Governance
Interim Executive Board
Synergy Education Trust has recently made changes to the governance structure at The Maple School. An Interim Executive Board (IEB) has been appointed to take on the responsibilities typically held by the Local Governing Body. The Interim Executive Board replaced the Local Governing Body on 18th July 2025.
The IEB has been established to provide strong leadership and effective governance, with the aim of supporting the school’s ongoing improvement. This temporary board will work to ensure a secure and positive foundation for the future development of the school.
The IEB is made up of experienced professionals who bring a wide range of skills and expertise. They will work closely with the school’s leadership team to ensure that the focus on school improvement remains clear, strategic, and impactful.
The IEB offer more than a standard Local Governing Body. Members are drawn from very experienced governors and trustees with an exceptional knowledge of education and SEND needs.
Interim Executive Board Members
Chair of IEB: Joanne Hirst
IEB Member: Mark Cowell
IEB Member: Shaun Jukes
IEB Member: Julie Gillespie
IEB Member: Christine Russell (till 31/8/26)
IEB Member: Susan Strother (from 1/9/26)
IEB Member: Nicola Farrer (from 1/9/26)
IEB Member (ex-officio): Stephen Cooke
Whilst all IEB members retain corporate responsibility for the running of the school, the IEB have resolved to ask the following members to scrutinise particular areas of work in more detail to report back to the IEB.
Pupil Premium, Quality of Teaching & Staff Wellbeing: Joanne Hirst
Curriculum & Assessment: Julie Gillespie
SEND & Inclusion: Shaun Jukes
Safeguarding: Mark Cowell
Careers, CEIAG and Personal Development: Christine Russell
To contact the Chair of the IEB please write to [email protected] and mark the email Confidential FAO: Chair of IEB