of that. I am especially keen in supporting our young people and giving them the tools to negotiate life and thrive. Which was what motivated me to become a governor at Stafford Manor
NATHAN EVANS
Co-opted Governor
I am proud to serve as a Governor at Stafford Manor High School, a school with strong personal and family ties for me. I have lived in Stafford all my life, and everyone on my dad’s side of the family attended the school, so it holds a special place in our family history.
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I work as a caseworker for Leigh Ingham MP for Stafford, supporting residents with a wide range of issues affecting local families. Through this role, I see first-hand how important education is in shaping opportunities and long-term outcomes for young people.
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I was eligible for free school meals throughout my time in education, so I understand personally how important the right support, encouragement, and opportunities are for disadvantaged pupils. That experience has shaped my strong interest in improving outcomes for young people from all backgrounds.
I am committed to supporting the school’s leadership to ensure every student, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential.
CAROL CANFIELD
Co-opted Governor
I hold a Master of Laws degree with a specialisation in finance and governance. I’m currently working toward a doctorate in business law. I live near Gnosall and work with family trusts, combining my legal background with a strong interest in education and governance.
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Before joining the governing body here, I was a governor at a boarding school for children with learning differences. I have a long-standing commitment to supporting inclusive education and ensuring that all children, regardless of their learning needs, are given the chance to succeed.
GARETH MORRIS
Staff Governor
I would welcome the opportunity to become a staff governor as I offer an extensive experience supporting young people across schools, prisons and community settings. This also includes experience as a professional boxing referee and former inspector for the British Boxing Board of Control. I have previously served as a Police Officer in South East London and worked in a Young Offenders Institution gaining experience in behaviour management and safeguarding. I have also worked in state high schools, private and boarding schools so have a wealth of experience.
I have worked at Stafford Manor for nearly a year and value its welcoming, supportive community. I work closely with children in the SEN department and those who are detached from their lessons and build positive relationships with them.
I am passionate about contributing to Stafford Manor High School’s welcoming and supportive environment and its continued success for the future.
JULIE RIGLAR
Parent Governor
I have lived in Stafford all of my life and have long connections with the school. I attended Stafford Manor High School when it was originally Rising Brook High School. My daughter attended the school when it was Stafford Sports College and now my grandson (for whom I am a carer) attends Stafford Manor High School.
Sarah Ellis
Parent Governor
I have lived in the local area most of my life and I attended the school myself when it was known as Rising Brook High School and was proud to of achieved 9 A-C grade in my GCSE’s, currently my daughter attends Stafford Manor High School and is in year 10.
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I am a fully qualified Nursery Nurse and SENCO as well as having a number of Retail Management and Hospitality qualifications at varied levels, and most recently I achieved a level 5 in Employment law through online learning. I have been extremely lucky to have had a varied experience but always customer and team focused which is where my passion lies being able to help people. I am extremally focused on continuous development and getting the most out of opportunities and feel all these skills will be extremely useful in the role of Parent Governor and hope that I could be a part of helping the school on it own journey of continues development.
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The Full Governing Board meets at least once each term and more frequently when required. Detailed work is delegated to specialist committees/groups which report to the FGB, all members have full voting rights:
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Strategic Group:-
Consists of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board and the Headteacher. It meets 3/4 times per year on an informal basis.​​
Members of Staff are welcome to attend and observe the work of the FGB or any of these committees at any time (subject to being asked to withdraw for part of a meeting should any sensitive or restricted business need to be discussed).
Other Governors’ Committees dealing with matters such as Headteacher’s Performance, HR issues and Pupil Discipline meet as required.
It is not the role of the Governors to deal with the daily operational running of the School – this is for the Headteacher, the SLT and the Staff. However, in order to discharge their strategic responsibilities, it is important that Governors engage closely with staff and pupils.
Governors are appointed as ‘Link’ Governors with special responsibility for the following areas:
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Student Welfare – To include Safeguarding, Behaviour and Attendance
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Business and Staff Wellbeing – To include CIEAG, Health & Safety Training & Professional Development
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Vulnerable Groups – To include SEN, PP, LAC, EAL
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Curriculum – To include Literacy, Numeracy, ICT, RSE
The contact details of each current Link Governor can be obtained from the School.
Governors regularly attend meetings of the School Council and other events and frequently hold meetings of the Full Governing Board and the various Governors’ Committees in School. They are always available to staff for discussion on these occasions. Governors are happy to support staff when required. Governors can be contacted at any other time and meetings between Members of Staff and Governors will be arranged when requested.
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Should you require any further information with regard to the work of the Governing Board or any matter relating to the governance of Stafford Manor High School, please feel free to contact the School.
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The Chair can be contacted via email at m.whiteman@smhs.staffs.sch.uk