Academy Council

Meet the Governors

Our recent Ofsted inspection rated our school as GOOD. Quotes from the inspection report included:

‘Leaders, governors and the trust put the needs of pupils at the heart of all decisions they make’

‘Leaders pay great attention to pupils’ well-being and mental health.’

About the Academy Council

Since becoming part of The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust in July 2015 the Governing Body is now called the Academy Council.

The Types of Governor explained

Foundation Governor -  Foundation Governors are appointed by the church and since becoming part of the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust in July 2015, Foundation Governors are appointed by the Bishop of Leeds.  Foundation Governors are required to make up the majority of the Academy Council.

Parent Governor – Parent Governors are elected from parents at the School by parents at the School.  Please click here to see the Parent Election Pack.

Staff Governors – Staff Governors are elected by the School Staff.

Governors Code of Conduct

Leeds Diocesan Protocols

Articles of Association

Signed Resolution of Adoption of Articles

Register of Interests 2023-2024

Governor Training

Governor training is provided by both North Yorkshire County Council and the Diocese of Leeds. We recognise that it is important that our Governors remain current and we attend available courses frequently.

Admissions Committee  -  In summary, the Admissions Committee determines admission policy and arrangements.  It implements the policy and reports decision to the full Academy Council.  It acts in accordance with the statutory School Admissions Code of Practice at all times.  

Catholic Life Committee - In summary, the Catholic Life Committee monitors and reviews the provision for religious education and collective worship.

The Role of the Governor

The work of the governors is to provide strategic direction to the school by setting its aims and objectives, establishing policies and procedures, monitoring, evaluating and reviewing progress of the school and being accountable for the school finances.

The Governors have their own Action Plan which focuses on having a more robust approach to reviewing and evaluating the work of the school. To do this governors have allocated responsibilities in specific areas e.g. Maths, English, RE, Safeguarding, SEN & Inclusion, Health & Safety, Pupil Voice (School Council) and Catholic Life of the school.  Governors will spend time with the school Leadership team visiting the school and reviewing these areas, they will also wherever possible attend informal school events e.g. school masses and assemblies, productions, parents evenings etc. This will be parents’ opportunity to meet them.

Governors are jointly responsible for the conduct of the School, ensuring that the best possible Catholic education is provided for the pupils attending St Mary’s.  The Governing Body is a corporate entity and acts as a group.  Each member has a right to participate in all aspects of School Governance.  Although Governors are appointed or elected by different groups, they are not delegates of those group and their central concern must be the welfare of the School as a whole.  Please click here to find out more about a Governor’s Job Description, Responsibilities and required Personal Qualities.

Would you like to find out more about what the Governors do?

If you would like to find out more about what the Academy Council does or are interested in becoming involved then please contact our Chair – Mrs Monica Uden, our Vice Chair – Mr Mark Goodfield or our Headteacher – Mrs Helen Tomlinson.

 

Governor Details, Responsibilities and Business Interests

Governor Details, Responsibilities and Register of Interests for 2023/24

Mr Paul Jackson

Trust Board Link Governor

Appointed by: Bishop of Leeds

Relationship between Governor and staff: Nil

Link: Academy Council

Register of Interests: Headteacher and ex-officio Governor of St John Fisher Catholic High School, Harrogate, April 2001-April 2014

AC Meetings attended 23/24: 2

 

Mrs Monica Uden

Chair of Governors

Appointed by: Bishop of Leeds

Term of Office: 18/03/2023 (4 years)

Positions of Responsibility: Chair, Quality of Education, Quality of Early Years Education, Inclusion, SEND, RE and Catholic Life

Relationship between Governor and staff: Nil

Link: SEND

Register of Interests: Nil

AC Meetings attended 23/24

Mr Mark Goodfield

Vice Chair

Appointed by: Bishop of Leeds

Term of Office: 31/03/2024 (4 years)

Positions of Responsibility: Science

Relationship between Governor and staff: Nil

Link: Science

Register of Interests: Nil

AC Meetings attended 20/21:

Mr Neil Broadhurst

Foundation Governor

Appointed by: Bishop of Leeds

Term of Office: 27/10/2021 (4 years)

Positions of Responsibility: Quality of Education and Sports Premium

Relationship between Governor and staff: Nil

Link: Maths

Register of Interests: Nil

AC Meetings attended 23/24

Mr Richard Moss

Parent Governor

Appointed by: Parent vote

Term of Office: 14/11/2022 (3 years)

Positions of Responsibility: Finance and Premises, Health & Safety

Relationship between Governor and staff: Nil

Register of Interests: Nil

AC Meetings attended 23/24:

Mrs Helen Tomlinson

Headteacher

Positions of Responsibility: Head of School

Relationship between Governor and staff: Nil

Register of Interests: Nil

AC Meetings attended 23/24:

Mr Henry Verhees

Staff Governor

Appointed by: Staff vote

Term of Office: 01/10/2022 (4 years)

Positions of Responsibility: Year 2 Class Teacher

Relationship between Governor and staff: Nil

Register of Interests: Nil

AC Meetings attended 23/24:

Mrs Michelle Greene

Parent Governor

Appointed by: Academy Council

Term of Office: 21/11/22 (4 years)

Positions of Responsibility: Wellbeing and Mental Health

Relationship between Governor and staff: Nil

Register of Interests: Nil

AC Meetings attended 23/24:

Miss Sarah McCann

Foundation Governor

Appointed by: Bishop of Leeds

Term of Office: 04/09/2023 (4 years)

Relationship between Governor and staff: Nil

Link: English

Register of Interests: Nil

AC Meetings attended 23/24:

Mrs Claire Clarke

Foundation Governor

Appointed by: Bishop of Leeds

Term of Office: 20/04/2023 (4 years)

Relationship between Governor and staff: Nil

Link: EYFS

Register of Interests: Nil

AC Meetings attended 23/24:

Ms Emma Hart

Clerk to the Governors

Appointed by: Academy Council

 

Academy Council Meetings

The Academy Council meets at least five times every school year, twice in the Autumn Term, once/twice in the Spring and twice in the Summer Term.

Minutes of all Academy Council Meetings are available via the School Office on request.

 

School Year 2023/2024

Governors Attendance 22/23

 

• 29th September 2023 - AC Meeting 1
• 23rd November 2023 - AC Meeting 2
• 1st February 2024 - AC Meeting 3
• 9th May 2024 - AC Meeting 4 and 5
• 18th July 2024 - AC Meeting 6