Letter from the Chair

Please find below the latest letter from our Chair of Governors- Mr Phil Harrison

July 2026

Final Letter as Chair of Governors

Dear Parents, Carers and Staff,

Following the Full Governing Board meeting held on 8 July 2026, I wanted to write to you with a brief update on the key matters discussed and, more personally, to let you know that this will be my final letter as Chair of Governors at Baldwins Gate CE (VA) Primary School.

As some of you know, my stepdaughter leaves Baldwins Gate next week. It feels like the right time for me to step away too, having had the privilege of serving as Chair of Governors for the past two years. Looking back, it has been an honour to work alongside such dedicated staff, governors, parents and pupils. Baldwins Gate is a great school with a strong sense of community, and I am grateful to have played a small part in supporting its continued success.

I have always believed strongly in public service and the importance of giving back to our communities. Schools thrive because people are prepared to volunteer their time, expertise and energy for the benefit of future generations. In that regard I am delighted to announce that the Governing Board has appointed Liz Allen as the new Chair of Governors following the election of officers at the meeting. Liz has served the school with distinction as Vice Chair and has invested a great deal of time getting to know every aspect of school life. Over recent months, Liz, Mrs Lowndes and I have worked closely together to plan this transition carefully, ensuring a smooth handover and continuity of leadership. I would like to personally thank Liz for her diligence, commitment and willingness to immerse herself in the detail of the school's work. I know the school will be in very capable hands.

As governors, our role is to provide strategic oversight across areas including educational performance, safeguarding, finance, leadership and school improvement. At this week's meeting, governors reviewed a wide range of reports covering pupil progress, attendance, attainment, SEND provision, safeguarding, wellbeing, school development priorities, finance, health and safety, and preparations for future inspection activity.

I leave at a time when there is much to be positive about. The school has worked hard to maintain strong educational outcomes, and performance continues to compare favourably against national measures. Pupil numbers have increased, demonstrating the confidence that families place in the school, while maintaining the good-quality educational experience that pupils deserve. We have also worked diligently to ensure that the school's finances remain on a secure footing so that future generations of children can continue to benefit from excellent opportunities and resources.

One of the school achievements of which I am most proud is the strength of the relationships that exist across the school community. Governors have consistently seen evidence of positive partnerships between staff, families, pupils, the church and the wider community. The fact that the school has experienced minimal complaints over the past two years is a testament to the professionalism, care and responsiveness of the staff team and school leadership. Challenges inevitably arise in any organisation, but the way they are addressed, with openness and commitment to doing what is right for children, speaks volumes about the culture of Baldwins Gate.

Governors have regularly seen first-hand the commitment of staff across the school to ensuring that every child is supported to flourish academically, socially and emotionally. Behind every positive outcome sits an enormous amount of work, often unseen, and all staff should be proud of what they achieve for children every day. The vast range of educational visits on offer is to be applauded.

Finally, I leave with complete confidence in the Governing Board. We have a fantastic group of governors who bring a broad range of skills, experience and perspectives. They care deeply about the school and will continue to provide both support and challenge in equal measure. I know they will continue to work closely with Mrs Lowndes and the staff team to help Baldwins Gate go from strength to strength.

Thank you for the support, kindness and encouragement I have received during my time as Chair. It has been a genuine privilege to serve this wonderful school community.

I wish every pupil, parent, carer, member of staff and governor all the very best for the future.

With warm regards,

Phil Harrison

Chair of Governors

Baldwins Gate CE (VA) Primary School (Outgoing)