Our Governance
Transparency, accountability and community at the heart of everything we do.
OUR COMMITMENT
A school governed with purpose
The Board of Governors at Clare House School holds an important strategic role in guiding the long-term direction of the school. Working closely with the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team, the Board sets the overall aims and vision and provides oversight of the strategies, policies and practices that shape the educational experience for every child.
Clare House School is owned by Clare House Independent School Trust, a not-for-profit organisation established to secure high-quality independent education in South Wales. There are no shareholders, and 100% of fees are reinvested directly into the school and its future.
Meet the Board of Governors
Our Governors are dedicated volunteers who bring a wide range of professional expertise, united by a shared belief in the opportunity independent education offers.
Rachael Harman — Chair of Governors
A former student and parent of St Clare’s School and the founding member of the Clare House Independent School Trust. She holds a First-Class Honours degree in Mathematics and has led the Trust’s strategy, governance framework and engagement with professional advisors and external agencies. Rachael brings analytical rigour, strategic leadership and personal commitment to securing high-quality independent education in Porthcawl.
Committees: Chair of the Growth and Development Committee | Member of all committees
Jayne McCarthy
As a corporate lawyer with a national law firm for over 15 years Jayne specialised in complex transactions, business disposals and corporate structuring. For the last 12 years she has been a Partner with a corporate finance firm specialising in the education, health and social care sectors. She brings the Trust substantial expertise in governance, risk management and organisational oversight.
Committees: Member of the Finance & Estates Committee | Member of the Governance, Nominations & Compliance Committee
Gareth Baker
A senior Partner and shareholder at a national law firm where he leads the award-winning Real Estate, Real Estate Finance and Construction teams. A specialist in major development and regeneration projects, Gareth advises on strategic land transactions, joint ventures and large-scale acquisitions, disposals, lettings and funding deals across England and Wales. He has led the legal delivery of Cardiff’s Central Square regeneration since 2014 and continues to act for major clients. Gareth is recognised as a Leading Individual by The Legal 500 and ranked Band 2 by Chambers and Partners. He also serves as a Charity Trustee of the Rectorial Benefice of Margam.
Committees:
Member of the Governance, Nominations & Compliance Committee
Dr Neil Geraghty
An accomplished GP Partner with 18 years clinical and leadership experience, specialising in child health, safeguarding and public health. Neil brings the Trust significant safeguarding and governance expertise, ensuring pupil wellbeing and sustainable growth remain central to Clare House School’s development.
Committees: Chair of the Wellbeing and Care Committee | Member of the Education Committee
Dr Monique David
An experienced GP Partner with over 14 years of clinical and leadership expertise across primary care and medical education. Monique serves as a Lead GP Educator and Designated Safeguarding Lead, with extensive experience in child protection, adoption and fostering. She brings strong expertise in safeguarding, health policy and pastoral wellbeing.
Committees: Member of the Wellbeing and Care Committee | Member of the Education Committee
Michael Harris
A senior marketing and strategy leader experienced in education and supporting independent and international schools across the UK, Europe and Asia. He is completing an MBA at Imperial College London and holds Member grade with the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Michael brings expertise in strategic planning, digital transformation and sustainable organisational growth.
Committees: Chair of the Growth and Development Committee | Member of the Education Committee
Our full governance documents and policies are available on request. Please contact us at info@clarehouseschool.org