As a former Voluntary aided school, in 2024 we  joined the Pickwick Academy Trust. Pickwick has taken over the responsibility for governance, funding, and ensuring the school continues to adhere to its Trust deed.  

The Governing Body is made up of elected parent governors, staff governors and co-opted governors (from business and the local community). Their role is to determine the strategic direction of the school and ensure that the school complies with its statutory responsibilities. As a Church school we also have a Foundation Governor and work closely with the Salisbury Diocesan Board.

The Full Governing Body meets 6 times per year to discuss progress towards the school's strategic objectives.

To contact the Local Governance Committee please email the Clerk to Governors, on clerk@milton.dorset.sch.uk.

Our Local Governing Committee is held to account by the Pickwick Academy Trust Board and Members.  Please click on the link below which will take you to the Pickwick Academy Trust website:

https://www.pickwickacademytrust.co.uk/governance/

We have a duty to ensure that the character of the school reflects its Christian foundation. We also ensure Religious Education is provided in accordance with the Trust Deed and decide, in consultation with the Headteacher, the arrangements for Collective Worship. As a Church of England school we also have a denominational inspection of the school ethos, worship and Religious Education, which is called a Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS).

All Governors and the Headteacher are responsible for the Safeguarding of all children and staff, something taken very seriously at Milton.  The whole Governing body is responsible for the appointment of staff, however, Foundation Governors ensure that all teaching and non-teaching staff are made aware of the Christian character and foundation of the school. The Local Governance Committee (LGC) is made up of various members of the community , working closely with the Headteacher, who is responsible for the day to day management of the school. The LGC at Milton has the Foundation, Parent and Staff representatives. The Headteacher and the Parish Priest are Ex Officio members. The term Ex Officio means someone who is part of it by virtue of holding another office (from the Latin – by right of office), in our case that of Headteacher & Priest.

The LGC is part of the school leadership team and responsible for:

• holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
• ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction strategic planning and policy development.

We also operate a Foundation Values working group.

The LGC meet 6 times a year and Governors with a link role visit the school regualarly and then feedback to the board.  Governors receive no remuneration for the time we spend on governance at the school or for the part we play in school life. Our reward is seeing the smiling faces that greet us and the satisfaction of knowing that everyone has had the ‘Milton Experience’.

 ​​​​​All governing bodies must publish the attendance records of their members at meetings. They should also provide a register of any business or financial interests that individual members may have.​​​​

Chris Heal

I moved to Gillingham in 2013 and I now live in Mere. During the day, I work as an environmental scientist, specialising in water and map data. The entirety of my experience in education is what I have learnt during my time here as a Governor. I feel that, although limiting in some respects, this can mean I am able to bring an independent perspective. In my free time I enjoy running, cycling, hockey and getting involved in local nature conservation efforts. I am a strong advocate for greater access to sport, nature, and the outdoors.

Vanessa Lucas

I moved to Dorset in 2000 from the Midlands. I have over 40 years’ experience in education having taught in Primary, Middle and Secondary schools, lectured in Primary Education and Mathematics and worked as a Primary Adviser for Mathematics. I retired as a headteacher in 2016 and now enjoy time in my garden, walking my dog and volunteering in my local community and abroad. I have been a governor in a variety of schools over the years.

I was delighted to be invited to join the governors at Milton on Stour who are clearly focused on giving every child the best opportunity for success possible.

Samantha Shields

I was educated in Gillingham and continued to attend Bournemouth University. I have worked as a Registered Nurse for 26 years and currently work as a Community Nurse in the local area.

Both of my children attend Milton-on-Stour Primary School and I have developed a close attachment to the school, with a keen interest in seeing it develop and prosper. Acting as a Parent Governor allows me to use my skills and life experiences to add some value to the board and bring a fresh perspective to the role.

Rebecca Clifton - Headteacher

I am delighted to have joined Milton in January 2026. As a former Head of a large town school, Milton is certainly a different setting from what I am used to leading but a real draw to the school is its proximity to the beautiful Church of St Judes and St Simon. I look forward to working with the LGC and the Church to continue to strengthen our school's links and position within the community.

Attendance record

Register of Interests 2026 2027