Governance
The Governing Body of The Compass Federation, which includes St. Paul's Church of England Primary School, Dunton Green Primary School and St. Edmund's Church of England Primary School, comprises 16 governors in total and operates the circle model. Governors meet six times per academic year in addition to any monitoring visits or Strategic Governors meetings that might occur. The membership is made up as follows:
- 2 Parent Governors
- 1 Local Authority Governor
- 1 Staff Governor
- 1 Executive Headteacher Governor
- 7 Co-opted Governors
- 4 Foundation Governors
Additionally, there are three Associate Governors who are the Heads of School from each school.
The Governing body has the following core strategic functions:
Critical but above all else supportive, this is the role of the governing body. Our governors understand that honesty and integrity underpin the guidance of our school. They are a team of dedicated volunteers working with our staff to provide all pupils with an outstanding education.
Parent Governors are drawn from across the schools and voted for by the parents across all Federation schools. It could be the case that both Parent Governors are current parents from one school.
Establishing the strategic direction, by:
- Setting the vision, values, and objectives for the school
- Agreeing the school improvement strategy with priorities and targets
- Meeting statutory duties
Ensuring accountability, by:
- Appointing the Executive Headteacher
- Holding the Executive Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils by monitoring progress towards targets
- Performance managing the Executive Headteacher
- Holding the Executive Headteacher to account for the performance management of staff
- Engaging with stakeholders
- Contributing to school self-evaluation
Ensuring financial probity, by:
- Setting the budget
- Monitoring spending against the budget
- Ensuring value for money is obtained
- Ensuring risks to the school organisation are managed
Governor Business and Pecuniary Interests were last updated in April 2025.
Here you'll find information about the Governing Body, which is made up of local people who come from a variety of backgrounds, professions and walks of life but who are united in wanting the best education possible for our children.
If you'd like to know more about the Governing Body or may be interested in becoming a governor, please email David Strachan, Chair of Governors at dstrachan@compassfederation.com
Chair: David Strachan
Vice Chair and Safeguarding Governor: Hilary Wilder
Clerk to Governors: Carol Thomas
Executive Headteacher: Ben Hulme
Ben Hulme
Executive Headteacher
As Executive Headteacher of the Compass Federation, I am privileged to lead a dedicated team of professionals committed to delivering an exceptional and inclusive education across our schools. My role is to provide strategic leadership and oversight, ensuring that each school retains its unique identity while benefiting from the strength and support of our collaborative partnership.
With a deep belief in the transformative power of education, I work closely with heads of school, staff, governors, and families to drive continual improvement, raise aspirations, and keep children at the heart of every decision. I am passionate about developing a culture of high expectations, shared values, and professional growth, where staff are empowered and pupils thrive.
As a member of the governing body, I bring insight into operational and strategic priorities across the federation. I value the role of governance in challenging and supporting leadership to ensure excellence, equity, and ambition for every child we serve.
Ben Hulme, Executive Headteacher of Compass Federation, is a dedicated educational leader committed to fostering a positive learning environment. With a passion for pupil success and staff development, he brings extensive experience in school leadership, driving innovation, and ensuring high standards across the federation. His vision prioritises inclusivity and excellence.