Letter from the Chair of Governors
Dear Parent/Carer
I am delighted to welcome you to Sir Harry Smith Community College. We pride ourselves on the community of the college where staff, students, and parents and carers share the same aims for our young people. Sir Harry Smith fosters a secure and caring environment in which learning and development are at the forefront and where students are valued as individuals. We want our students to become independent and confident young people who are sensitive to others, interested in the world around them and prepared for the challenges ahead.
Ofsted most recently visited the college in February 2024 and found no change to the overall judgement of good. There were many positives mentioned in this report which the governing body is naturally pleased to see. There were, however, also some areas to improve on which will be driving our focus as we strive to support the college in its ambition to become even better.
Governors come from a range of backgrounds, bringing skills and knowledge which helps the college. The governing body is comprised of parents, staff and co-opted members. Any one interested in finding out more or volunteering as a governor is encouraged to contact the clerk to the governors.
The governing body believes that it is important that parents and carers feel welcome at college. We strive for strong partnerships between home, college, parents and staff. That relationship helps to build confidence and development in students, and we depend on the co-operation and support of parents.
The college looks forward to welcoming yourself and your child in the near future, so that they can take the step to become the best they can be.
Jack Langley
Chair of Governors
Contact details:
Chair of Governors
Sir Harry Smith Community College
Eastrea Road
Whittlesey
PE7 1XB
Or via e-mail governor.clerk@sirharrysmith.com
Meet our Governors
Jack Langley – Co-opted Governor / Chair of governors
Jack is a chartered accountant and tax adviser with experience in charity and corporate finance. He currently works in the tax team at Barclays, where he specialises in all aspects of UK corporate tax accounting and compliance. Jack has been a governor at Sir Harry Smith Community College for 6 years and also chairs a national charity, SAPERE, which works in the education sector.
Glen Crossland – Parent Governor / Vice chair of governors
As a parent governor with a background in system design and project management and a decade of experience as a foster carer, I possess a comprehensive understanding of neurodivergence and the specific needs of students with SEND requirements. Over the past two years, I have served as a parent governor, demonstrating my unwavering commitment to supporting and advocating for the educational needs of all students.
Rehana Ibrahim – Staff governor
Rehana initially trained and qualified as a solicitor before pursuing a passion for education and retraining as an English teacher. With extensive experience in secondary schools, Rehana has successfully led key areas including PSHE, SMSC, and English, driving improvements in curriculum delivery and student outcomes. In addition to leadership roles within schools she has also served as a school governor, bringing valuable governance and strategic insight. Rehana combines strong analytical skills from a legal background with a deep commitment to student development and holistic education.
Angela Wood – Parent Governor
Angela has worked within primary education for 25 years. She has been a classroom teacher, Early Years Leading Teacher and is now an Executive Head of two fenland schools. Her interest in inclusive education supported her work as a SENDCO and has enabled her to ensure inclusion remains a core focus in her current role. Angela has been a teacher governor in two previous schools and has also reported to governors with her headship roles. She has been a parent at Sir Harry Smith Community College since 2017 and is keen to support the school as it develops further.
Karen Bielawski - Co-opted Governor
Karen has worked in education since 2015 as a School Business Manager gaining extensive experience in finance, health and safety, compliance, contract management, and human resources. Her roles have given her a strong understanding of the operational and strategic challenges faced by schools today. Karen has lived in Whittlesey for over 20 years and is committed to supporting the local community through her work as a governor.
Walter Osedeme - Co-opted Governor
Walter started his career in academia as a university lecturer. APM chartered project professional, with decades of experience in civil engineering design and project management, he currently leads highway and active travel design team at AtkinsRéalis. Over the past two years, Walter has served as a governor at Sir Harry Smith Community College, supporting Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance. A STEM advocate, Walter brings innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills from his background.
Martin Desborough - Parent Governor
Having joined the majority of other school leavers in the 90's in working at Pearl Assurance, for the last 20 years I have been working for a local housing association, in a number of different customer facing roles.
I applied for the parent Governor position as my son, niece and nephew were all educated at SHS, and my daughter is a pupil there currently, and I believe I can help to make a positive difference at the school. My focus is to support the Governors and the school to help make it the absolute best that it can be, and to give our children the best education that we can.
My work in local housing gives me a great insight into the struggles that many families face currently, and the skills and contacts to be able to help if it is required.
Laura Schneikert – Clerk to the Governors
Laura has 25 years experience working in the education sector and became an accredited Clerk in 2012. Laura has worked with a range of schools and academy trusts across the country, both at board and local level. Laura's role is to oversee the compliance of the Trust's governance and procedural arrangements and to support the governors and SLT at Sir Harry Smith. Laura works closely with the trust’s central team as well as all school leaders, in order to service and regulate all meetings. Laura is also a governor at a local primary school.