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 John Legg – Chair of Governors

I have been a governor at The Grange Academy for over ten years and have taken on a range of responsibilities during that time. I am currently the Chair of Governors, with specific oversight of pupil premium and special educational needs. It is a privilege to support and provide challenge to the headteacher and staff in their shared mission to secure the best outcomes for all pupils - something we are all deeply committed to at The Grange. My background is in education, having worked as a secondary teacher and headteacher for many years before becoming an education consultant. I retired in 2021. Governorship is both fulfilling and enjoyable, and it has been especially rewarding to see the school go from strength to strength. Becoming part of the Agora Learning Partnership has further enhanced the school’s opportunities for growth and continued improvement.

Mr Jamie Sinclair – Co-Opted Governor (Health and Safety)

Mr Craig Maddox – Headteacher

With nearly 20 years of experience in education, I’ve had the privilege of working across middle, primary, and junior school settings in a wide range of roles – from teaching assistant and class teacher to year leader, assistant and deputy headteacher roles, and now headteacher. I hold a BA in Education Studies, an MA in Educational Leadership, and the National Professional Qualification for Headship. I am incredibly proud to be the headteacher of The Grange Academy, a nurturing school at the heart of its community here in Letchworth – a town in which I also grew up. I believe deeply in the power of education to change lives and am especially passionate about the creative arts as a tool for unlocking children’s imaginations, building confidence, and supporting positive mental health.

Miss Ellie Griffiths-Vernon – 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.

Mr Marc Roberts – Vice Chair / Parent Governor (Cybersecurity and Online Safety)

Mrs Ann Massey - Co-Opted Governor

Miss Sandeep Sandhu – Co-Opted Governor

I have been a co-opted governor at The Grange Academy since 2023. I took on the role to support my local community and help children reach their full potential. I work in research and innovation within the public sector, collaborating with academia and industry to address global challenges both now and in the future. With a background in STEM and experience as a researcher, I am particularly passionate about engaging young people in science, technology, engineering and maths—especially those from under-represented communities. I also volunteer as a STEM Ambassador to inspire and broaden opportunities for the next generation.

Mrs Victoria Fairey - Co- Opted Governor (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

Contact our Chair of Governors: jlegg@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 link, including Scheme of Delegation and Articles: https://agoralearning.co.uk/about-us/governance/overview/