Governance

Governance structure

Elmhurst is an academy of the Great Learners Trust (GLT). The Great Learners Trust is a charity and a company limited by guarantee and is comprised of and governed by:

  • Members who guarantee the liabilities of the Trust and review the strategic direction.
  • A Board of Trustees who are responsible for, and oversee, the management and administration of the Trust and the Academies run by the Trust.
  • Local Governing Boards (LGBs) - GLT Trustees have established academy governance committees, known as Local Governing Boards (LGBs) to carry out some of its school level governance functions. The Local Governing Board ensures that the Trust’s mission and values are reflected within our school community. It monitors how well the school is performing, supports the school's unique ethos and curriculum, and provides reports to the Trust Board on local priorities and progress. In fulfilling these duties, the LGB serves as an important link between the Trust Board and the local community, including parents, pupils, and staff.

The LGB operates in accordance with the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation, which outlines the division of responsibilities between the Trust Board and local governance.

Together, the Trust Board and the LGB ensure effective governance that prioritises pupils' learning, safety, and wellbeing in all decision-making.

Further information about the governance structure and committee terms of reference can be found on the GLT website - https://www.greatlearnerstrust.co.uk/

Elmhurst Governing Board

The chair of the LGB is Simon Fletcher and can be contacted via the school office.

Meeting Dates 2025/26

The LGB meets each term and the dates for the meetings this academic year are:

  • Autumn Term: 2 December 2025
  • Spring Term: 10 March 2026
  • Summer Term: 7 July 2026

Statutory Information

As a school within the Great Learners Trust, we are required to publish key governance information so families can clearly understand how our school is supported and overseen.

Our school follows the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation, Local Governing Board (LGB) Terms of Reference, and the Trust’s Governance Structure. These documents explain how responsibilities are shared between the Trust and the school, the areas of focus for governors, and how governance works across the Trust.  All of these documents are available to view on the Great Learners Trust website.

Every governor also completes an annual Register of Interests to ensure transparency regarding any personal or professional connections. We also publish the Governor Attendance Record for the previous academic year so families can see each governor's level of engagement in LGB meetings. These documents are both available to view below.

Register of Interests

Governor Attendance

Finance Lead, Data Protection, Risk Register and Performance Management

Simon has worked in professional services for over 30 years. He has performed a variety of strategic and operational leadership roles in Clifford Chance, a global law firm. During his time at the law firm, he established the charitable foundation and led a number of the firm’s corporate social responsibility initiatives focused on increasing access to education. Since stepping down at Clifford Chance Simon has taken on a number of other senior roles in the charity sector. He is currently the Director of Operations for ClientEarth, a global law environment charity that is using the law to fight climate change and protect nature. In addition, he is the vice-chairman of Pets As Therapy a national charity that supports volunteers and their dogs who visit hospitals, hospices and schools. The charity runs a Read2Dogs scheme focused on helping improve literacy in children by developing their confidence, interest and enjoyment in reading. In his various roles, Simon has particular experience and expertise in leadership, governance, financial management as well as risk management.

Simon was born in Aylesbury, was a pupil at Aylesbury Grammar School and now lives in Buckinghamshire. As well as walking his dog, Simon enjoys reading, live music and the occasional long-distance run.

Term of Office | 13 March 2022 to 12 March 2026

Asifa is currently a class teacher at Elmhurst, having joined the school in September 2023.  Asifa grew up in Croydon in South London and moved to Aylesbury 8 years ago with her two children.  She completed her teacher training in Aylesbury and has been working as a teacher for the last 8 years in Buckinghamshire schools.  She has been a leader of many subjects, as well as Key Stage Phase Leader in her previous role.  She has a degree in Optometry and has a keen interest in Maths and Science.  She has also worked in the Ministry of Justice in Central London in the past.  Asifa is passionate about education, and is keen to promote diversity and inclusion.  In her spare time, Asifa enjoys walking, reading, crocheting and spending time with her family.

 

Term of Office | 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027

Originally from Birmingham, Bindy has lived and worked in Buckinghamshire for over 21 years. Bindy's background before coming to Elmhurst school (Family support and DSL) had been working with people in need of support in some context or another. Bindy managed projects supporting adults and teenagers with mental health issues and has worked in secondary education. Bindy is qualified in social work and worked for a long time in front line social care with children and their families.

Bindy is married with two children: both of secondary age.  In her spare time, she enjoys walking, music and socialising.

Term of Office | 22 June 2024 to 21 June 2027

Originally from London, Emma moved to Aylesbury in 2016.  She is a proud parent of two wonderful children, both of whom thrive at Elmhurst School.  Emma is a huge advocate for the school and is proud to be a Parent Governor.

Professionally, Emma is a dedicated Paediatric Nurse with a special interest in respiratory care.  She has 17 years of experience working at a London hospital since qualifying in 2007 and is hugely passionate about her career.

In her free time, Emma enjoys indulging in hot chocolates, immersing herself in a good book, and making lasting memories with her family.

Term of Office | 7 May 2024 to 6 May 2028

Ian has worked in the telecoms and ICT industry for 40 years working for British Telecom, as an Independent Consultant and managing a consultancy team with Huawei Technologies. He has a Degree in Education, a Diploma in Management Studies and an MBA from Henley Management School. Ian also qualified as a Programme Director and was a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

He has a keen interest in Education and was involved in the parents' fundraising committee at his children’s schools. Ian is married with two children and one grandchild and in his spare time enjoys tinkering with Classic Cars, walking his dogs and reading.

Term of Office | 15 June 2021 to 14 June 2025

Vishal, a qualified social worker, brings over two decades of experience in child protection and child development work in his role as a parent governor.  With a professional background spanning both India and the UK, he has actively engaged with social services in both countries.  Vishal's deep passion lies in working with children and ensuring they achieve their expected outcomes.  He resides in Aylesbury with his family, and his daughter attends Elmhurst School. Alongside his dedication to his profession, Vishal nurtures a diverse range of interests, including travelling, music, and cricket.

Term of Office | 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2027

Nancy is the headteacher of a secondary school in Aylesbury. She has worked in senior leadership positions, including headship, in secondary schools in Hertfordshire for more than 15 years, moving to her first Buckinghamshire School in September 2022. She has a degree in Psychology with Education, a Post Graduate Certificate in Secondary Science Education, a Masters Degree in Leading Teaching and Learning and holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship. Nancy is a member of the Chartered College of Teaching and has a keen interest in educational research particularly in the fields of effective curriculum design, and supporting children with Special Education Needs and disadvantage. 

Nancy lives in Hertfordshire with her husband, who is Head of the PE department in a Hertfordshire school and her too primary aged children - and a cat!

Term of Office | 3rd December 2024 to 2nd December 2028

After completing a geography degree, Helen had a successful career in fashion retail, particularly in buying and merchandising for a wide variety of well-known retailers. Helen then took this experience into lecturing at a London University; she has completed a Higher Education teaching qualification and has been both a course leader and international director for the university, building global partnerships and creating opportunities internationally for students. Helen currently teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students and chairs validation panels for the university whilst also acting as an external examiner for other degree programmes.

Helen has lived in Buckinghamshire for nearly nine years and loves life in the countryside. She has two adult children and loves to read, cook and spend time with friends. Helen has previous experience as a school governor and as a charity trustee.

Term of Office | 21st January 2025 to 20th January 2029

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