Springwell Community College Governors

The Governing Body consists of thirteen members, all from various parts of the local community and together we help to shape the vision of the college. Our work is judged by Ofsted and it’s our responsibility to hold the Headteacher and teaching team to account. All details of our meetings can be found in the Governors’ section of this website.

Over the last few years we have overseen considerable improvements in teaching, examination results and student behaviour and well-being. Our aim is that these improvements continue and the college is judged to be good by OFSTED in the near future.

We are involved in all aspects of college life including the excellent student group, Students Matter, and the Parents’ Forum to which all parents and carers are invited. We hope to see you at many of the college events throughout the year.

Chair of Governors

Pen Portraits

Martin Edge – Chair of Governors

Martin is a lifelong resident of the Clowne area and a Newcastle United fan. Martin has recently retired from an almost forty-year career in primary education, having spent a wonderful 23 years as Headteacher at Clowne Junior School.

During that time, Martin saw a huge amount of change in education and steered the school through a range of initiatives and challenges. The successes Martin achieved were all based on having very strong links with parents and the local community.

When Martin retired, he wanted, indeed needed to continue to contribute actively to the children and community that gave him such a wonderful career. Martin is fully committed to doing his very best to support the development the of college and further improve the outcomes for all our young people.

 

Helen Cheetham

I have worked as the Library Manager at Springwell Community College since December 2002. Shortly after taking up the position I became a Governor for the first time and have carried on with the role for the past 20 years, always endeavouring to bring a staff perspective to Governor meetings. I am very proud to be a Governor here and just like every member of staff at Springwell, I want the very best for the students. It is crucial that every Springwell student is happy, safe, confident and able to thrive to become the very best that they can be.

My term in service as a Governor has coincided with some major decisions and events for Springwell including; serving with four Headteachers, the move to the newbuild, dealing with the unfortunate consequences of cuts to funding and the resulting staff restructures, the move to academisation, numerous Ofsted inspections, various College Improvement Plans, holding the Headteacher and college to account, student exclusions and staff recruitment.

I believe that it is crucial that we support the college in its journey to become a ‘good’ school, but it is equally important that the Governing Board put the College under tough challenge when necessary. We must not be afraid to ask difficult questions, to challenge, and to speak out – and up, for what is important

Jonathan Fullwood

I have two daughters who are both at Springwell Community College.
My working life has been spent in Education formerly as a teacher of design and technology at Ashfield School followed by Head of Faculty jobs at both Shirebrook Academy and Tupton Hall School.
I am currently a Technical Team Leader at the University of Sheffield specialising in Electronics and Control.
I am keen to contribute to the continued success of Springwell College and support the dedicated staff team in delivering the very best educational experience to all pupils.

Sarah Smith

Sarah has lived and worked in the Staveley area for the last 25 years. 

Her daughter joined Springwell at the end of year 8, having been badly bullied at her previous school. Springwell was a wonderful new start for her daughter, and Sarah joined the governing body in October 2013, as a way to thank the college for supporting her. 

She took a short break of 9 months from being a governor, but returned to the college in May 2021. Sarah has held a number of positions on the governing body over the years, and is the current vice-chair and linked governor for Safeguarding and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.