John Sloan, former Chair of Governors at St Margaret Clitherow School in Stevenage, has received an Outstanding School Governor Award from the Hertfordshire Association of School Governors. John was one of three winners, who received their award on 15 November.
John was nominated by Headteacher Jonathan White and current Chair of Governors Sally Curtis for changing the culture of governance into a critical friend role and encouraging all governors to take a strategic and active role in the school, always asking the right questions with a view to helping the school go from strength to strength.
John is credited with helping the school in its drive towards an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rating. As Jonathan White explains: ‘His aspirations for “outstanding” were paramount and he was never satisfied with a “very good is good enough” attitude.’
Taking a long-term view, John worked tirelessly to ensure that the school’s Governing Body rarely had a position vacant, with parents encouraged to step forward and foundation governors identified and prepared to take up their positions when asked by the Bishop.
He has also been leading a campaign to encourage other Catholics to become involved as Foundation Governors throughout Stevenage.
Adding his congratulations, Bishop John Sherrington said: “I thank John for his dedication to the good of pupils in Catholic schools. As part of the Governing Body, Foundation Governors have a most important role in oversight of the school, ensuring high standards and protecting the Catholic identity of the school. Through their hard work, together with the Head and staff of the school, they seek to provide a place of learning so that every child becomes a friend and follower of Jesus Christ , loves the Church and develops his or her God-given gifts in their fullness. Children are prepared for that day when they will take responsibilities in society and be missionary disciples of Christ in the world.”
Realising his skills were required elsewhere, John planned a period of transition. As his successor, Sally Curtis explains, ‘By his careful succession planning the governing body was afforded a smooth transition as I stepped up to the role as chair in September 2013. John’s continued involvement on the governing body since then has been key to our success.’
John has now left the Governing Body of St Margaret Clitherow to devote more time to the Governing Body at sister school St Vincent de Paul.
