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Governance Register
School · PrimaryiSource and licenceOfficial record from Get Information about Schools (DfE). Results, attendance, pupil numbers, finance and inspection outcomes are from the Department for Education and Ofsted, as published.Governor records: Get Information about Schools, as at 25 October 2026.Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.Governance Register calculates the connections.How we handle data

Location

iSchool location from Get Information about Schools. Nearby schools are coloured by phase. Open Map+ for a full-screen map with neighbourhood deprivation (England only).

About

It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to Katherine Semar Infant and Junior School a nurturing school of exceptional quality . As a two-form entry school, we have up to 60 children in each year group, allowing us to foster a close-knit, supportive environment while delivering a broad and ambitious curriculum.

We are immensely proud of our bespoke INSPIRE curriculum, carefully designed to engage, challenge, and excite our pupils, nurturing a lifelong love of learning. Alongside high-quality teaching, we offer exceptional facilities, including a well-stocked library, a multi-surface sports pitch, three dedicated music rooms, and an art room complete with its own kiln.

Our school minibus enables us to extend learning beyond the classroom, enriching pupils experiences with trips, sports events and activities. To support our families, we also provide wraparound care , including a breakfast club , after-school club , and holiday club, ensuring children feel happy, secure and engaged throughout the day.

At Katherine Semar, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom. Our Pupil Charter guarantees that every child enjoys a variety of enriching experiences and trips , helping them develop confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of community.

In the school’s own words, from the school website.

Enrichment

8 activitiesiFound on the school website by WhatSchool. Not verified by Governance Register; the school website is the authority.
  • Band
  • Computing
  • Cricket
  • Football
  • Music
  • Netball
  • Swimming
  • Philosophy for Children (P4C)

Awards

3 awardsiFound on the school website by WhatSchool. Not verified by Governance Register; the school website is the authority.
  • Healthy SchoolsHealth and wellbeing
  • Music MarkMusic
  • Nurturing Schools AwardRecognised award

Key facts

URN
141572
Type
Academy converter
Phase
Primary
Ages
7 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Does not have a sixth form
Nursery
No Nursery Classes
Local authority
Essex
Constituency
North West Essex
Setting
Urban: Further from a major town or city
Opened
2014

Governing body (13 current, 2 former)

iAcademy trust: local governing body and trust board.

2 governors are linked to a profile (1 confirmed, 1 (likely)).

Governors marked “Confirmed same person” have exactly the same forename and surname as the only officer of that name at the school’s own academy trust company on the Companies House register, so we treat them as the same person. The governance record itself comes from DfE.

Leadership

NameRoleHow appointedTerm
Mr David O'BrienChair of Local Governing BodyAppointed by GB/boardsince 2025 · until 2029

Full governing body

NameRoleHow appointedTerm
Mrs Joanne FooteLocal GovernorAppointed by GB/boardsince 2025 · until 2029
Mrs Bernie GilbertLocal GovernorAppointed by GB/boardsince 2025 · until 2029
Miss Emily ForsterLocal GovernorElected by parentssince 2025 · until 2029
Mr Sean DodsworthLocal GovernorElected by parentssince 2025 · until 2029
Mr Oliver Pottrill-HollandLocal GovernorAppointed by GB/boardsince 2024 · until 2028
Mrs Caroline DolbyLocal GovernorElected by school staffsince 2019 · until 2027 ends 2027
Mr Nick Osborne (likely)Local GovernorAppointed by GB/boardsince 2018 · until 2026 ends 2026
Mrs Amy KennedyLocal GovernorAppointed by GB/boardsince 2018 · until 2030
Mr Matthew RowlandsLocal GovernorAppointed by GB/boardsince 2018 · until 2030
Mrs Polly LankesterLocal GovernorAppointed by GB/boardsince 2017 · until 2029
Mrs Peta TorranceLocal GovernorAppointed by GB/boardsince 2016 · until 2028
Mrs Julie Puxley Confirmed same personLocal GovernorEx-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principalsince 2015
Miss Pam Lochhead FormerLocal GovernorElected by parentssince 2021 · term ended 2025
Mrs Claire Sleep FormerLocal GovernorAppointed by GB/boardsince 2018 · term ended 2026

Source: Department for Education, Get Information about Schools (governance records, as at 25 October 2026). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Names are shown as published; there are no addresses or contact details. Current and former are worked out from term end dates when the page loads. Object or ask for removal · Report an issue with this record