Governance
The Earls High School is a founding member of the Stour Vale Academy Trust (SVAT). Each of the schools in the trust has a Local Governing Body (LGB), a group of volunteers who bring a wide range of skills and expertise from their professional lives. They enable their school to run as effectively as possible, working alongside senior leaders to provide excellent education to our students.
The main function of the LGB is to:
- Set the strategic direction of the school
- Ensure that the financial management of the school is effective
- Challenge and support the senior leaders of the school
The Earls High School LGB is made up of nine members comprising of parent governors, community governors and staff governors.
Our governors
Jamie Fox
Headteacher
I have worked at The Earls High School since 2008 as a Science Teacher and member of the Senior leadership Team and was appointed as Headteacher in 2019. I consider it a great privilege to lead such a fantastic school. One of the most important aspects of the Headteacher role is to be part of the Local Governing Body. We are fortunate that we have a dedicated and talented team of Governors who volunteer their time to support and challenge the school leadership.
Andrew Harwood
Chair of LGB / Co-opted
I joined the LGB as a parent governor in 2015. I currently lead and chair a small Christian-based charity supporting asylum seekers and refugees in our region. My professional experience has encompassed administration, human resources and teaching English to adult migrants. I have previously worked in Pakistan and India, and my wife is from South Korea. Both of our children have been successfully educated at The Earls.
Lisa Falaschi
Vice-Chair of LGB / Co-opted
I joined the LGB as a parent governor in 2021.
I am the Marketing Manager for Craftspace, a small arts organisation and educational charity based in Birmingham, where I have worked for over 20 years.
I have around 6 years of experience volunteering at my child’s primary school as a parent governor. During that time I gained experience in a wide variety of areas including: safeguarding, pupil premium, SEN, heath & safety, behaviour and attendance. I was keen to become more involved once my child moved to high school and I am particularly interested in ensuring that all students, including those who may be disadvantaged or have additional needs, have the chance to access the widest variety of experiences and opportunities during their school life and can achieve their potential in a safe and happy environment where wellbeing is a priority.
Joan Morris
Staff Governor
As a Staff Governor, it is my role to represent the Earls High School Staff on the Governing Body. This is a role which I have carried out for four years and I consider it a privilege that I will be continuing to do this. I bring to this position my experience of working in a High School as a Science, PE, Health and Social Care and Child Care Teacher, Year Co-Ordinator and more recently as a School Counsellor. As a School Governor I have recently focussed on Safeguarding and Behaviour in school. I feel passionately about the wellbeing of our staff and students and as a member of the Earls Staff and as a member of the Governing Body, this will always be my main priority.
Michael Baker
Staff Governor
My name is Michael Baker and I have been a teacher at the Earls High School since 2013. Through my time here I have taught history while also being a Year Co-Ordinator, Head of Middle School as well as being newly appointed as Associate Assistant Head Teacher. Being a member of the governing body has always been an aspiration of mine and it will be a great privilege to govern the school and help shape its direction going forward
Robert Hayward
Parent Governor
I had the privilege to join the LGB as a parent governor in 2021.
I work at SIPS Education where I am Deputy Music and Arts Manager working with schools, pupils and families across Sandwell. I am a keen cyclist, an active member of my church and also a member of The Salvation Army’s International Staff Band.
I am passionate that all students should have the opportunity to achieve, excel and enjoy school life. I look forward to contributing to The Earls High in this role.
Rob Cross
Parent Governor
I joined the LGB as a parent governor in November 2022, and I’m delighted to be involved the governance of the school.
At work I’m a Software Support Manager for Aareon UK – a Social Housing software company and I hope that I can use my experience throughout my career to help the school. I want to help to ensure that students at Earls are able to reach their potential, whilst enjoying their education.
I’m looking forward to working with Mr Fox as the Equality Link Governor.
Russell Saunders
Parent Governor
I joined the LGB as a parent governor in November 2023.
I am an IT infrastructure manager for a global company. I have worked for DPD for over 28 years. I am hoping my vast knowledge of internet security can support the school in the modern world. I am a parent of children with SEN needs and understand the difficulties they face on a daily basis. i will bring my experience and knowledge of these issues to my role as parent governor and look forward to supporting the school, staff, pupils and parents.
ard
James McKay
Associate Governor
I joined the governing body as an associate member in 2024.
Craig Tucker
Co-Opted Governor
I joined the LGB in July 2024, I work at Halesowen College as an Assistant Principal with responsibility for quality, standards and professional development.
As a co-opted member of the Local Governing Board I am keen to support the school in continuing to keep all pupils at the heart of what they do and for all pupils to have the very best teaching and learning experiences to support their aspirations. I have two primary aged children and have an interest in computing, including the use of Artificial Intelligence.
