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Governors

School governors play a critical role in the education system, providing strategic direction, oversight, and accountability for schools across the country.

What do Governors Do?

The school governors at St Philip Howard have an important role to play in the overall management and development of the school. Their primary purpose is to ensure that the school is delivering the best possible education to its students, while also adhering to legal and regulatory requirements.

They work closely with the school leadership team to set strategic objectives, monitor progress, and allocate resources to support the school’s priorities. Additionally, the governors provide a valuable link between the school and the wider community, representing the views of parents, teachers, and local stakeholders.

Overall, the school governors at St Philip Howard are dedicated to promoting the highest standards of teaching and learning, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Local Governing Committee

St Philip Howard Catholic School is an academy of the Bosco Catholic Education Trust (Bosco CET).

Bosco CET is a multi-academy trust which was established on 1st April 2016. Bosco CET have, through the Scheme of Delegation, established Local Governing Committees for each of the Academies.

Our Local Governing Committee

Mr R Meredith - Chair of Governors
I was appointed a Foundation Governor in April 2021 and Chair of Governors in September 2023. I took early retirement in December 2020 following 38 years working in business and finance. The skills I developed through my working life I have aimed to bring to my role as a Foundation Governor serving the whole school community. l am a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Bosham in the Parish of St Richard's, Chichester and Chair of Trustees for two local charities.

