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 Karen Allen (Chair) |
Co-opted | RISE | 09/01/2026 |
| Mr Matthew Coote | Parent | LGB | 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 Karen Allen
Mrs Karen Allen, Chair, CGC
I work as an Executive Headteacher. I joined the LGC at St Simon and St Jude CE Primary School in September 2016 and the CGC in January 2022. I am an experienced governor and work with a number of Governing Bodies including multi-academy trusts, a single academy trust, two maintained schools and a pupil referral unit. My role at CGC is Chair and Safeguarding and Finance Advocate.
I was interim Headteacher at SSSJ from October 20515 until July 2016, and have continued as a Governor since then. In my spare time I enjoy walking, gardening and swimming. I became a Governor because as a Headteacher I have a great deal of experience working in education. I love using my skills and experiences to impact a wider range of children. I am extremely proud of the journey from RI to Good that we have been on at St Simon and St Jude and seeing the school thrive in my time as Governor there. I am excited to be the Chair of RISE’s first CGC and getting to know Higham on the Hill.
Mr Matthew Coote
My name is Matt Coote. I joined the Board of Governors for St Simon and St Jude as a Parent Governor in 2018. I currently hold the role of Governor Advocate for SEND in the Cluster Governing Committee.
I have two children with links to St Simon & St Judes, one a former pupil (who is autistic and now at secondary school), and one current pupil at the school.
Professionally I have over 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, including time in both design and editorial roles. I currently work as a Technical Specialist for a company that provides a web-based platform for Estate Agents to create external advertising and internal stationery.
In my spare time, I enjoy table-top roleplaying, wargaming and visiting historical sites.
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.
Scheme of Delegation
Register of Interests
Meeting dates
Attendance at CGC Meetings
Meeting Minutes
Copies of meeting minutes can be requested by emailing office@higham.risemat.co.uk