Governors
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
SARA GOSCOMBE
Vice Chair of Governors
As assistant headteacher and lead for inclusion at a Staffordshire school, I am passionate about providing young people with a high quality education and the support needed to navigate life challenges and become successful young adults within our community.
I have worked in the education sector since 2007 in a range of mainstream schools, across a number of local authorities within the West Midlands. My particular areas of interests are practical and vocational subjects, teaching and learning and pedagogy. My current role also encompasses being a SENCO, supporting students with special educational needs which I feel is an important and ever evolving role.
I am excited to be part of the Stafford Manor High School governing body and am looking forward to supporting our students families and wider community within this role.
MEL COOPER
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 Parent Governor and I look forward to being part of the school's journey.
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.
HELEN ADEY
Teacher Governor
With over 23 years of experience in education across several high schools in Staffordshire and Walsall, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our local school communities.
I joined Stafford Manor in 2019 as a Teaching Assistant during a career break from teaching and returned to the classroom as an English teacher in 2022. This journey has given me valuable insight into different roles within the school and a strong connection to our students and staff.
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My decision to become a Staff Governor stems from my passion for our school community and a commitment to supporting every young person to achieve their full potential. I am dedicated to working collaboratively to help drive improvements and contribute to delivering an outstanding educational experience for all.
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