RMeredith@sphcs.co.uk
Mr C Kilbane - Vice Chair of Governors​
I was originally appointed a Foundation Governor in March 2019. I am married with three children, the youngest of whom is a current pupil and my elder two being ex-pupils. I am a parishioner of St Joseph’s in Rustington. I work for a Global Mobility Consulting company, having previously worked for Big Four accountancy firms for over 20 years. I was taught by Jesuits and believe that all children should be given every opportunity whilst at school to achieve their full potential.
Ms M Craig - Foundation Governor​
I have been a Foundation Governor at SPH since December 2011 when my Son started at the school. Over the years since joining I have been very actively involved in various committees, Vice Chair of the LGC and Chair of Governors from 2018 until 2021. I have also recently taken on the role of Chair of Governors for St. Catherines Primary School in Littlehampton at the request of the Bosco Trust Board. I am a parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Bognor Regis and I am originally from County Mayo, Ireland.
Mr A Alonzo - Foundation Governor​
Albert hails from the Philippines and is an active member of the Catholic parish of Petworth & Midhurst. He has worked in the service sector for many years and, more recently, was Governor, then Bursar, at Barrow Hills School, a Catholic prep school in Surrey. Albert is also a Governor at St Catherine's School Bramley, Surrey.​
Mr L Austin - Foundation Governor
I joined the Board of Governors in September 2025 as a Foundation Governor. I have worked in the construction industry for 26 years as a carpenter and joiner, and I’m also fortunate to have a daughter who attends SPH. I am an active parishioner at OLOS Church in Bognor Regis, where I help with Children’s Liturgy and the Alpha programme. I hope to contribute wherever I can and be part of the amazing SPH community. It is a privilege to work closely with the staff and governors to help ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential and leave as the best version of themselves.
Ms I Banach - Foundation Governor
I am honoured to serve on the St. Philip’s Howard Governing Body, where I hope to bring my skills and experience to support our school community in fulfilling its mission. I am an active member of the OLOS Parish and the Polish Catholic Mission in Bognor Regis. I moved to this welcoming and diverse community from Krakow in 2007 and I truly value being a part of it. I hold an MSc in Management and Engineering of Production, as well as a postgraduate teaching diploma from the University of Science and Technology in Krakow. Additionally, I earned a BA (Hons) in Business Studies from the University of Chichester, and I am CIPD Level 5 qualified in HR Management with further training in Sage Accounting and workplace mental health. I am passionate about bringing out the best in people and my career reflects that. I have focused on supportive and advisory roles, including HR Coordinator, HR Business Partner, Work Coach and currently, HR Manager. I also serve as a foundation governor at St. Mary’s RC Primary School in Bognor Regis.
Ms A Gresty - Governor​
I have been a Governor at St Philip Howard since June 2014 and currently Chair the ‘Standards’ Committee established to monitor, review and report on the whole curricular experience of students, whilst working closely with Senior Leaders and the Local Governing Committee. My passion is young people and making sure they get the best possible chance at school both educationally and spiritually, ensuring students go out into the world of work with all the essential skills they need to be successful. I have worked in an education setting for the last 22 years and have acquired a wealth of knowledge in many aspects of school life. St Philip Howard is a wonderful school and it is a great honour to be involved in this community and to play a part in its success.
Mrs C Lewis - Governor
I have been part of the SPH community as a parent and since 2020 I have trained and worked as a Geography teacher. I have seen firsthand what a great school SPH is where my two children thrived, and it is a now privilege to be part of it as a member of staff. In my role as a staff governor, I provide a link between staff and governors and making a positive contribution to the role. I previously worked in aviation for 23 years and have also been involved in local council roles. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, gardening, photography and spending time with friends and family.
Mr T Hulse - Headteacher - Governor​
Mr J Bird - Parent Governor
I am the proud father of two boys who attend St Phillip Howard.  Our family connection with St Phillip Howard spans many decades with my wife and my wife’s mother both attending the school. I grew up in Essex and moved to the south coast for University where I studied Sports Science whilst also pursuing a career in coaching Tennis. Sport and teaching sport has always been my passion, whether this has been on a tennis court or where I now work at Seaford College as Assistant Director of sport. Teaching and working with children can be the most rewarding work you could do, and I feel so privileged to work in this profession. It has taken me to many places around the world and given me the opportunity to meet so many people along the way. I will relish the role of parent governor and work alongside the current governors and staff body to help St Phillip Howard continue the excellent work it already does to help and guide the students.
Ms R Warne - Co-Op Governor
Our children are everything to us and having seen my eldest son thrive and flourish at SPH has been an amazing process to be a part of. Joining the governors in December 2024, I am hoping that my skills as a Management Accountant will be able to support the leadership team at the school. Currently I work as a Payroll Manager for a local, rapidly expanding business, which not only is a sensitive area of work, but utilises my analytical skills to identify and report on Key Performance Indicators to support the Senior Leadership team in their decision making.​
Ms L Keeley - Associate Member
I've been a governor since July 2021 and I am also a parent of twins who are part of the SPH school community. I work for the University of Chichester in their Data Protection office and am also studying Law part-time. When I was a university student I was president of the Catholic Society, working with the chaplaincy to support students, and helping to organise retreats and pilgrimages to Ampleforth Abbey, Lourdes, Iona and Taize. I In my spare time I love going for walks in the beautiful West Sussex countryside.

Become a Governor

Becoming a governor at St Philip Howard is an excellent opportunity to make a positive impact on the education and development of young people in the local community.

To become a governor, individuals should have a passion for education and a willingness to commit their time and expertise to support the school. The role can be rewarding, offering the chance to develop new skills, work as part of a team, and make a real difference to the lives of students. 

If you wish to find out more, please contact office@sphcs.co.uk

Statutory Documents

It is important to know that the school governors who oversee your child’s education are required to comply with a variety of statutory documents; governors, provide guidance on the responsibilities, procedures, and conduct of school governors.

By following these documents, school governors can ensure that they are acting in the best interests of the school and its students.

Document Title Date Approved
Structure & Remit
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Memorandum
Jan 2022
Articles of Association
Apr 2017
Funding Agreement
Dec 2014
Audited Accounts
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Annual Reports
Aug 2022
Register of Interests
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Notice to Improve
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Paid off Payroll Arrangements
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Total Payees who’s pay exceeds £100,000
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Attendance Figures 2023 - 2024
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Attendance Figures 2024 - 2025
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Governor details proforma
2025 – 2026