Our Governors are made up of members of the University, parents, a member of the team and community. Our school is an exempt charity, determined as such because we are a ‘Free School’.
Chair of the Board – M Mieczkowski
Chair of Finance Committee – M Vinnell
Chair of Education Committee – H Cremin
Safeguarding and SEND Governor – P Burnard
School Governance
University of Cambridge Primary School is a single-academy trust, legally constituted as University of Cambridge Primary School Trust (UTS Cambridge). The Board of Trustees is the accountable body with overall responsibility for the Trust. The Board has three core strategic responsibilities:
- Setting the Trust’s vision and strategic direction;
- Holding executive leaders to account for educational performance, safeguarding and staff wellbeing;
- Overseeing financial management, risk and compliance
The Board carries out its functions directly and through a committee structure, supported by a clear Scheme of Delegation.
Board Committees
The Board has established the following committees to support effective governance and oversight:
Finance & Resources Committee
The Finance & Resources Committee oversees:
- Financial planning, budgeting and monitoring;
- Internal scrutiny, audit and risk management;
- Estates, health and safety and statutory compliance;
- Staffing matters, including pay and remuneration, within delegated authority;
- The committee provides regular reports and recommendations to the Board.
Education Committee
The Education Committee provides scrutiny, challenge and assurance in relation to:
- Educational standards and pupil outcomes
- Curriculum design, inclusion and SEND
- Safeguarding and pupil welfare
- Attendance, behaviour and wellbeing
- Safeguarding is a standing item for the committee, and reports are escalated to the Board as required.
Research Management Committee
Reflecting the Trust’s distinctive role as a University-affiliated school, the Research Committee oversees:
- Research activity involving pupils and staff
- Ethical governance and compliance in research
- Alignment between research activity and the Trust’s educational priorities
Each committee operates under Board-approved terms of reference and reports formally to the Board of Trustees.
Safeguarding Oversight
The Board of Trustees retains direct responsibility for safeguarding. A trustee is appointed with specific responsibility for safeguarding children, providing focused oversight and challenge – Prof Pam Burnard/
Safeguarding is scrutinised through the Education Committee and reported to the full Board. The Board receives regular assurance from executive leaders regarding safeguarding effectiveness, training, compliance with statutory guidance and external reviews.
Clerking and Governance Support
Clerking for the Board of Trustees and all Board committees is provided by an independent professional clerk, appointed by the Board. This ensures that meetings are properly constituted, decisions are recorded accurately, and governance practice meets statutory and regulatory expectations.
Appointments and Decision-Making
The Board of Trustees appoints the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board and the Chairs of Board committees. Executive appointments and key staffing decisions are made in line with the Trust’s Scheme of Delegation. All decisions are recorded in formally minuted meetings.
Transparency and Publication
In line with the Academy Trust Handbook, the Trust publishes key governance information on its website, including:
- Governance structure and committee remits
- The Scheme of Delegation
- Trustee attendance and relevant governance documentation
Further Information
If you would like more information about governance at University of Cambridge Primary School, or are interested in contributing to governance through trustee service, please contact the Trust via: kathryn.mitchell@schoolschoice.org.
