The school is part of the Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust and the Academy Governance Committee (AGC) is part of the governance structure of the Trust which is responsible for overseeing strategic decisions of the school. The governance structure for the trust as a whole is outlined in the governance structure documents here.

As an Academy Governance Committee we work in close partnership with the Headteacher and senior leadership team to ensure the best quality education is provided to every child. It is our responsibility to support, challenge, ask questions and ultimately represent the school community. The Academy Governance Committee acts as a ‘critical friend’ to the senior leadership team, questioning and challenging decisions in a constructive and professional way.

Academy Governance Committees have key roles in relation to: providing support, monitoring and challenge around educational experience and performance; church, community and stakeholder engagement and supporting alignment with Trust strategy, approach, ethos and values. The AGC Members meet regularly, visit the school when possible and during special events.  As a team, we are able to support the school to function well and strive to provide a high standard of education.

As a Church of England Academy (part of the Diocese of Coventry Multi-Academy Trust) all the AGC Members support the school in being a place of inclusive welcome and education for everyone.

Academy Governance Committee (AGC) 

AGC Members

Parent and staff AGC Members are elected, except for the Headteacher who holds an ex-officio staff AGC member position. Parent AGC Members must have a child currently at the academy to be eligible; Staff AGC Members must be employed at the academy. Community AGC Members are nominated by the AGC and appointed by the Trust. Foundation AGC Members are nominated by the parochial church council (PCC) and appointed by the Diocesan Board of Education. One foundation position is reserved for a member of the clergy from the parish in which the academy exists.

AGC Chair: Caroline Taylor

The contact address for the Chair is:

The Chair of Governors, Studley St Mary's CofE Academy, c/o The Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust, Harris CofE Academy, Harris Drive, Overslade Road, Rugby, CV22 6EA

Email:  caroline.taylor1@studleystmarys.covmat.org

You can contact any of the AGC Members through the academy office

Term of Office for an AGC Member is 4 years. The chair is elected annually.

*Full AGC Meetings meetings and committee meetings where the AGC Members is a member of the committee.

Caroline Taylor

I'm a Community Governor and Co-Vice Chair on the Academy Governance Committee (AGC). I'm also link Governor responsible for Safeguarding.  

Both my children attended Studley St. Mary's and flourished during their time here. I joined the AGC in 2020 initially as a Parent Governor and then a Community Governor because I wanted to get more involved in supporting and contributing to school life.

I'm passionate about supporting children in our local community to enjoy school and achieve their full potential. As a Governor,  I can use my skills and expertise to work strategically alongside the senior leadership team and staff to enable the school to be as effective as possible and to drive school improvement. 

Studley St. Mary's is such a welcoming place and the best part of my role is going into school and seeing pupils enjoying school life and thriving. 

Reverend Kate Mier

I am the vicar of St Mary’s Parish Church Studley (down by the river).  I am a Foundation Governor.  I am also Chaplain to our Church of England school which means I am here to support the whole school community: children, parents, staff, and governors.  Obviously, as your local vicar, I am very enthusiastic about Jesus Christ and about the positive difference that Christianity makes to our lives as individuals, as a school community, and to our village.  I’m here to help all of us experience the ‘life in all its fullness’ that Jesus wants for us, and to follow the way of Jesus.  It is a privilege to be a part of our school.  If I need cheering up a visit to school does me the world of good.  I am always glad to have a conversation with anyone who would appreciate a chat.  Contact me at rector@ardenmarches.co.uk

Steve Parry

"Both of my sons have been educated at Studley St Mary’s C of E Academy, with my youngest about to move into Year 6 in September. 

Having been a parent governor at Studley Infants’ school, I wanted to continue to provide my support, advice and experience to the schools in my local community, at the same time helping the Headteacher to deliver on her objectives and philosophies. 

I enjoy being part of school life and making a contribution where I can towards the overall success of the school."

Tracy Kirkland

I am a staff governor. I am responsible for supporting members of staff and pupils within the school community. I want to take a larger role at Studley St Marys Academy, developing closer ties between staff, parents, pupils and governors.

I believe being a governor will provide the help and understanding to make a positive difference within the school community.

My role within the school community is to support. Having worked in the school for nine years, I feel I have the knowledge and experience in many areas of the school including mental health, pastoral and SEND.

I feel, it would be an advantage to all parties to have a governor's voice and enable me to extend my supportive role to the wider school community in a positive and caring manner.

Diana Furlow 

I am a retired primary school teacher who has taught in a variety of schools during my career. I have lived in Studley with my family for many years. I am a Foundation Governor.

I am a member of the church and usually worship at Studley Parish Church . Having retired from teaching I wanted to put something back into education , I hope that my experience will benefit both school and the community.

Martin Hughes

I am a staff governor and class teacher at Studley St Mary’s C of E Academy. I wanted to become a governor to take a larger role in the school and make positive changes; I help to develop closer links between staff, governors and pupils as well as communicate staff wellbeing. 

I believe that through working together and connecting with the local community, we can truly make a difference. I feel my knowledge and experience has aided governors in their understanding of the school’s curriculum and structure but in return, being a governor has given me unique professional experiences/opportunities to help create an ideal, safe learning environment. 

John Wood

I wanted to be a Governor at Studley St Mary’s C of E Academy as living in Studley and having two children attend the School I was keen to get involved to help support our local school. Working for a fast-paced technology provider I like to challenge the status quo and bring an alternative perspective to situations and finding opportunities. I take great satisfaction in helping others succeed and hope that I can help make a positive impact on the school.

Alan Clarke

Both my children now attend Studley St Marys CofE Academy and I am keen to help the school and headteacher

provide all children with a positive educational experience.

I wanted to be a governor to gain insight into the experiences of my own children and provide staff and the governing body with an additional perspective.

I have lived in the local community all my life and work there too, I hope I can contribute to the overall success of the school.

Shirley Stout

I moved to Studley only fairly recently in 2021, and as such I am keen to get to know the village better and play 

an active part in the community. Having worked as a secondary school teacher of modern languages for

the last thirty years, and being a practising Christian too, becoming a foundation governor at St Mary’s offers

a great opportunity to do just this. I believe passionately that a good education is every child’s right and the key to a brighter future for all. As a foundation governor I want to serve the school community by supporting the staff and headteacher in their academic and wider provision.