Academy Governing Body

At The Grange Academy, our Governing Body plays a vital role in ensuring the school provides the best possible education for our pupils. As part of the Agora Academy Trust, our Governing Body works in partnership with the school's leadership team to set strategic direction, uphold standards, and provide robust oversight and accountability.

Who We Are

Our Governing Body is comprised of individuals with a diverse range of skills and expertise, including education, finance, business, and community leadership. This ensures we have the knowledge and insight needed to support and challenge the school effectively. The team includes representatives from the local community, parents, staff, and Trust-appointed governors, all committed to our vision of 'Learning for Life.'

Our Responsibilities

The Governing Body focuses on three core areas:

1. Strategic Leadership
   We help to set the school’s aims and priorities, ensuring that our decisions align with the values of The Grange Academy and the Agora Academy Trust. We work closely with the Headteacher to establish long-term goals for the school’s success.
2. Oversight and Accountability
   We hold the Headteacher and leadership team to account for the quality of education, pupil outcomes, staff well-being, and financial management. This includes monitoring progress against the School Improvement Plan, reviewing policies, and evaluating the impact of initiatives.
3. Supporting the School Community
   We act as a bridge between the school and the wider community, championing the needs of our pupils and staff. Our governors are visible and approachable, supporting events and engaging with parents and stakeholders to understand their views.

Meet the Team

Our governors bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to ensuring that every child at The Grange Academy thrives. Each governor undertakes regular training and development to stay informed about educational best practices and governance requirements.

Mr Marc Roberts – Chair of Governors/Parent Governor (Cybersecurity, Online Safety and Attendance)

I'm a technologist at heart and have been working in or with technology for nearly 25 years. I've run volunteer code clubs in primary schools in the past and I currently have two children at secondary school (in years 7 and 10). I believe technology has a huge positive impact on learning and development all through life, but especially across the formal education years. The last 10 years I have been with a tech startup as their Chief Technology Officer, with a short two year period as acting CEO. Over that time I've had extensive experience running board meetings, managing investor relations and setting & delivering the tech strategy. I'm pleased to have been appointed as Chair of the Governors and look forward to helping The Grange and their pupils continue to grow and succeed.

Ms Chelsea Atkins – Executive Headteacher

Picture to come

I am Chelsea Atkins, and I have been Headteacher at Wilbury Junior School since April 2019. Prior to joining Wilbury, I was a Headteacher in Stevenage for over eight years. I moved to Wilbury because I was looking for a new challenge, and I have loved being part of the school community ever since. I am passionate about lifelong learning and firmly believe that we can all learn something new every day, regardless of our age.

I am also excited to be serving as the Interim Executive Headteacher across both The Grange Academy and Wilbury Junior School. This role provides a wonderful opportunity to work closely with two unique school communities, sharing strengths, supporting staff and pupils, and ensuring that every child receives the very best educational experience.

I feel incredibly privileged to lead such dedicated teams and to work alongside children who inspire me every day through their enthusiasm, curiosity and determination to succeed.

Mrs Ellie Campion – Staff Governor

I have worked with children for over 10 years and joined The Grange Academy in July 2023. In January 2024, I became a school governor to play a more active role in the school’s development and decision-making. I am passionate about supporting children, with a particular focus on special educational needs, and I enjoy using creativity to adapt lessons to meet individual needs. As the school’s Wellbeing Lead, I run sessions that support children’s emotional health and oversee PSHE across the school. I also lead the School Council, ensuring that pupil voice is heard, valued, and reflected in the life of our school.

Mrs Mandy Birch – Staff Governor

I have worked at The Grange Academy for nearly five years and have always felt a strong calling to support children with Special Educational Needs. Leading our new SEND provision, The Hive, has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has deepened my passion for inclusive education. Outside of school, I spent 11 years managing a successful disability football team, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for inclusion, teamwork, and perseverance - principles I bring into my role as a governor. My background is diverse, including roles as a swimming teacher and coach, beauty salon owner, and office manager. These varied experiences have strengthened my leadership, communication, and organisational skills, and reinforced the importance of tailored support, encouragement, and patience. Together, they shape a well-rounded perspective that I bring to the strategic development and ongoing success of the school.

