Our Governing Body

The Governing Committee is responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of the school.

The Governing Committee usually meets termly to monitor how the school is progressing against its stated objectives.

The Governors at The Brent have a variety of skills and backgrounds, with experience in Education, the world of Business, Community Work and the Arts. Governors work closely with the Headteacher to ensure high quality learning is accessible to all our children, according to their individual needs. This is achieved by monitoring results and the children's learning progress, ensuring the school is a safe and welcoming environment, delivered within the confines of the school's budget. Some were pupils at the school; some have had/have children at the school. Their backgrounds are many and varied.

However they all have a common purpose: to support and challenge the Headteacher to ensure that our school delivers a curriculum that gives our children the skills and abilities to succeed in a challenging and fast moving world, delivered in a safe, holistic and enjoyable way that encourages our children into a lifetime of learning. Below are some details about our Governors, who you may recognise around the school at different times. 

To enquire about any governor vacancies at The Brent Primary school, please contact either Mrs Rye or Mrs Stevens via the school office and they will happily tell you about life as a school governor. Should a vacancy become available at The Brent you will be informed and you can put yourself forward. Please also visit http://www.inspiringgovernors.org/ to learn more about why schools need volunteers like you and the benefits and rewards of becoming a Governor.

Who Are We?

Our Governing Body consists of:

• the Headteacher
• two elected Parent Governors
• up to six Co-opted Governors
• two elected Staff Governors

 The standard term of office for a governor is four years.  The chair and vice-chair are elected every two years at the first meeting of the academic year.

Governing Body Key Priority Monitoring Schedule for 2021 - 2022

Further Information

The Brent Annual Statement of Governance 2021-22

Cygnus Academies Trust Annual Statement of Governance 2021-22

Register of Interests

Higher Paid Staff

Governor Information Pack

Mrs Louisa Stevens

Chair of Governors (Co-Opted Governor)
Date of Appointment 17.09.2019 - 4 year Term of Office ending 13.05.2023
Area of Responsibility - Years 3 & 4 (Lead)

Having had one child go through the school and one child still at the school and, as a previous governor of The Brent, I was happy to take over the role of Chair of Governors in September 2019. I know the school, its staff and values well. The Brent's inclusive culture and desire to make learning fun were important factors in choosing the school for my children. I'm passionate that all children, regardless of ability or background, should receive the very best education they can. My background as a qualified accountant and auditor means I have a strong understanding of finances and the skills to analyse information on children's progress to support and challenge the school to improve further.

Mr John Jarvis

Co-Opted Governor
Date of Appointment 10.10.2020 - 4 year Term of Office ending on 09.10.2024
Area of Responsibility - Health & Safety, Safeguarding, EYFS & Year 1

My family has a long association with the Brent School. My late uncle became a pupil over a hundred years ago in 1914 and my late father was Head Boy in 1928/29. My sister and I followed as pupils in the 1950's and 60's and I joined the Governing Body of the school at the beginning of the 1980's. The Brent has always had a good reputation within the local community and I have been anxious to do all that I could to maintain and enhance that reputation. The Governing Body has a very good relationship with both the Headteacher and all the rest of the staff working within the school. This allows us to be the "critical friend" analysing and questioning the progress the school is always striving to make.

My job before retirement was sixteen years as an Administration Manager within the Crown Prosecution Service.

Mrs Sarah Rye

Head of School
Date of Appointment 20.11.2017 - Term of Office ending ex officio

In September 2017, I took on the role of Deputy Head of School and subsequently Head of School. I previously worked in three other schools, including a 3-form entry, I'm sure my experience of other schools will help me to support the decisions we will need to make as we move into our new chapter.

Mrs Jo MacDonald

Staff Governor
Date of Appointment 2022 - 4 year Term of Office ending 2026

Dr Sophie Lam

Parent Governor
Date of Appointment 12.05.2020 - Term of Office ending 12.05.2024

Area of responsibility - Safeguarding (Lead), Years 5 & 6 (Lead)

Mrs Nicola Guthrie

Co-Opted Governor
Date of Appointment 18/11/2021 - Term of Office ending 17/11/2025

Area of responsibility - SEND, Pupil Premium, EYFS, Year 1 (Lead) and Year 2

I am an Early years practitioner and Co-manage a preschool in Wilmington. I am very passionate about early years, SEND and learning in general. I feel very strongly about child led learning and following children's interests to help with their growth and development. I believe that The Brent Primary school embodies these values, therefore I am very happy  to support the school by being on the board of Governors. 

Both of my children are currently at The Brent so I have a good understanding of the school, staff and parental viewpoint. 

I am very happy to be extending my passion and learning working with The Brent Team.

Mr Barry Stephenson

Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment 01.09.2022 - Term of Office ending 31.08.2026

Area of Responsibility - Years 3,4,5 & 6

Information about Governing Bodies including The Governor MagazineTo enquire about any governor vacancies at The Brent Primary School, please contact either Mrs Rye or Mrs Stevens via the school office and they will happily tell you about life as a school governor. Should a vacancy become available at THe Brent you will be informed and you can put yourself forward. Please also visit Inspiring Governance or Governors for Schools to learn more about why schools need volunteers like you and the benefits and rewards of becoming a Governor.