Our Local Governing Committee

Governors work closely with headteachers, school staff and representatives from the Trust. Our governance structure has been amended to reflect our school joining The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust (MAT) in November 2020, when we became a Local Governing committee.

Governor Membership and Interests

NameRepresentingDate of appointmentEnd of Term of OfficeDate stepped down
(if applicable)
Attendance at LGC MeetingsResponsibilitiesRelevant Business & Pecuniary Interests
Mrs Samantha Clarke Head Teacher - Ex Officio07.09.2021 - 3/3Admissions
Curriculum and Standards
None
Ms Katherine BartonFoundation20.11.2020 19.11.20242/3 Early Years
Leaderships & Management
Head teacher's PM, Pay Review
none
Miss Emma Waldock Foundation20.11.2020
19.11.20243/3Vice Chair,
Safeguarding
LAC, SCR, English/Reading/Phonics, Leadership & Management
Admissions
Pupil Discipline
Headteacher's PM
St Leonard's Catholic School, BWCET - Librarian - employed within the Trust 17 Apr 13
Durham County Councillor - 7 May 21
 Mrs Ruth Maitland Staff - elected by staff13.11.2020 12.11.20242/3RE/RSHE
Admissions
Emma Louise maitland - Daughter is Staff governor at the Federation of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Esh Winning and St Joseph's
She is also a teacher at St Charles Primary School, Tudhoe. She delivers the Parish First Holy Communion programme to St Bede's children
Mrs Gemma WiecekParent16.12.2215.12.26
Mrs Ruth BeltonFoundation30.06.202329.06.27
Mrs Sabine ZezeFoundation20.11.2020 19.11.20243/3Pupil Premium
Curriculum and Standards,
Pupil Discipline
None
Mr Thomas GillinghamFoundation20.11.2020 19.11.202421.11.20223/3None
Mr John QuinnFoundation08.10.2021 07.10.20253/3Chair,
Maths
Admissions.
Pay Review
SMART MAT - Trustee in addition to being a trustee/Chair of the Finance Committee, Audit and Risk Committee - 26 Sep 18
Success4All - Trustee - 28 Mar 20
Sythetic Data Inc Ltd - Shareholder - Non-exec CFO and hold 5% of the share of capital of this company - 16 Jan 22
Green White and SliceLtd - Shareholder, I hold 5% of the share capital of this company - 23 mar 22
Mrs Medi Volpe-Ayres
Foundation15.12.2020 14.12.2024April 231/3
Mrs Alison HolthamObserver - Deputy Head 24.03.2022 -None
Mr Michael FingletonFoundation/Appointed by the Diocese31.07.20223/3
Ms Samantha LishAdditional/ Appointed by the board14.07.20220/3
Mr Liam BurnParentresigned from office 11.10.202111.10.2021

Governors play an important part in raising standards for children. Their role is key to the effectiveness of the school and Ofsted judge this when inspecting the school. It is the job of the governors to appoint the head teacher and deputy head teacher. They provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools. The Governors also hold the main responsibility for school finance.

The Local Governing Committee is made up of individual members but is established in law as a corporate body. Decisions are the joint responsibility of the local governing committee; individual governors may not act independently.

The local governing committee has a strategic role and its key functions are to:

  • Set the aims and objectives for the school
  • Set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
  • Set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
  • Monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards for achievement of its aims and objectives
  • Be a source of challenge and support to the head teacher (a critical friend)

The internal organisation, management and control of the school and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governors is the responsibility of the head teacher.

Although all governors have the same roles and responsibilities, there are different categories of governor:

  • Foundation – these people are appointed by the Trust Board
  • Head Teacher – by virtue of appointment to post of Head Teacher
  • Staff – by virtue of appointment the head teacher is a staff governor. Other staff governors are elected by the academic and support staff
  • Parent – these people must have a child in school at the time of appointment and are elected by the parents of children in school
  • Additional Governor – appointed by the Trust Board

At St Bede’s we have a deeply committed local governing committee which meets regularly. Should you have any questions or queries for the governing body, please mark correspondence for the attention of the Chair of Governors, or alternatively email our Chair of Governors, Mr J Quinn at governance@bwcet.com

How To Become A School Governor

If you require further information on the roles and responsibilities of School Governors or you are interested in becoming one, visit www.bwcet.com/governance for further information


 


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