Governance

Governance is through the trustees of Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) and Local Governing Bodies (LGBs). The board of trustees are responsible for the effective operation of BEST and each academy therein. LGBs are committees of the Board. Each LGB operates to both support and hold the Principal to account for the performance of students and staff and to engage meaningfully with all parents/carers, enabling them to put forward their views at key points in their child’s education.

In the document below you will find information about the governing body.

If you have any questions / enquiries for the attention of the Gothic Mede Academy governing body, we ask that you direct these to the school in the first instance.

If required, you can email the chair of governors on: mgreaney@bestacademies.org.uk

Funding

For information on the funding of Gothic Mede Academy and the rest of BEST please visit the trust website: https://www.bestacademies.org.uk/

Here you will find information on the following:

Annual report
Annual audited accounts for last 2 years
Memorandum of association
Articles of association
Names of charity trustees and members
Funding agreement

Local Governance

Governance is through The Trustees of Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) and Local Governing Bodies (LGBs). The board of trustees are responsible for the effective operation of BEST and each academy therein.

LGBs are committees of the Board. Each LGB operates to both support and hold the Principal to account for the performance.

Governance Handbook/Scheme of Delegation can be found here

Mark Greaney (Chair) - Co-opted Governor

I have two daughters who both loved being at Gothic Mede, and that's testament to the hard work of the staff and the atmosphere they create. I joined the Board of Governors because I wanted to be more involved in my daughters' education, and because I believe this is a great school that really allows the children who attend it to flourish.

I am an internal business consultant for Transport for London, so my key skills are in problem solving, data analysis and helping to set business strategies. I look forward to using these skills to help make Gothic Mede even better.

Areas of responsibility: Finance Committee, Anti-Bullying, HR, PP, Sports Premium, GDPR, Wellbeing, EYFS

Sarah Nwmadi

My daughter joined Gothic Mede about a year ago. She has settled in really well and enjoys taking part in the wonderful enrichment clubs the school has to offer. My son is due to start Acorn class in September and we are excited for him to begin his journey at Gothic Mede. As a primary school teacher, I'm keen to been involved in their education and decided joining the governing board would be a great way to do this. My youngest has down syndrome and my sister has severe learning difficulties and autism so special educational needs is something close to my heart. I look forward to using this passion and my teaching experience in my role as parent governor.

Simon Nuttall

I have a son who has been at Gothic Mede for a number of years now, and we have always been grateful for the quality of the schooling offer that he has received here. I wanted to offer my own time because I felt that I could utilise my experiences from my professional career to provide further guidance and assistance for the school.

I work as the Housing Development manager for Stevenage Borough Council, and am responsible for the new build programme in the town. My skills include project management, finances and policies writing, as well as an in-depth understanding of Local Government.

Areas of responsibility: Performance Committee, GDPR

Jennifer Cartwright

As a parent of two children currently at the school, with a third due to join in 2028, I am invested in the school’s success and committed to making a meaningful contribution to its future. Gothic Mede has provided my children with a rich environment that has enabled them to thrive not only academically, but also in themselves in terms of confidence. As such, I wanted to utilise my skills as a Chartered Procurement Professional and the former Head of Procurement at London Luton Airport, to give back to the school by ensuring the children receive a high-quality education and continue to access a wide range of extracurricular activities.

I am also Treasurer of the PFGM, a role which has further strengthened my understanding of school finances and reinforced my commitment to supporting Gothic Mede.

My main areas of responsibility are the Finance Committee and Pupil Premium.

Daniel Lee

Daniel is a parent governor at Gothic Mede Academy.

Areas of responsibility:

Joanne Boniface

Joanne is the Trust governor attached to our local committee of the board.

She is the Director of Science for the Trust.

Steph Smith - Principal

My role on the governing body is to work alongside fellow governors to ensure that all pupils receive the highest quality education, are supported to achieve their full potential, and that the school's vision and values are upheld.