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. I aim to bring the skills I have developed through my working life to my role as a Foundation Governor serving the whole school community. I am a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Bosham in the Parish of St Richard’s, Chichester and a Trustee for two local charities.

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 two of whom are current pupils and my eldest is an ex-pupil. 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 was first appointed as a Parent Governor of SPH in December 2011, when my son started at the school. I became a Foundation Governor in 2012 and, in September 2018, I was appointed as Chair of Governors. I am looking forward to continuing my role within the school and looking forward to being part of its growth as an Academy school. I am a parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Bognor Regis. 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.

Ms L Keeley
Foundation Governor

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.

Ms T Silova
Foundation Governor

I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in April 2021. I am originally from Latvia. I have a son, who became a pupil of this wonderful school in September 2021.

I have been working with ‘numbers’ for the past ten years and am currently working for a Charity that supports Adults with learning difficulties as a Finance Assistant.

I am proud to be a governor of SPH, and want to help it to continue to be possible that every child who attends is safe, happy, and able to develop their full potential.

Mr D Macdonald
Foundation Governor

I joined SPHCS as a Foundation Governor at the end of January 2023, I have a daughter in Year 9, who joined the school in September 2023, She, and we, are delighted with the school and the friendly and caring ethos which is so evident. Hopefully, I can add something or can bring some expertise and ideas to this outstanding school. I have been involved in Secondary Education for nearly 50 years, as a Geography teacher, Deputy Head and education consultant. My wife and I have fostered over 50 children [mainly babies] and adopted eight; and do find time for many other activities.

Mr N Wilton
Parent Governor

I have been a parent governor since 2017 and have two sons that are both now at SPH. The parent / teacher / child relationship is crucial to steer our children along through these crucial formative years in their lives and I believe the local governing committee at St Phillip Howard helps ensure the success of this, so I was very happy to have been appointed to this position. Professionally I am an IT Manager for a local medical supplies company and enjoy running or mountain biking at the weekend.

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.

Ms V Edgington
Governor

I am really proud to be both a parent at SPH and a member of the Local Governing Committee. I have one child at SPH (currently in year 9 but time flies!) and my elder two children have both recently left. I have always been impressed with the high quality of the education at the school, as well as the school’s ethos, which combines both a caring and compassionate approach with high ambition and opportunities for all the young people. In my working life, I am the HR Director for Chichester College Group, and I am personally interested in all things to do with diversity and engagement. I am a parishioner at Our Lady of Sorrows, in Bognor.

Mrs C Newton
Staff Governor

I started teaching Science at SPH in September 2022, after living and working at a school in London. A few weeks in to working at SPH, I knew that this was a school I wanted to work at for the foreseeable future. When the position of staff governor became available, it was something I wanted to do. I was appointed as a staff governor in February 2022 and I am part of the Standards committee. Being a part of the Local Governing Committee as a member of staff puts me in a great position to create a link between staff and governors, and I am excited to make a positive contribution to the role. I am currently living in Brighton and in my free time, I enjoy playing netball, and sea swimming down on Brighton beach.

Ms E Buschhaus
Parent Governor

I'm Emmie, a mum of 5 boys, two crazy dogs, one tiny and one very big Dulux dog with a big character, and three sheep. I have my eldest boy currently in year 7 at SPH. I am very pleased to have joined the governing body and can't wait to help in any way that I can to keep the SPH ethos going strong. I hope to get to know more SPH families as time goes on.

Mr T Hulse
Headteacher - Governor

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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Jan 2022
Apr 2017
Dec 2014
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Aug 2022
Register of Interests
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Notice to Improve
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Paid off Payroll Arrangements
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