Overview

The school is an academy within the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust (ODST).  This is a multi-academy trust in which each school retains its unique identity, but has the structure of a larger organisation behind it.  We enjoy close relations with other schools in the trust and can draw on ODST for help and support when needed.

The strategic direction of the school is shaped by the Local Governing Body (LGB) within the structure provided by ODST.  The Local Governing Body is a group of 12 people from a variety of areas who work together to support the development of the school.  They are involved in areas such as setting the budget, recruiting staff, developing building projects and assisting the school leaders in monitoring the provision of education for the children.

There are occasionally spaces on the LGB.  Each person appointed must meet specific requirements for their post.  If you are interested in learning more about the LGB members, please contact one of them for a discussion.

For more information about individual LGB members, please click on their name.

Current Local Governing Body (LGB)

• Kathryn Campbell (Chair of Local Governing Body) (Foundation governor – director appointment)
  • Term of office from 24 Oct 2023 to 23 Oct 2027
    First appointed on 24 Oct 2019
  • No pecuniary interests
• David de Mestre (Health and Safety Governor) (Parent governor)
  • Term of office from 31 Oct 2022 to 30 Oct 2026 Ends soon
    First appointed on 31 Oct 2022
  • No pecuniary interests
• Vacancy (Priest)
• Liz Halsey (Staff governor)
  • Term of office from 23 Jul 2026 to 22 Jul 2030
    First appointed on 23 Jul 2018
  • No pecuniary interests
• Emma Griffiths (Co-opted governor)
  • Term of office from 16 Sep 2025 to 16 Sep 2027
    First appointed on 16 Sep 2025
  • Employed at Radley College
• Steve Kelly (Foundation governor)
  • Term of office from 16 Sep 2025 to 15 Sep 2029
    First appointed on 16 Sep 2025
  • No pecuniary interests
• Lydia Munns (Foundation governor)
  • Term of office from 6 May 2025 to 5 May 2029
    First appointed on 6 May 2025
  • No pecuniary interests
• Vanessa Chong-Morrison (Co-opted governor)
  • Term of office until 1 Dec 2027
    First appointed on 1 Dec 2025
  • No pecuniary interests
• Ruth Sibly (Safeguarding Governor) (Community governor)
  • Term of office from 27 Jan 2025 to 26 Jan 2029
    First appointed on 27 Jan 2025
  • Employed at Headington Rye School
• Hannah Penwarden (RE Governor) (Foundation governor – PCC appointment)
  • Term of office from 1 May 2022 to 5 May 2026
    First appointed on 1 May 2018
  • Employed as School Business Manager at Dr South's School
• Helen Watson (Headteacher)
  • First appointed on 1 Sep 2021
  • No pecuniary interests
• Lavina Janke Smith (stepped down July 2026)
• Jon Conibear (stepped down December 2025)

The school can also co-opt governors.  These are usually people who can bring areas of specific expertise to contribute to the work of the school.  If you would like to serve the school community and offer your skills as a governor, please contact the Chair of Governors via the school office.

^{LGB Members are appointed according to the regulations of our Academy Trust, ODST.  There are seven Foundation Governors (including the parish priest), one community governor, two parents governors, the headteacher(s) and one staff governor. The Foundation Governors are nominated by the church in some way (either through the Parochial Church Council or the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education).  This is to ensure that the distinctive Christian ethos of the school is preserved and developed. In addition, the Governing Body can choose to co-opt further governors for strategic reasons.}

Each LGB Member also serves on one of the two main sub-committees: Teaching and Learning, and Finance, Premises and Personnel.  Other committees (eg Complaints, Pay, Attendance) are formed when needed.

To see details of LGB Member attendance at meetings click here.

The LGB Members evaluate school performance and set the priorities for the coming years.  The current priorities are:

• To develop the Early Years building in order to ensure there is adequate space and facilities in order to provide appropriate enhanced provision for all children 
• To prioritise actions to reduce environmental impact
• To ensure all children are engaged in diverse and challenging play which will benefit learning and their whole school experience
• To ensure that RE as a core subject is taught and delivered effectively in line with the statement of Entitlement and develop staff so this continues long term
• To ensure that there is clear progression plan for staffing the school and for dealing with any increase in numbers that may occur with the proposed building development in Islip

The Chair of Governors can be contacted via the school office or at CoG@dr-souths.oxon.sch.uk.