Old Stratford Primary School

Governors

Creating lifelong learning opportunities for everyone

Local Academy Committee Governors

Governors at Old Stratford make up the Local Academy Committee for the school, they are delegated a set of key responsibilities by The Grand Union Partnership Trust Board. Follow the link below to find out more information about the responsibilities of the Local Academy Committee:

Terms of Reference 

Use this The Grand Union Partnership link to find out more about the Trust and governance at Trustee level..

Governor Information

Christopher Balderstone (Chair of Governors)

I am a former governor of a local primary and several multi-academy trust primary and secondary schools. Solicitor since 1988, with experience in leisure retail, house building and education sectors. I hope to bring commercial and technical support to the governors and the school.

Mark Ashmore (Vice Chair)

I became involved as a governor because I am the parent of 3 children at old Stratford and feel it is important to take part in their education in whatever way I can.

I am an events manager for a wine company specialising in outdoor events, cultural, sporting and music. As a manager I bring my organisational, man management and operational experience to the governing body.

Karen Sarbutts (Headteacher)

I am currently the Headteacher at Old Stratford Primary School. I have worked in a number of schools and have a huge passion for children's learning and encouraging children to be well rounded individuals. Being fresh from the classroom I believe I can help drive the school forward to outstanding. I enjoy meeting with all stakeholders ensuring a collective vision for the school as well as clear robust policies.

Louise Faraday (Staff Governor)

I have been a governor for  3 years. I have worked in a number of schools and feel I bring a number of different experiences to help move the school forward. I enjoy being involved in making policy decisions and implemented how they work in practice across the school.

Matthew Hoddinott

I have been part of the governing board for since Autumn 2016 and am passionate about the excellent academic and social skills our Children receive from the wonderful community school.
I have one child at Old Stratford and became involved on the governing group to contribute to the school ensuring we continue to strive for an outstanding all-encompassing education for our children. I am the Managing Director of a small business consultancy dealing with environmental solutions in the roofing, paving and water management industries.

Julie Hyett (Parent Governor)

This is my first parent governor role and I’m really enjoying the experience of being able to contribute to the strategic oversight of the school. In my other job I’m a HR consultant and work full time for a large professional services firm in London, my role focuses on helping people develop and achieve their potential so I share the values and principles of our school. I’ve lived in Old Stratford for 5 years  and have 2 children.

Aditya (Adi) Gupta (Parent Governor)

Parent Governor, I am a former governor of a middle school in Milton Keynes. I have worked in university, further, secondary and independent education sectors for the past twenty years. I specialise in Computer Science and information systems. At present I lead a faculty in an independent school I am also managing the school Management Information Systems. As a professional in the education sector I firmly believe in being forward thinking and enabling all students to benefit from an excellent education. 

Tom Hayward (Trust Governor)

As well as being an Old Stratford resident I am a qualified teacher and have taught at New Bradwell School (also part of the Grand Union Partnership) for 7 years (2 in year 5 and 5 in year 2). I am a member of the Curriculum Group at New Bradwell as part of this role I am actively involved in the monitoring and review of curriculum. I am looking forward to broadening my experience of education as a governor at Old Stratford.

The link below outlines the structure of the Local Academy Committee and details governor appointment terms:

Constitution