Trustees
St Laurence School Academy Trust Board
The school trustee role is focused on school improvement. Trustees are also company directors and charity trustees for the purposes of the governance of the charitable company which is the official status of the school.
The DfE Governance Competency Framework gives a practical guide to what a good trustee looks like. They are committed, confident, curious, challenging, collaborative, critical and creative.
Using a regular skills audit and self-evaluation, the trustee board seeks to update and renew the range of skills and diversity of experiences among its members. Through school visits, student voice, staff representation and meetings with senior leaders, the trustee board is informed about the challenges facing the school and the responses that are being made to them. Via training and a commitment to enquiry and challenge, the trustee board aims to be informed about and assured that the school is preparing all students for their future after their time at St Laurence, wherever that may take them.
You can contact the Chair of Trustee or the Governance Professional via the contact buttons below.
Trustees are frequently at school meetings and events, so please speak to them.
There is a termly cycle of meetings, and the minutes of the full trustee board meetings are available from the Governance Professional.
Join our Board of Trustees at St Laurence School
Are you passionate about education and making a difference in your community? St Laurence School is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees on a voluntary basis.
About the role of Trustee
Trustees play a vital role in the governance and strategic oversight of St Laurence School. At St Laurence School, our vision and values of care, inspire, succeed guide everything we do, and our belief that "people are our treasure" is at the heart of our community. As a Trustee, you will help shape the strategic direction of our thriving secondary school ensuring every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. You'll work with a committed team to oversee the school's development, challenge and support the senior leadership team, and ensure strong governance and accountability.
No prior experience of school governance is required, and we welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds. Training and ongoing support will be provided.
Why join us?
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The opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of young people in our community
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Full training and induction for new Trustees
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Ongoing professional development and networking opportunities
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The chance to work with a passionate and supportive team of fellow Trustees and school leaders who truly believe that "people are our treasure"
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The opportunity to help embed and champion our values of care, inspire, succeed across all aspects of school life
St Laurence is a great school with consistently high outcomes for students at both GCSE and A-level. By becoming a Trustee, you'll help drive the school's strategic vision for the future.
Key responsibilities
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Ensure the school's vision, ethos and strategic direction are clearly defined and well-communicated, embedding our values of care, inspire, succeed throughout all aspects of school life
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Hold executive leaders to account for the educational and financial performance of the school
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Oversee the financial performance of the school and ensure its funds are well spent
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Contribute to the development and review of school policies and improvement plans
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Support and challenge the Headteacher and senior leadership team
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Monitor safeguarding arrangements and ensure compliance with statutory duties
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Attend board meetings and relevant committee meetings
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Act in the best interests of the school and its pupils at all times, championing our belief that "people are our treasure"
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Participate in training and development relevant to the role of Trustee
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Maintain confidentiality and act with integrity
Time commitment
As a Trustee, you will be expected to commit the following time:
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Attendance at up to 4 Trust Board meetings per year, usually held on a Wednesday at 5pm
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Attendance at up to 6 committee meetings per year, usually 1.5 hours in length, at 5pm. These will be a mixture of in-person and Teams meetings
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Weekly email monitoring: Trustees will be issued with a school email address and are asked to check this on a weekly basis
What We’re Looking For
We would particularly welcome applicants who:
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Have strong links to local businesses or community groups in Bradford-on-Avon and the surrounding area.
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Bring skills in strategic thinking, governance, education, finance, audit, law, or data analysis.
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Can offer independence, good judgement, and the ability to challenge constructively.
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Share our commitment to equity, excellence, and community.
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Willingness to undertake relevant training and professional development
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Good communication, listening and interpersonal skills
Eligibility
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Suitability checks will be carried out (including safeguarding and legal checks).
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St Laurence School is committed to creating a diverse Trust Board. We'll consider all qualified applicants without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.
If you would like to play a key role in shaping the future of our school and championing our belief that "people are our treasure", we'd love to hear from you. Please contact governanceprofessional@st-laurence.com.