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Growing faith, challenging minds, dicovering talents

Enabling children to flourish and succeed

Governors

Local governance matters in our Trust. It is what ensures our schools are rooted in their communities. For children, staff, and schools to flourish and succeed, governance at all levels of the Trust must be highly effective. 

Our governors work closely with staff to help children achieve their full potential in a happy, caring environment. Local governing committees collaborate with the Headteacher and senior leaders to ensure the school is running effectively and in the best interests of all pupils. 

Our governors are representatives of all the key groups involved in our school – parents, staff, the local community, the Trust, and the Church. Some governors are appointed, while others are elected, ensuring a wide range of voices and perspectives are included. 

Governors come from diverse backgrounds and bring with them a variety of skills that support the school’s strategic leadership. They work in partnership with the Headteacher and Rise Multi Academy Trust to guide and shape the direction of the school. 

As part of the wider Trust board, our governors have delegated responsibilities which include: 

  • Promoting high standards of educational achievement 
  • Monitor targets and progress 
  • Monitor that schools are working to their vision and values 
  • Ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs are able to thrive 

Local Arrangements

A single ‘Cluster Governance Committee’ (GCG) has been established to provide robust local governance for both St Simon and St Jude and Higham on Hill CE Primary Schools. Largely advisory in nature, this committee is a de facto sub-committee of the Trust Board.

The chair of our CGC is :  Mrs Karen Allen, who may be contacted via: office@stsimonandstjude.leics.sch.uk or 01455 842138

Local Governing Body

Governor Appointment Type Appointed by Appointment ends

Mrs Sue Horn

(Chair)

Co-opted RISE 09/01/2026
Marlene Partington Parent LGB 01/09/2027
Abigail Malik Parent LGB 01/09/2027
Mark Whitelocks Parent LGB 01/09/2027

Governor Bio's

 

 

Mrs Marlena Partington

My name is Marlene Partington. I’m fulltime at home with our toddler at the moment, which I love. Our other son attends Higham on the Hill. Originally born in The Netherlands, I came with Youth With A Mission to the United Kingdom ten years ago. As a family, we have lived in the Midlands since 2022. 

I enjoy swimming, walking in the countryside and spending time with family and friends. 

I have become a governor because as a former Dutch primary teacher, education still has my heart and I hope to contribute to the school in this way. I also hope to support the school to keep the Christian ethos as their guide. 

 

Mr Mark Whitelocks

My name is Mark Whitelocks.  I am a Managing Director for one of the Stagecoach Group businesses.  I have worked for Stagecoach since leaving University in 2005.  My career with Stagecoach has seen us move around the country and we have been fortunate to live in Scotland, Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and Devon.  We relocated to Higham on the Hill in February 2021.

I have three children, my daughter currently attends Higham on the Hill CofE Primary School.  My sons are both at secondary school.

Away from work I enjoy spending time with the family and joining the children in their interests be they football, music, swimming or gymnastics.  I enjoy watching football and Formula 1.

I have become a governor as I wanted to give something back to the local community.  Supporting the school and young people is a great way for me to do this.

 

Mrs Abigail Malik

Hi my name is Abigail Malik, also known as Aby.

I am a dedicated parent of a year 3 student in the school. I'm an avid baker and creator of enchanting children's book videos. I love countryside walks and seaside adventures.

I'm committed to upholding integrity and kindness. I'm passionate about supporting the children's development and actively helping in enhancing their educational journey through creativity and compassion.

Always ready to lend a helping hand and contribute my skills and enthusiasm to further enrich the school's vibrant learning environment and community.

 

Meeting Minutes

Copies of meeting minutes can be requested by emailing office@higham.risemat.co.uk