“The trust board is dynamic in its approach to school improvement. Trustees carefully check the impact of their decisions and financial planning. Providing the best education possible while keeping an eye on staff and pupils’ well-being is at the heart of their work. As many parents said, ‘it’s a phenomenal school’.” (Ofsted Inspection Report, January 2024)
Welcome from the Chair of Trustees
Chelmsford County High School for Girls became an Academy in January 2011. At that time the School’s serving Governors became Trustees of the Academy Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee. The Academy Trust has a formal funding agreement with the Secretary of State for Education.
Trustees are mostly parents of current or former students. Since 1st January 2024, there Academy board is comprised of: up to twelve trustees, appointed by the Academy Members, at least two Parent Trustees, elected by parents, and the Headteacher. In addition, the Board can appoint co-opted trustees and associate members as and when required.
The Academy Board’s role can be explained simply. First, we act as employer to the staff. That includes appointing the Headteacher and Deputy Headteachers, and holding them to account for the School’s performance and outcomes to ensure the quality of education provision. Matters such as the Admissions Policy and the curriculum come under our scrutiny. Second, we have a strategic role in acting as a “critical friend”, providing support to the leadership and holding its decisions up to constructive examination in the interests of the pupils. Third, we ensure the School operates within the statutory and legal framework laid down by Parliament and complies with charities and company law plus the funding agreement. Fourth, we manage the land, buildings and finances.
Committees
The Academy Board meets four times annually. Three key sub-committees meet regularly on at least a termly basis:
- Staff & Student Matters
- Curriculum
- Facilities & Finance
Other sub-committees meet when required. Each committee is minuted by the Clerk to Trustees and has either a Deputy Headteacher or Business Manager in attendance in addition to the Headteacher, who attends all meetings.
The Board’s Management Committee meets four times a year. Members include the chairs of the three key committees, plus the Chair and Vice Chair of Trustees and the Headteacher.
I and my fellow Trustees are immensely proud of this great school, its outstanding Headteacher, Deputy Headteachers and staff, and our high-achieving students. We are sure our parents share our passion to create the very best future for their daughters. I am grateful to my fellow Trustees, who voluntarily devote so much time and effort to making Chelmsford County High one of the country’s finest schools.
In the league tables, our achievements speak for themselves. But we will only stay top of the tree by relentless focus on excellence. Our conversion to Academy Status opened an exciting new chapter in our life. It is a sign that a great school never stands still.
Contact the Trustees
Contact with the Chair of Trustees (Mr Steve Miles) or any other trustee should be made via the school address:
Chelmsford County High School for Girls,
Broomfield Road,
Chelmsford,
Essex CM1 1RW
Or via the Clerk to Trustees, Mrs Wendy Newton:
Telephone: 01245 245732
Email: wnewton@cchs.co.uk
