What School Governors Do
School governors form a governing board (sometimes called a governing body).
Their main role is strategic oversight, not day-to-day management.
Key responsibilities include:
- Setting the school’s strategic direction
Agreeing the school’s vision, values, and long-term goals.
- Holding school leaders accountable
Monitoring the work of the headteacher and senior leadership team to ensure pupils achieve well.
- Ensuring safeguarding and compliance
Checking that policies and procedures meet legal and regulatory requirements.
- Supporting and challenging leadership
Asking questions, reviewing performance data, and helping improve the school.
Who Can Be a Governor
Governors are volunteers and may include:
- Parent governors – parents of pupils at the school
- Staff governors – teachers or school staff
- Co-opted governors – people from the community with useful skills (Education, HR, Law, etc.)
Meet the Governors
Click on the Governor names to read more:
Jacky, a qualified accountant, is Director and Owner of Fistral Impex, a Stansted Airport-based Freight Forwarding and Solutions company. She joined us in 2004 as a Parent Governor before joining the Trustees and operating as Chair of Finance Committee, Chair of Behaviour, Attendance and Safeguarding Committee and Vice Chair of Board of Trustees. Jacky’s eye for detail and financial knowledge have been a key component to our success ever since she joined the team as a parent whilst her child studied at Larwood.
An experienced and highly dedicated educator, Jane, spent several decades working at Larwood School, where they were a valued member of the Senior Leadership Team. During their time in school, they played a key role in shaping and embedding the school’s ethos and values, with a strong commitment to supporting pupils with SEMH needs.
Jane held strategic responsibility for key areas including curriculum development and safeguarding, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and pupil welfare. Their deep understanding of the school’s approach, combined with extensive leadership experience, enables them to provide informed support and challenge in their role as Vice Chair of Governors.
Bianca is an experienced SEN educator and passionate Headteacher with a diverse background in both secondary and primary education, as well as international teaching experience. She has been part of the Larwood School community for over 15 years, beginning as a class teacher and progressing through leadership roles, including Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Head of School before becoming Headteacher.
Throughout her career at Larwood, Bianca has demonstrated a deep commitment to the school’s ethos and values, championing inclusive practice and high-quality provision for pupils with SEMH needs. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing a strong, supportive culture for both staff and pupils.
Bianca is deeply committed to the Larwood community and is passionate about ensuring the very best outcomes for children, while also valuing and investing in the wellbeing and development of staff.
Sarah is a highly experienced member of staff who has been part of the Larwood School community for over 20 years. She began her career as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant before qualifying as a teacher, and now leads the Space Hub provision in Stevenage.
Across her time at Larwood, Sarah has developed a deep understanding of the school’s ethos and the needs of pupils with SEMH and autism. She is passionate about teaching and learning, and is known for her creativity, energy, and ability to bring forward innovative ideas that enhance provision for pupils.
As Staff Governor, Sarah brings a valuable frontline perspective, ensuring that the voice of staff is represented while continuing to champion high-quality practice and positive outcomes for all pupils.
Oana is an experienced senior leader in education, currently serving as Head of English in a complex SEN secondary setting. She brings significant expertise in curriculum development, whole-school literacy, and strategic school improvement.
In her role, Oana leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of an ambitious and inclusive English curriculum from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5. Her work is underpinned by evidence-based practice and a strong focus on ensuring that pupils with diverse needs can access high-quality learning and achieve positive outcomes.
She has extensive experience in leading and developing large teams, combining clear expectations with effective coaching and professional development to drive high standards in teaching and learning. Her leadership is informed by robust use of data, enabling targeted interventions and impactful decision-making.
Oana works closely with senior leaders and external partners to strengthen whole-school literacy, contribute to self-evaluation, and support sustainable improvement. She brings a thoughtful, strategic perspective to governance, with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for pupils and supporting staff development.
Contact Us
We are all about collaboration; if you’d like to make an enquiry please use our online
contact form below. We will contact you as soon as possible.
Headteacher
Mrs Bianca Osobu
BA, BEd, NPQH
Address
Larwood School, Larwood Drive,
Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
SG1 5BZ