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Governance

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.

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.  

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

James Johnson

As Head of School at St. Paul’s, I am also an Associate Governor within The Compass Federation—a role that allows me to contribute to the strategic leadership of the school while representing the day-to-day experience of our pupils and staff. I’ve been part of the team at St. Paul’s since 2017 and also spent a year at St. Edmund’s, which has given me a wider perspective across the federation. I value the opportunity to work alongside fellow governors to support the continued development of our schools and ensure we’re creating the best possible environment for learning, growth, and wellbeing.

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