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  • Our Governors

    Our Governors come from a range of backgrounds, and bring different areas of expertise to the school.  Governors contribute to ensuring high standards of achievement for all children in the school by: 

    • setting the school’s vision, ethos and strategic direction;
    • holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils;
    • overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

    A Governor’s role is to support and challenge the senior staff to continue to improve the school.  It is largely a thinking and questioning role and Governors are not there to manage the school or do the jobs of school staff.  Governors fulfil their role by regularly attending Governing Body meetings, providing strategic guidance and by asking probing and challenging questions of leaders within the school.  They also undertake visits, serve on relevant committees and oversee the Headteacher’s performance management.

    Please find below details of our Governing board including the names, categories, terms of appointment and business and pecuniary interests for each Governor.

    Mel Cork

    Ex-Officio - Deputy Headteacher

    Governor Type: Ex-officio (Deputy Headteacher)

    Date of Appointment: January 2025

    Mrs Cork joined Heathlands in 2015 having previously worked in other Colchester schools in teaching and leadership roles, as part of this Mrs Cork provided support and consultancy focussing on teaching and learning, SEN, Safeguarding and EYFS provision. Mrs Cork is an accredited Specialist leader in Education (SEN and leadership), Advanced Skills teacher (Maths and PSHE) and accredited Mental Health Lead.


    Mrs Cork has a Masters degree in SEN and leadership, is a qualified SENCo, with a PGCE and PGDE in SEN, she continues to work with both Essex University and Hertfordshire University to mentor and supervise Masters degree students. Mrs Cork is a governor at her children’s Secondary school.

    Spending time with her teenage children and husband, alongside taking long walks with their spaniel called Basil keeps her busy. She enjoys a long swim, listening to music and the theatre.