Governance

Meridian High School is part of GLF Schools, a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) of 43 Primary and Secondary schools. The governance structure of the Trust had been developed to support both the culture of GLF Schools and the effective management of a large organisation. GLF Schools recognises the individuality of each school and that each school has its own distinct character and culture that is respectful of its community and context.

The Trust Board has overall responsibility for the school and has delegated the responsibility to implement and review the school's strategic plans to the School Standards Board (SSB) for Meridian High School.

The SSB has the following core responsibilities:

• Strategic oversight of the education provision of the School
• Strategic oversight of compliance of the School with Trust Policies
• Supporting the Trust Board to ensure good governance across the Trust

SSB members:

• Dr Christina Stead (Chair) 
• Jo Garrad (Member)
• Wendy Williams (Community member)
• Amy Church (Community member)
• Tim Stark (Communiity member) 
• Sarah Morgan (Clerk)

 

Dr Christina Stead

I have been a member of the SSB at Meridian High School since September 2021. I have lived in Croydon for nearly 20 years and wanted to offer my skills and experience to a local school. I am excited to work with MHS as it continues its journey of improvement. After taking a degree in History, I worked as a policy manager in a university before retraining as a careers advisor in my 40s. I hold a doctorate in education (my research explored women’s careers) and have taught in higher education. I currently work as a consultant, specialising in mentoring. 

Jo Garrod

As a Headteacher, I bring a deep understanding of school leadership, curriculum development, and strategic improvement. Alongside this, I am proud to serve as a Governor at Meridian High School, where I contribute an external perspective to support and challenge the leadership team. This dual role allows me to share best practice, strengthen collaboration across schools, and ensure that pupils at both settings receive the very best education and opportunities to succeed.

 

Wendy Williams

I am proud to serve as a volunteer school governor, supporting the strategic leadership and development of the school. In this role, I work alongside other governors and school leaders to ensure high standards of education, provide effective challenge and support, and help shape a vision where every pupil can thrive. Being a governor is a rewarding way to give back to the community and make a positive difference in young people’s lives.

Tim Starke

I am delighted to be a member of the SSB for Meridian High School.  As a Lead Practitioner at de Stafford School, Caterham, I am passionate about education and endeavour to see students graduate feeling proud of the fact they attended Meridian High School and are ambitious to be active participants in our growing global society.  I have been teaching Geography in secondary education since 2005 and was a Staff Governor at Glyn School in Epsom for 10 years during the time the GLF MAT was formed.     

 

Amy Church

I am a serving detective in the Metropolitan Police Service. My current specialism is Modern Slavery and Child Exploitation. I am passionate about encouraging young people to make good decisions, and to plan for a successful future, and I believe that it is so important for schools to give them the support to be able to do that. It is an honour to be a member of the SSB for Meridian High School, who are doing such great work in this regard.

 

Recruitment

We are always interested to hear from people who wish to join our community.  If you would like to be considered for a role on the Meridian High School’ SSB, please contact governance@glfschools.org with your CV and completed application form.

 

Links to additional information

Click here to view the Meridian High School SSB’s Register of Interests and Attendance record.

Click here to view the governance arrangements for GLF Schools.  This includes links to the Trust’s constitutional documents and details of the trustees and members of GLF Schools.

 

Contact details

To contact the Governance Professional for the SSB, please email clerk@meridianhigh.london.  This includes requests for meeting minutes.

To contact the Chair of the SSB, please email chair@meridianhigh.london

A hard copy letter can also be submitted to the school office marked for the attention of the Governance Professional or the Chair as appropriate.