Governance
Governance at The Orchard School
Guiding with purpose. Supporting with care.
At The Orchard School, our governing body plays a vital role in supporting the school’s vision, values, and long-term success. As a Foundation Special School, we are governed by a team of dedicated individuals who bring expertise, challenge and care to every aspect of school life.
Our governors are committed to ensuring that our therapeutic and relational ethos is fully embedded - not just in policy, but in everyday practice. They work closely with school leaders to ensure that every decision reflects our core belief: Everyone Matters. Everyone Cares.
What Our Governors Do
- Provide strategic leadership and accountability
- Monitor the impact of the school’s curriculum, wellbeing and safeguarding approaches
- Support and challenge the leadership team to uphold high standards of care, education and inclusion
- Ensure the school meets its statutory duties and funding obligations
- Represent the views of the wider community, including pupils and families
Meet Our Governors
|
Name |
Role |
Area of Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
|
Aaron Janes |
Chair of Governors |
Leadership and Health & Safety |
|
Sarah Porter |
Vice Chair |
Safeguarding |
| Alistair Hammond | Headteacher | Strategic Leadership & Operational Lead |
|
Steve Ansell |
Co-opted Governor |
Finance and Health & Safety |
|
Lee Cooper |
Governor |
SEND & Curriculum |
|
Sean Campbell |
Governor |
SEND & Curriculum |
|
Elliott Curryer |
Governor |
Mission, Vision and Values |
|
Rosie Bishop |
Staff Governor |
Pupil Premium |
|
Nicki Cox |
Clerk to Governors |
Governance Admin & Compliance |
Full governor biographies and declarations of interest are available on request.
Alistair Hammond
Headteacher
Alistair is proud to lead The Orchard School, a community built on the belief that Everyone Matters, Everyone Cares. With senior leadership experience across education and the private sector, he is passionate about creating a therapeutic and inclusive environment where every pupil can belong, grow and succeed. Alistair is dedicated to developing The Orchard Way - a whole-school approach that places relationships, wellbeing and personal growth at the heart of learning.