Governance

Chair of Governors | Simon Fletcher

If you wish to contact Simon Fletcher, the Chair of Governors, please email simon.fletcher@esglt.co.uk or contact him via the school office by calling 01296 481380

The key roles of governors are to:

  • Set the school's vision, ethos and strategic direction;
  • Hold the Co-Headteachers to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils;
  • Oversee the financial performance of the school and making sure money is well spent;
  • Report to Trustees.

The Local Governing Board (LGB) meets three times a term.  One meeting each term has a curriculum and standards focus, one a finance and resources focus and the third a focus on the Co-Headteacher report, Strategic Improvement Plan (SIP) and Governor Monitoring and Evaluation visits. 

Smaller working groups will be convened as required and will report back to the LGB.

The Governing Body consists of 14 people who are appointed for a 4-year term of office:

  • 8 Community Governors
  • 2 Parent Governors
  • 2 Staff Governors
  • 2 Co-Headteachers (ex-officio member)

Our governors have a mix of skills and backgrounds.  If you are interested in joining us, please get in touch via the school office.

Governor Information

Finance Lead, Data Protection, Risk Register and Performance Management

Simon has worked in professional services for over 30 years. He has performed a variety of strategic and operational leadership roles in Clifford Chance, a global law firm. During his time at the law firm, he established the charitable foundation and led a number of the firm’s corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on increasing access to education. Since stepping down at Clifford Chance Simon has taken on a number of other senior roles in the charity sector. He is currently the Director of Operations for ClientEarth, a global law environment charity that is using the law to fight climate change and protect nature. In addition, he is the vice-chairman of Pets As Therapy a national charity that supports volunteers and their dogs who visit hospitals, hospices and schools. The charity runs a Read2Dogs scheme focused on helping improve literacy in children by developing their confidence, interest and enjoyment in reading. In his various roles, Simon has particular experience and expertise in leadership, governance, financial management as well as risk management.

Simon was born in Aylesbury, was a pupil at Aylesbury Grammar School and now lives in Buckinghamshire. As well as walking his dog, Simon enjoys reading, live music and the occasional long-distance run.

Term of Office | 13 March 2022 to 12 March 2026

Originally from Birmingham, Bindy has lived and worked in Buckinghamshire for over 21 years. Bindy's background before coming to Elmhurst school (Family support and DSL) had been working with people in need of support in some context or another. Bindy managed projects supporting adults and teenagers with mental health issues and has worked in secondary education. Bindy is qualified in social work and worked for a long time in front line social care with children and their families.

Bindy is married with two children: both of secondary age.  In her spare time, she enjoys walking, music and socialising.

Term of Office | 22 June 2024 to 21 June 2027

John has just been appointed as a Governor, therefore further information to follow.

Term of Office | 3 December 2024 to 2 December 2028

Ian has worked in the telecoms and ICT industry for 40 years working for British Telecom, as an Independent Consultant and managing a consultancy team with Huawei Technologies. He has a Degree in Education, a Diploma in Management Studies and an MBA from Henley Management School. Ian also qualified as a Programme Director and was a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

He has a keen interest in Education and was involved in the parents' fundraising committee at his children’s schools. Ian is married with two children and one grandchild and in his spare time enjoys tinkering with Classic Cars, walking his dogs and reading.

Term of Office | 15 June 2021 to 14 June 2025

Vishal, a qualified social worker, brings over two decades of experience in child protection and child development work in his role as a parent governor.  With a professional background spanning both India and the UK, he has actively engaged with social services in both countries.  Vishal's deep passion lies in working with children and ensuring they achieve their expected outcomes.  He resides in Aylesbury with his family, and his daughter attends Elmhurst School. Alongside his dedication to his profession, Vishal nurtures a diverse range of interests, including travelling, music, and cricket.

Term of Office | 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2027

Tim has lived in Aylesbury for 10 years.  Over that time he has been a parent governor at the Grange secondary school.  Prior to living in Aylesbury, Tim was a governor at a primary school in Brentwood, Essex.  For the last 5 years, Tim has been a councillor with Aylesbury Town Council and from 2021 was elected as a councillor for Aylesbury North, this includes Elmhurst, the Coppice, and Central Aylesbury.  From May 2022 to May 2023 Tim was honoured to be the Mayor of Aylesbury.  One of the highlights of the year was working with the young people of the town including the pupils at Elmhurst who supported with donations to the Aylesbury Foodbank and local charity Emmett's Genies.  Tim was also delighted to be able to initiate a link with a local technology firm (Red Helix) to set up the coding club at Elmhurst.  Tim hopes that industry links such as this can be an inspiration to develop young people's interest in different and varied career types, and careers of the present and future. 

Term of Office | 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2027

Asifa is currently a class teacher at Elmhurst, having joined the school in September 2023.  Asifa grew up in Croydon in South London and moved to Aylesbury 8 years ago with her two children.  She completed her teacher training in Aylesbury and has been working as a teacher for the last 8 years in Buckinghamshire schools.  She has been a leader of many subjects, as well as Key Stage Phase Leader in her previous role.  She has a degree in Optometry and has a keen interest in Maths and Science.  She has also worked in the Ministry of Justice in Central London in the past.  Asifa is passionate about education, and is keen to promote diversity and inclusion.  In her spare time, Asifa enjoys walking, reading, crocheting and spending time with her family.

 

Term of Office | 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027

Originally from London, Emma moved to Aylesbury in 2016.  She is a proud parent of two wonderful children, both of whom thrive at Elmhurst School.  Emma is a huge advocate for the school and is proud to be a Parent Governor.

Professionally, Emma is a dedicated Paediatric Nurse with a special interest in respiratory care.  She has 17 years of experience working at a London hospital since qualifying in 2007 and is hugely passionate about her career.

In her free time, Emma enjoys indulging in hot chocolates, immersing herself in a good book, and making lasting memories with her family.

Term of Office | 7 May 2024 to 6 May 2028

My name is Aashish Sharma.  I began my career in India as a Senior officer in Marketing for The Times of India, one of the country's largest conglomerates in New Delhi, where I worked for three years.  After moving to the UK, I completed an MBA in Marketing and Strategy from Aston Business School (Birmingham). I then worked as a strategy consultant with various clients in Birmingham before transitioning into sales, where I have spent the last 13 years.  I am currently working as Senior Escalation &  General Manager at Furniture Village.  I look forward to contributing my skills and experience to the role of school governor.

Term of Office | 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2027