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The role of school governors is:
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The Government recognises the dedication of the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who serve as school governors who are passionate about supporting and improving their schools.
Governing bodies (also known at the Local Advisory Board or LAB) are the key strategic decision makers in every school and a key part of the overall system of school accountability. They have a vital role to play in driving up school and pupil performance and ensuring every child receives the best possible education.
The education system is changing rapidly. Every school needs a high performing governing body that:
- understands its responsibilities and focuses on its core strategic functions
- is made up of people with relevant skills and experience
- operates efficiently and effectively through appropriate structures and procedures
At St James' we recognise that our governors work really hard to help us make our school the best it can be and we are very grateful for their time and commitment.
Meet our Governors
Mrs Lowe - Staff Governor
My name is Julie Lowe and I have been a teaching assistant as St James' for over 20 years. I started working at St James' because both of my daughters attended this fantastic school.
I work alongside Mrs Stott and Mrs Farnworth in Year 6. I think this is the best job in the world. I have been a member of the governing body for many years and I feel strongly about the ethos and education which the school offers. I am passionate about St James' and I have seen it grow from strength to strength over the years. I like to throw myself into lots of activities around school: fairs, trips, reorganising, fundraising, celebrations and shows as I am a firm believer in developing the whole child. I truly believe that our children never leave St James' - they are always a member of our family, just more grown up.
Ms Rachel Berrisford - Co-opted Governor and Vice Chair of Governors
Hi. My name is Rachel Berrisford and I am excited to take up the opportunity of governor at St James. I work as a manager in the Local Authority and have responsibility for several teams. My background includes Youth Work, Family Intervention, Safeguarding and Management.
I have previously been a chair of governors at another primary school in Tameside, and was heavily involved in the strategic direction there. I believe this experience will be beneficial to everyone.
I thrive on challenge and effecting positive change. I believe that every child has the right to a safe, high quality and varied education. I am committed to improving delivery and performance.
I am looking forward to working with children, staff, parents/carers and fellow governors to build on the ethos and vision of the school, ensuring each child can reach their full potential.
We warmly welcome two new governors this term...
Ms Tina Howarth - Foundation Governor
Ms Bruna Pasqualicci - Parent Governor
Approved Minutes of the full governing body
Mr James Rolt - Headteacher
My name is James Rolt and I have been the headteacher of this wonderful school since September 2021.
Mr Deepak Agnihotri - Co-opted Governor and Chair of the Governing Body.
My name is Deepak Agnihotri. I am a Training Program Director for Health Education England. I am passionate about quality improvement and the clinical leadership provided by advanced clinical practitioners to provide innovative and person-centered care to people, meeting the needs of all our communities. In my work I use prescribing skills and knowledge to help people with Dementia and Learning disabilities. I also have a child in the school.
Mrs Bernadette Reid - Co-opted Governor
My name is Bernadette Reid. I am a retired nurse. I believe that the two most important things in life are health and education. Having spent 27 years working as a health care professional, I enjoy serving my community as a school governor. Having raised two children of my own, who both went through the local authority education system I know what a difference an excellent governing body, head teacher and school can make in a child’s life. I also know that, after their parents, the most important influence in a child’s life is their teacher. I have agreed to take a special interest in languages, craft and design and safeguarding and health and safety. These are not random choices: because I am an enthusiastic crafter and my daughter speaks five languages. Though I have little aptitude for languages myself, I realise the importance of languages in a diverse community. The first duty of any school is safety and I relish involvement in this area using the knowledge I gained as a health visitor.
The governing body would like to sincerely thank Mr Barker for his long service, dedication and commitment to our governing body.
Mr Barker - Co-opted Governor
Ian Barker, governor, here. I have a life long interest in education and in particular that which takes place in primary schools. In my professional life I have had a variety of roles in the education field. My interests in school life centre around maths and environmental studies. In the latter area I am interested in Eco-work and gardening. As a co-opted governor I feel that the school represents fully the community which it serves.
Useful links and documents for governors
Governance Handbook and Competency Framework for Governors
National Governors' Association
For up to date training modules from the comfort of your own home, please remember to access your e learning accounts as much as you can.
Types of Governors
Parent governors – parents with children at the school, elected by other parents;
Staff governors – teaching and support staff at the school, elected by other staff;
Foundation governors - appointed from the Parish by the Diocese;
Co-opted governors - people with links to the local community, chosen by other governors;
Associate governors – people from the local community chosen by the other governors.
