Governance

Governors link the school with the community, and play a key role in the effectiveness of the school. The governing board’s job is to look at all aspects of the school’s performance and ensure it is achieving its full potential as well as working with the Headteacher and Senior Management Team to provide strategic leadership and accountability.

Governors core strategic functions are:

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

The Headteacher is a governor by virtue of office. Co-opted governors and associate members are appointed by the governing board, the staff governor is elected by other staff members and parent governors are elected by parents/carers of children at the school.

All Governors are bound by the Governors Code of Conduct.

The term of office for all categories of governor is a fixed period of 4 years.

Governing Board Constitution Spring 2025

Our Governors

Revd. David Hagan-Palmer - Chair of Governors

Although originally born in Middlesex I have been in Norfolk and particularly Norwich, for about thirty-two years. I am currently the Vicar of St. Margaret’s Church in Old Catton and have been here for just over two years; prior to Old Catton I was in the Bure Valley near Aylsham. Alongside the work of being a Vicar and a School Governor I am also Chaplain to the Norwich Squadron of the Air Training Cadets, Chaplain to the East Anglian Air Ambulance and Chair of the Sprowston Youth Engagement Project (alongside various other groups I am part of and roles that I have).

Nick Asker - Vice Chair, Foundation Governor

I have been a governor at the Hall school for several years. I have experience as an Independent Education Advisor and as an OFSTED Inspector. I have previously worked at a local special school and for Norfolk County Council. I am a mathematics specialist and have worked nationally and internationally on a variety of mathematics and special needs projects.

Wendy Alcock - Local Authority Governor

From the age of 5 until this present day, I have been in education. My working life was as a teacher and a headteacher in mainstream. On retirement I looked for new challenges and became a governor at Hall School. My commitment to the school has always been to put the children and young people first. They deserve the best education and I with my fellow governors will endeavour to provide this.

Kerry Moore - Staff Governor

I have been working at Hall School for many years and in various capacities. I joined the Hall School team as a Teaching Assistant in 2009, learning from some wonderful teachers and a supportive management team, I have been able to support classes as an HLTA and now leading as a Class Teacher. I have worked across the school, supporting teaching and learning throughout. I am now thoroughly enjoying teaching in the 6th Form, where I can help our young adults shape their futures, teach them valuable life skills and be proud of who they are and what they have achieved.

Claire Pett - Parent Governor

Hi my name is Claire Pett and I have been a Parent Governor here at Hall School since 2019. I really wanted to get involved with the school as my daughter Ellie attends. They have done a huge amount for her over the years and she has thrived so much and I am so grateful for the ongoing support we get.

Karl Catchpole - Co-opted Governor

I was born in Newton Flotman and attended Wymondham College, before briefly training as an accountant. I am now retired after spending 35 years in the home improvement industry and property investments.

I bring business and financial skills to my role as governor, but more importantly, as a parent of a daughter with autism, I have a deep personal connection the SEN community and understand the challenges families face.

I am also involved in local politics, advocating for inclusivity, funding and support for SEN education.

My goal is to help Hall School provide the best opportunities for the children and young people that attend.

Will Gant - Associate Member, Deputy Headteacher

I started working as a PE Teacher in mainstream secondary schools and quickly found my passion for teaching SEND. I moved over to a Special School in 2005 and have been in Special Education ever since. Hall School was my first main teaching role after returning to Norfolk and I enjoyed several years teaching in the 6th Form before moving into the Leadership Team, first as Assistant Head and now Deputy Head.

Rachel Ridgeway - Headteacher

Stephanie Grand - Clerk

I am the Clerk to the Governors (Governance Professional) for the Hall School. This role involves attending meetings, taking minutes, preparing agendas with the Chair and Headteacher, sometimes giving advice about governance and maintaining accurate records for the Full Governing Board.

I have worked in education governance since 2009 and it is always a pleasure to visit the Hall School and work with the school’s Governors and staff.

Samantha Booker - Parent Governor

Since becoming a Parent Governor in 2018, I’ve been passionate about making sure every student’s needs are truly heard and met.

I have previously worked within schools providing IT support and am currently treasurer and a trustee of Friends of Hall School.

I’m deeply committed to supporting an environment where every child can thrive and feel valued.

Shelly Leggett - Co-opted Governor

I have recently joined as a governor of Hall school. I have a long background in education having been a Reception Teacher in mainstream for over 15 years.

I am now SENCO at 2 local schools and I am extremely passionate about supporting all children to thrive in their setting.

Charlotte Hills - Co-opted Governor

Hall School

a specialist college

Governance

Our Governors