Mrs Victoria Fairey - Co-Opted Governor and Vice Chair of Governors (Safeguarding) 

I am a retired Chief Executive from the NHS, with my final role being CEO of a large central London Health Authority. Since retiring, I have held a number of non-executive roles across the museum and international aid sectors. Previously I served on the Board of the Royal Navy Museum and HMS Victory, and held the position of Vice Chair at Christian Aid, Save the Children, and the Disasters Emergency Committee, where I also chaired the Audit and Risk Committees.I am a stepmother to three children and a proud grandmother of six. Outside of governance, I enjoy gardening, walking, and reading, and I have a particular fondness for working cocker spaniels - especially my own energetic companion, Dash.

Ms Justine Addison - Co-Opted Governor

I have worked in IT and project delivery for nearly 20 years, and for the past 12 of those I have been Director of Operations at James Allen’s Girls’ School in Dulwich. My role focuses on ensuring the school runs smoothly and sustainably, with responsibility for estates, systems and day-to-day operational delivery. One of the real joys of my role is working with people across the whole site to turn ideas into practical improvements, and I’m delighted to bring my experience and perspective to support The Grange and everything it is working to achieve.

Mr Tibaut Meulemans – Trust Governor

I am delighted to be joining the Board of Governors, bringing experience in global revenue operations, commercial strategy, and organisational leadership. Currently Head of Global Revenue Operations at Intact Systems, I partner with senior leadership, the Board, and investors to deliver scalable, data-driven strategies for growth and efficiency, having previously led international teams and major acquisitions at Moody’s Analytics. Alongside my career in financial services and technology, I serve as a Trustee for Tyume Valley Schools in South Africa and have chaired initiatives promoting multiculturalism and equality. I look forward to contributing a strategic, data-driven perspective to strengthen governance, enhance financial oversight, and support innovation and improved educational outcomes.

Miss Juliette Laferriere – Parent Governor

I am delighted to serve as a Parent Governor at The Grange Academy, where my daughter is a pupil and where I have seen first‑hand the impact of a warm, nurturing school community. In my role as a school chef at Wilbury Junior School, I work closely with children every day, supporting their wellbeing through healthy meals, positive routines, and a friendly, familiar presence. This gives me valuable insight into how children behave, interact, and thrive.

Working in a busy school kitchen has strengthened my organisation, communication, and problem‑solving skills, and shown me how much a caring atmosphere can boost a child’s confidence and readiness to learn. I bring this practical, child‑centred perspective to my governor role, along with a strong commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and ensuring every child feels valued.

As a parent, I am passionate about representing families’ voices and helping to ensure The Grange Academy remains a place where children flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. It is a privilege to support the continued growth and success of our school community.

 Parent Governor

To be recruited

Contact our Chair of Governors: marc.roberts@grange.agoralp.co.uk 

How We Work

The Governing Body meets regularly throughout the year to review progress and make decisions. Governors also visit the school to observe lessons, speak with staff and pupils, and monitor the implementation of our strategic goals. Where possible, Governors also join our Agora Learning Partnership Peer Review days in order to support with school improvement.

Get Involved

We welcome interest from parents and members of the community who are passionate about education and want to contribute to the school’s success. If you’re interested in becoming a governor or learning more about what we do, please contact the office.

Our Governing Body is proud to play a part in shaping the future of The Grange Academy, ensuring our children have the knowledge, skills, and values to succeed in life. Together, we are committed to maintaining a school where every child can achieve their full potential.

Agora Learning Partnership Governance

Please find details about our Trust governance using the following links, including the Memorandum of Association, Scheme of Delegation and Articles:

https://www.agoralearning.co.uk/governance/academy-governing-bodies 

https://www.agoralearning.co.uk/governance/board-of-trustees-and-members