As a Hard Federation, both Oakham C of E Primary School and The Parks School share a Governing Body which meets each term.

The Governors are similar to directors in a business, and act as ‘critical friends’ to the Executive Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team.  Governors work with the Executive Headteacher on strategic and developmental issues, and on target setting, performance management and appraisal.  They visit the schools to meet members of the Senior Leadership Team and to carry out their responsibilities in terms of monitoring and providing oversight.  However, the Executive Headteacher alone is responsible for the day to day management of the schools. Minutes of Full Governing Body meetings and committee meetings are available, if required, in the school office. If you have any comment for, or need to contact, the Governing Body please email: chair@oakham-primary.rutland.sch.uk or leave a message at the school office.

Governors of Oakham Church of England Primary School and The Parks School

All governors are required annually to declare any interests they may have in relevant businesses or other educational establishments.  All information relating to this as well as details of all current governors can be found below.
Name  Position  Appointing body  Date appointed  Date of term end 
Alex Gregory Parks Parent Parental election 15/06/2017 14/06/2021
Caroline Vandoros Parent Parental election 12/06/2017 11/06/2021
Diane Wensley Parent Parental election 12/06/2017 11/06/2021
Jane Evans Staff Staff election 12/06/2017 11/06/2021
Sharon Spencer Clerk Governing Body 2008/2009
Nick Cooper Co-opted Governing Body 12/06/2017 11/06/2021
Mary Darlington Co-opted Governing Body 12/06/2017 11/06/2021
Stephen Cox Executive Headteacher Ex officio 24/08/2015 ex officio
Caroline Abdul Rahim Parks Parent Parental election 15/06/2017 14/06/2021
Kay Smith Teacher Staff election 04/11/2014 03/11/2018
Liz Needham Co-opted Diocese 07/07/2019 07/07/2023
Caroline Johnston Parent Parental election 08/11/2013 07/11/2017
Karen Kibblewhite LA LA 06/03/2019 06/03/2023
Ben Searle Parent Parental election 04/10/2016 03/10/2020
Stewart Needham Parent Parental Election 29/01/2018 28/01/2022
Rev Stephens Griffiths Fondation Ex officio 23/11/2018 Ex officio
Declaration of interests and further relevant information.
  • Mary Darlington is the manager of The Ark Nursery.
  • There are no other relevant business interests for our governors to declare.
  • None of our governors have declared that they have any extra governing roles in other schools.

Committee Structure

Our Governing Body uses a committee structure to undertake our monitoring and evaluation role.  The membership and terms of reference of committees are reviewed annually.  The committees are: Provisions, Resources and Pay Review. Some of our committees are given delegated powers to make decisions that do not require approval from the full Governing Body.  In addition, like many governing bodies, we sometimes form working groups to focus on specific problems or issues.

 Provisions Committee

Outcomes, Safeguarding

& Health & Safety

 Resources Committee

Finance & Personnel

 Pay Review Committee

Jane Evans

Caroline Johnstone

Caroline Abdul Rahim

Louise Bushby

Mary Darlington

Diane Wensley

Ben Searle

Diane Wensley

Mary Darlington
The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff, volunteers and visitors to share that commitment. If you are interested in becoming a school governor and would like to know more about the role please contact any of the Governors, or the school office.