Governance

What is a Local Governing Board?

A school’s Local Governing Board is a corporate body. This means it has a legal existence separate from that of its individual members. It comprises both appointed and elected members, known as governors, who serve for a term of four years.

The Local Governing Board works with the leadership team, providing support and appropriate challenge, to ensure that the school operates as effectively as possible.

Ofsted acknowledges that the most successful schools demonstrate high standards of leadership and management – including that of the governing board.

The role of the Local Governing Board

The Local Governing Board focuses on school-specific needs and ensures community engagement and accountability.

It has four key functions:

  • Direction: Ensure there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
  • Performance: Hold executive leaders to account for the school’s educational performance, pupil outcomes and staff performance management.
  • Expenditure: Have account of key variances to budget and responsibility for holding leaders accountable for pupil premium and sports premium spending.
  • Stakeholders: Ensure the voices of stakeholders are heard.

Who can become a governor?

For a school to operate successfully, it requires a governing board with a balance and diversity of knowledge, skills and experience.

You must be aged 18 and over and do not need to be a parent. There is no requirement for you to have a formal understanding of the education system, just an enquiring mind, the ability to work as part of a team and the time to contribute and attend the half termly meetings.

Above all else, we are looking for governors who share our values and have a passion for improving the lives of the children and young people we serve.

As a governor, you will be able to:

  • Draw on your professional and life experiences to inform discussion and decision making.
  • Utilise and develop your skills in a board-level environment.
  • Support and challenge the school to drive improvement for its whole community.

Interested in becoming a governor?

Click below for further information and to get in touch.

Who we are

Peter Laurence (Chair) – Trust appointed governor

Term of office: 15 June 2019 - 31 August 2025
Responsibilities: Safeguarding/SEND/Careers education & guidance

Neil Badrock (Vice Chair)Trust appointed governor

Term of office: 12  January 2022 - 11 January 2026

 

John Radcliffe – Co-opted governor

Term of office: 01 March 2023 - 28 February 2027

Emma Hendry – Parent governor

Term of office: 23  September 2022 - 22 September 2026

Dick Nuttall – Parent governor

Term of office: 31 October 2022 - 30 October 2026

Karen O’Rourke – Staff governor

Term of office: 25 April  2022 - 24 April 2026

Sarah Powell – Staff governor

Term of office: 25 April  2022 - 24 April 2026

 

Jo Hackett – Associate (Head of School)

Term of office: 01 January 2023 - N/A

Paul Cooper – Ex-officio governor (Executive Principal)

Term of office: 01 September 2020 -N/A 

Stepped down in last 12 months:

Amanda Bennett – Trust appointed governor Term of office: 24 April  2023 - 21 November 2024