Dear Pupils, Parents/Carers and Staff,
I’d like to introduce myself as the new Chair of Governors at Northgate High School and Dereham 6th Form College as of October 2018.
Both the school and college have returned excellent results this year and whilst the students achieved the results, it wouldn’t have been possible without the Senior Leadership Team, teachers, and support staff, who work so hard.
I would also like to acknowledge the part played by the previous Chair, Tim Kinnaird, in supporting the establishments in their endeavours. Tim remains a Governor and his positivity and support will continue to help on the Governing Board.
Being involved with Northgate began for me when my eldest child went to Northgate and did exceptionally well, experiencing a happy and productive time. I volunteered to become a Governor when my second child began at Northgate in 2013; my third child also attends.
I had limited knowledge about being a Governor or what I was getting myself into, but knew that Northgate was a school good at getting students to do their best.
My background is in further education and working with people involved with the criminal justice system, so to find a team of people so dedicated to ensuring all students reach their full potential was a breath of fresh air.
The ‘Northgate way’ hasn’t wavered during my time as a Governor, and the students continue to do well. However education doesn’t stand still.
Northgate and Dereham 6th Form College become an Academy and subsequently part of a Multi Academy Trust. Mr Mason and all the teaching and support staff at Northgate and DSFC have weathered all these changes with resilience and grit.
The role of Governor remains to support, examine, and challenge how Northgate and DSFC are run for the good of the pupils and the community, but the structures of the educational landscape are ever changing. Being chair is just one part of the team of the Unity family.
If you have skills you are able to bring to the Governing Board, (or would like to be a Governor,) or have any comments or questions about the work of governors, I’d be happy to talk to you.
Anna Haggith
Chair of Governors.
