Our Governing Body
The role of the governing body is a strategic one with three core functions, supporting the Trust Board with:
- setting strategic direction
- creating robust accountability
- ensuring best use of financial resources
The work of the governing body is driven by the school improvement plan. Discussions, decisions and actions for governors focus on school finance, staffing matters, use and condition of premises, pupils' wellbeing, curriculum, data and assessment, working with stakeholders, and organisational changes.
The full governing body must meet at least three times per academic year but most meet more frequently through committee meetings and less formal, 'Governor Gatherings'. There is an expectation that governors will also undertake monitoring visits into school to find out more about the school throughout the year. Governors work closely with the Headteacher and make decisions collectively as a team.
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, please contact New College Durham Academies Trust - enquiries@ncdat.org.uk
Our Governors
| Name | Position | Term of Office |
Special Interest | Register of Interests |
| Jo Woodhall | Headteacher | 1.9.25 | ||
| Angela Sterling - Vice Chair (Acting Chair) | Governor | 16.05.22 - 15.05.26 | Director of Lingotots, supplier of teaching services (from 16/05/2022 to current). | |
| Liam Smith | Staff Governor | 16.01.24 - 15.01.28 | None | |
| Jeanette Stephenson | Governor | 03.05.23 - 02.05.27 | None | |
| Aidan Batey | Governor | 20.03.25 – 19.03.29 | ||
| Dawn Huscroft | Governor | 20.03.25 – 19.03.29 | ||
| Amy Bell | Deputy Headteacher, Associate Governor | 1.9.25 |
Record of Attendance
2023-2024
|
Governor |
19th October 2023 |
8th February 2024 |
16th May 2024 |
|
Christine Bell |
Did not attend – no apologies received |
Did not attend – no apologies received |
Did not attend – no apologies received |
|
Lyndsey Hocking |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
|
Stephen Martin |
Attended |
Attended |
Apologies Accepted |
|
Julie McDonald |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
|
Christine Oliver |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
|
Joanne Shaw |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
|
Liam Smith |
Not yet on GB |
Not yet on GB |
Apologies Accepted |
|
Jeanette Stephenson |
Attended |
Apologies Accepted |
Did not attend – no apologies received |
|
Angela Sterling |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
|
Andrew Whitehead |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
2024-2025
| Governor | Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term |
| Julie McDonald | Attended | Attended | Attended |
| Christine Oliver | |||
| Joanne Shaw | Attended | Did not attend | Resigned from position |
| Liam Smith | Attended | Attended | Attended |
| Jeanette Stephenson | |||
| Angela Sterling | Attended | Attended | Attended |
| Andrew Whitehead | Attended | Resigned from position | Resigned from position |
Governing Body Resigned Members
| Governor | Position | Term of Office | Register of Interest | Resignation Date |
| Julie McDonald | Deputy Headteacher | - 31.08.2025 | none | - 31.08.2025 |
| Joanne Shaw | Headteacher | - 30.04.2025 | Sister-in-law to Chair of Governing Body | 30.04.2025 |
| Andrew Whitehead |
Chair of Governing Body; Chair of Finance; Staffing; Curriculum and Standards |
23.01.21 - 06.12.24 |
Married to Lynn Whitehead -Lewis, School Counsellor Brother-in-law to Headteacher |
06.12.2024 |
| Christine Oliver |
Parent Governor - Vice Chair; Finance Committee; Chair of Staffing Committee |
01.12.20 - 30.11.2024 | none | 30.11.2024 |
| Lyndsey Hocking | Parent Governor | 24.02.21 - 03.10.2024 | none | 03.10.2024 |
| Rev. Steven Martin | Governor | - 02.10.2024 | none | 02.10.2024 |