Governors

‘God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.’ 1 Peter 4:10

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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.

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

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

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The role of the Local Governing Board

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Interested in becoming a governor?

Click below for further information and to get in touch.

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Find out more about the impact you could make by watching this short video from the charity, Governors for Schools.

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‘So it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.’ Romans 12:5

Who we are

‍Sam Low (Chair) - Trust appointed governor‍

Term of office: 25 April 2023 - 24 April 2027

Responsibilities: SEND

Contact Address: Sam Low, Chair of Governors, C/O Manston St James C of E Primary Academy, Sandbed Lane, Cross Gates, Leeds LS15 8JH

Email: info@manstonstjames.co.uk

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Helen Wright - Trust appointed governor

Term of office: 22 April 2023 - 21 April 2027

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Rev. Daniel Miles - Foundation governor (Incumbent)

Term of office: 14 October 2022 - N/A

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Danielle West - Parent governor

Term of office: 17 November 2025 - 16 November 2029

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Lisa Mahoney - Co-opted governor

Term of office: 28 November 2023 - 27 November 2027‍

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Marie Pearson - Co-opted governor

Term of office: 16 June 2026 - 15 June 2030

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Katherine Brooke - Parent governor

Term of office: 05 December 2022 - 04 December 2026‍

Responsibilities: Safeguarding

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Emma Caygill-Boothroyd - Staff governor

Term of office: 02 October 2023 - 01 October 2027

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Emma Prest - Staff governor

Term of office: 05 March 2024 - 03 March 2028

Responsibilities: SEND

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Antoni Biedka - Ex-officio governor (Headteacher)

Term of office: 3 June 2024 - N/A

Stepped down within last 12 months:

Manjit Lamb-Purewal - Trust appointed governor Term of office: 23  November 2024 - 22 November 2028
Yetunde Ayorinde (Co-vice Chair) - Parent governor Term of office: 04 November 2021 - 03 November 2025