Our Foundation and Governance
Thornton is a Catholic foundation which upholds Christian principles and values. We are an inclusive community and we welcome children of many different denominations and faiths.
The Religious of Jesus and Mary founded Thornton College in 1917 and the Sisters continue to play an active role in the daily life and management of the school. Members of the congregation are the Trustees of the school and serve on the governing body. A community of sisters lives within the main house and provides daily support for both staff and pupils.
Prayer is an important aspect of the life of our school and we worship together as one community. Every morning begins with prayer either in the Chapel, Assembly Hall or classroom, and every girl has an opportunity to lead and to take an active part in our worship. We recognise that each girl is making a personal spiritual journey and we invite all members of our community on a journey of self-discovery by offering time and opportunity for reflection and consideration of the spiritual side of life. In this way each child may grow and develop as an individual who can look outside herself with empathy, wisdom and a sense of purpose.
Sacramental preparation takes place outside the classroom in liaison with home parishes.
Girls may attend Mass daily if they wish before school begins and the boarders attend Mass each Sunday morning. On Holy Days of Obligation and when marking special occasions, Mass is celebrated for the whole community.
We encourage our girls to recognise their unique gifts and abilities, to work towards their full development and to respect the faith and beliefs of others. We endeavour to ensure that every voice is listened to, valued and accepted, so that we may all be open to change and can work together to build our community. In this way, we enable our pupils to be mature, responsible and active members of our community and, later on, of the wider community, as they understand the value of service to others.
Governance
The management of Thornton College is overseen by Trustees and Governors.
The Chairperson of the Trustees is the Superior of the European Province of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary. Six of the Trustees are members of the Governing Body of Thornton College. These Trustees, under the direction of the Chairperson, guide and govern Thornton College through the auspices of the Governing Body.
Role of the Chairperson of the Trustees:
1. To appoint the Governors of Thornton College
2. To appoint the Chairs of Committees
3. To appoint the Headmistress, in consultation with the Governors.
4. To appoint the Staff of the College, in consultation with the Governors and Headmistress.
5. To review, with the Trustees, the Articles of Government of the College, in consultation with the Governors.
Thornton College is one of a number of Jesus and Mary schools situated in some 25 countries. It is the responsibility of the Chairperson of the Trustees to ensure that the College offers a Christian formation to its students and staff and remains faithful to the founding spirit of St Claudine Thévènet – a characteristic of all Jesus and Mary schools.
In addition to the Trustees who are Governors: Sr. Judith Cuff [Chairperson], Sr. Helen Mary Haigh [Clerk], Sr. Brenda Kilbride, Sr. Dolores Lynn, Sr. Claudine Donovan, Sr. Joan Hunter, the following persons also serve on the Governing Body:
Mrs Patricia Haig [Chair of Marketing Committee]
Mr Barry Hampson
Mr Robin Haseldine
Mrs Rosemary Kaye [Training]
Sr Nuala Kelly
Mrs Hilary Knight
Mrs Mary Minton [Boarding]
Mr Michael Murray [Chair of Finance Committee]
Mr Stephen O’Brien [Diocesan Representative]
Sr Mary James O’Donohoe
Dame Mary Richardson [Chair of Curriculum and Personnel Committee]
Mrs Jenny Townsend [Child Protection]
Miss Agnes Williams [Headmistress]
If you wish to contact the Governors please write to Sr Helen Mary Haigh, Clerk to the Governors, Convent of Jesus and Mary, Thornton, Bucks, MK17 0HJ