Governance Structure

Manor Farm Junior School is an academy of the Great Learners Trust (GLT). The Great Learners Trust is a charity and a company limited by guarantee and is comprised of and governed by:

• Members who guarantee the liabilities of the Trust and review the strategic direction.

• A Board of Trustees who are responsible for, and oversee, the management and administration of the Trust and the Academies run by the Trust.

• Local Governing Boards (LGBs) - GLT Trustees have established academy governance committees, known as Local Governing Boards (LGBs) to carry out some of its school level governance functions. The Local Governing Board ensures that the Trust’s mission and values are reflected within our school community. It monitors how well the school is performing, supports the school's unique ethos and curriculum, and provides reports to the Trust Board on local priorities and progress. In fulfilling these duties, the LGB serves as an important link between the Trust Board and the local community, including parents, pupils, and staff.

The LGB operates in accordance with the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation, which outlines the division of responsibilities between the Trust Board and local governance.

Together, the Trust Board and the LGB ensure effective governance that prioritises pupils' learning, safety, and wellbeing in all decision-making.

Further information about the governance structure and committee terms of reference can be found on the GLT website - https://www.greatlearnerstrust.co.uk/

Manor Farm Junior School Governing Board

The chair of the LGB is James Penlington and can be contacted via the school office: office@mfjglt.co.uk 

Meeting Dates 2025/26

The LGB meets each term and the dates for the meetings this academic year are:

• Autumn Term: 30th September 2025
• Spring Term: 17th March 2026
• Summer Term: 14th July 2026

Statutory Information

As a school within the Great Learners Trust, we are required to publish key governance information so families can clearly understand how our school is supported and overseen.

Our school follows the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation, Local Governing Board (LGB) Terms of Reference, and the Trust’s Governance Structure. These documents explain how responsibilities are shared between the Trust and the school, the areas of focus for governors, and how governance works across the Trust.  All of these documents are available to view on the Great Learners Trust website.

Every governor also completes an annual Register of Interests to ensure transparency regarding any personal or professional connections. We also publish the Governor Attendance Record for the previous academic year so families can see each governor's level of engagement in LGB meetings. These documents are both available to view below.

• Register of Interests 
• Governor Attendance (previous year) 

Our Governing Board

James Penlington - Chair of Governors

James has over 25 years of management experience in

small to medium businesses. He is experienced in operational & project management, recruitment and finance. 

James is a Trustee at GLT, sitting on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and is Vice-Chair of the Pay Review and Personnel Committee

James lives in Marlow with two sons who are in KS3 at secondary school and his wife who is a NHS Paediatric Nurse Practitioner. He has family in Hazlemere and a niece at Manor Farm 

He enjoys various sports, restaurants, and live music. 

Sefora Casto-Lamb

I am a parent governor with responsibility for Curriculum and OPAL. I bring ten years of management experience in the Ed‑Tech sector, which has given me valuable insight into how schools operate and a strong appreciation of the challenges they face. My voluntary work with children has strengthened my belief that high‑quality education is transformative and central to a happy, fulfilling childhood. As a governor, I am committed to supporting the school and its staff to achieve the best possible outcomes for all pupils. Alongside working part‑time and raising my two daughters, I enjoy walking our dog, reading, learning new languages and exploring new countries whenever I can.

Jason Cash

A warm hello to all reading this, my name is Jason, and I'm honoured to introduce myself as one of your school governors. I come to Manor Farm with a curiosity for education and a commitment to ensuring that our school provides the best possible learning environment for all of our students.

Over the years, I've witnessed first hand the transformative power of education. It's not just about imparting knowledge; it's about nurturing curiosity, fostering creativity, and instilling values that will shape our students into responsible and compassionate individuals.

As a new(ish) parent, and with this being my first governor role, I can testify that it is somewhat overwhelming to hear and see amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to nurture the minds of every young child. Yet during my time at Manor Farm I am proud to be able to support transformation the school is going through and I am excited about the journey ahead.

Rebecca Smith

I am an experienced education professional with over 12 years in roles in both infant and junior settings ranging from Teaching Assistant to my current role of Assistant Headteacher in another school within the trust. My expertise includes education, safeguarding, data analysis, strategic leadership, and governance, supported by my experience as Chair of Directors for a preschool. Having worked across infant and junior phases, I understand the local school context and can support effective transition and collaboration within the community. As a governor, I aim to contribute strong strategic oversight, informed decision-making, and a commitment to raising standards and supporting whole-school development. When I am not at work or volunteering, I enjoy going for long walks with my German Shepherd and Husky, Teddy and Mya.

Sue Putnam

My name is Sue Putman and I have been a community governor for a year. I retired from teaching in 2025 having taught for 47 years across primary, secondary and further education . For 15 years I was part of the senior leadership team with key management responsibilities.

I have a granddaughter in Year 4 and feel privileged to be able to support the local school that has been a prominent part of my community for the 40 years that I have lived in Hazlemere.

My key roles are Safeguarding and  I am also one of the Curriculum and Standards governors. I hope my experience and passion for education are attributes that will enable me to successfully support the school.

On a personal note: I enjoy walking and belong to a local walking group. I can recommend walking and talking as one positive way of looking after both your physical and mental health.

I also have a love for reading ( although I am still trying to find the time to consistently read for pleasure - who says retirement slows you down?)

Rosie Theobald

I am a Speech and Language Therapist, previously working for the NHS and now working independently and also part-time for a local charity. My professional background provides me with experience of working with school staff and parents,  and knowledge of child development, education and SEND. I am a Parent governor with the specific responsibilities of Development Governor, Wellbeing and Parent-Friendly schools. As a member of the board, I hope to contribute support and challenge to the leadership team in order to see our strategic goals achieved and for Manor Farm Juniors to thrive. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, getting outdoors for walks and reading.

Ruth Prior

I work as a Senior Manager in Internal Audit for a Bank and am able to apply these skills to my role to help understand strengths and areas for improvement across the school.

I am a Parent Governor, and have been a MFJS parent since 2021. I am also Lead Governor for SEND & Inclusion with focus on Pupil Premium, Looked after Children and PE. I became a Governor as I wanted to help support the school in its continuing journey of development.

My spare time is mostly taken up by our Labrador puppy, Percy, who has probably tried to say hello to you around the streets of Hazlemere!