Across Ormiston Academies Trust, our governors play a vital role in strengthening schools, supporting leaders, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Today, on National School Governors’ Awareness Day, we celebrate our governors. Their commitment, insight, and values-led leadership make a real difference in our schools.
We caught up with three governors from across our schools to learn about their journeys and shine a light on the impact they’re making.
Paul Middleditch, Broadland High Ormiston Academy
For Paul Middleditch, the Chair of Governors at Broadland High Ormiston Academy, a chance invitation sparked a decade of service.
“I was invited to apply to become a school governor by the then Chair of Governors who I worked with in a commercial capacity,” Paul explains. “He felt my skill set would benefit the school and provide the opportunity to give back to the local community where I lived.
“I did not realise the impact that school governors could have on the whole school community.
“The support and expertise that a governor can provide to a school is unquantifiable. Staff appreciate that governors volunteer their time to help drive best outcomes and provide support. Students and parents appreciate that governors are taking an interest in them to provide the best possible experience in their educational journey.”
Paul’s contribution draws on his leadership and commercial experience, but it is his connection to the school community that continues to motivate him.
“Without a shadow of doubt the most rewarding part of being a school governor is witnessing first-hand how students grow, develop and achieve, regardless of their social backgrounds,” he reflects. “My motivation to continue volunteering is to help provide the best environment and standards so our young people leave Broadland as confident, well-rounded individuals ready for the next stage of their education journeys.”
Chantel Brooks, George Salter Academy
Chantel Brooks, Governor at George Salter Academy has said that her pathway into governance began from a personal and purpose-driven place, as a parent determined to make a positive difference.
Becoming a parent governor gave Chantel the platform to champion accountability, challenge constructively and support school leadership in shaping high-quality experiences for pupils.
“To me, the role of a school governor is fundamentally about accountability. Governors must hold school leadership to account for the standards, practices and decisions that shape pupils’ experiences. It’s a position of responsibility, integrity and influence, and one that should always place young people at its heart.”
Chantel has since completed advanced governance training and now serves as the Chair of George Salter Academy’s local governing body. With extensive professional experience in education and a deep understanding of classroom practice, she brings insight that helps drive improvement and shape policy that benefits pupils and staff alike.
“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that strong leadership welcomes accountability,” she reflects. “The best leaders value robust questions and understand that scrutiny leads to improvement.”
Chantel also highlights the interpersonal impact of governance particularly reinforcing resilience, confidence and personal growth in young people. “Every child deserves to know that someone is in their corner who is advocating for them, challenging systems when needed, and ensuring they are treated fairly,” she says.
Melanie Pye, Ormiston Endeavour Academy
Melanie Pye, Governor at Ormiston Endeavour Academy, started her journey into governance through an experience shaped by both personal commitment and professional purpose. Having been involved in the informal parent-teacher association at her daughter’s primary school, she was keen to continue making a positive impact, while remaining clear about the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries as a parent.
Working in recruitment within the education sector, becoming a governor felt like a natural extension of her professional life.
The role has allowed her to deepen her understanding of the sector while supporting school leaders to improve standards for pupils, support staff and provide constructive challenge when needed.
Some of her most rewarding moments as a governor have centred on people. She recalls pupil voice sessions that empowered quieter students to share thoughtful feedback, reinforcing the importance of creating safe spaces where every voice is heard. She has also seen first-hand how fair, well-governed processes can positively impact staff wellbeing and confidence.
Bringing strong people skills, a questioning mindset and insight as both a professional and a parent, Melanie values the opportunity governance provides to make a meaningful difference: “Even small contributions can have an impact,” she reflects. “Having a range of perspectives around the table strengthens decision-making and helps schools thrive.”
Thank you to our governors
We thank all governors across our schools. Their leadership and commitment to young people, alongside the Trust’s mission, help ensure our schools provide enriching experiences that change lives.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple yet powerful vision: a school system where every child can thrive. Our mission is to ensure every child has excellent learning opportunities, inside and outside of the classroom, which enrich their lives and afford them choice and opportunity in the future.
If you’re passionate about education and want to make a difference in your community, becoming a school governor is a meaningful way to get involved.
Ormiston Academies Trust welcomes people from all backgrounds whose skills, experience or insight can help schools and pupils succeed. We’d love to hear from you. Visit our Be a governor page for more information.