WhitesheetCofE Primary School

Letter from the Chair of Governors

A very warm welcome to Whitesheet Primary School.

We are pleased that you have found your way to our website, and we hope it gives you a real sense of what makes our school such a special place to learn, grow, and belong.

At Whitesheet, our vision is simple but powerful: “Climbing to new heights together.” This reflects our belief that children achieve their best when they are supported, encouraged, nurtured and uplifted by those around them. We are a school community where everyone; pupils, staff, families, governors, the Church, and the wider village, work together to help every child reach their full potential.

Our values of community, hope, friendship, respect, resilience, and wisdom are at the heart of daily life at Whitesheet. These guide the way the children learn, play, and grow together, helping to shape confident, compassionate, and capable young people who are ready to take on the world.

The children learn in a warm, caring, and adventurous environment. We encourage curiosity, creativity, and kindness, supporting children to become thoughtful individuals who are interested in the world around them and sensitive to the needs of others. Our aim is to give every child the skills, confidence, and character they need to thrive, not just in school, but in life.

Our Academy Standards and Ethos Committee (school governors) are a team of committed volunteers from diverse backgrounds. As part of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust (DSAT), we help guide the school’s strategic direction, support and challenge its development, to ensure it meets its legal and educational responsibilities. Most importantly, we strive to keep the school true to its vision and values, always placing the lives and learning of our children at the heart of every decision.

If you’d like to know more about Whitesheet Primary School, or the work of the governors, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please do visit the school or get in touch via the school office.

With warmest regards,

Ben Monksummers

Chair of Governors

Academy Standards and Ethos Committee (ASEC)

As an Academy governance in the school is undertaken by an Academy Standards and Ethos Committee (ASEC) which is directly accountable to the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust and will report at least 6 times a year to their Board.

 The main responsibilities of the ASEC are:

• To establish the strategic direction of the school
• To ensure high standards of achievement for all pupils
• To maintain the Christian ethos and distinctiveness of the school

The majority of members are appointed by the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, with the exception of 2 parent members and 1 staff member who are elected by their peers. The ASEC chair is appointed by the Trust board, and the ASEC elect a vice chair annually. The key skills and abilities sought of ASEC members are:

• An ability and desire to set the Christian ethos within the school
• Analytical skills and the ability to understand and question written and numerical information
• The ability to establish good working relationships with all stakeholders including Board Members, DSAT, staff at all levels within school, parents and the wider community
• The ability to carry out monitoring and evaluation of the work of the school
• Strong communication skills including listening

All copies of meeting minutes are available on request from the school office.

DSAT Governance Information available at: Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust - Governance

The chair of Governors is Mr Ben Monksummers, he can be contacted via the school office or by email: 

bmonksummers@whitesheet.dsat.org.uk 

DSAT Scheme of Delegation
We are members of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust and the governance of the Trust belongs to the main DSAT Board. Our Scheme of Delegation also includes our Constitution and Terms of Reference. Paper copies can be obtained through the school office or by using the contact us option on this website. You can find details of the Trust Board and details of our Trust Governance by visiting the Trustees page,

We currently have a vacancy for a Trust Governor, if you would be interested in joining our team please contact our Clerk on spireclerk@dsat.org.uk

Please see below for more information on becoming a Trust Governor.