Our Governors

Governors are members of a corporate body, who work together as one for the good of a school. The board of governors has a strategic role to play in the direction of the school. It has responsibility for determining the conduct of the school, its ethos, vision, planning and general development. We have an interest in getting the best for all children and work alongside the head teacher to make this happen. We are not involved in the day to day running of the school, which is the role of the head teacher, but you will see us around the school as we monitor and evaluate progress towards goals.

Our statutory duties include:-

  • setting strategic direction, policies and objectives
  • approving the school budget
  • reviewing progress against the school's budget and objectives
  • appointing, challenging and supporting the head teacher

Governor Impact Statement 

We are a dedicated and professional team of governors, proud to be responsible for supporting the strategic direction of New York Primary School. We identify as critical friends, providing challenge and contribution to ensure the best possible education and opportunities for all pupils.

We are in regular communication with the headteacher and school leaders throughout the year, and meet as a Full Governing Body four times per year with subcommittees meeting in between.  We attend school regularly to provide curriculum-related monitoring and to participate in various school events including school performances, Parent and Pupil Book Looks and other activities that enable us to experience life within school. We embrace the school vision and uphold the mission statement, ‘Come as you are. Leave at your best’.

Publication of Governor’s Details and Register of Interests

In the interests of transparency, all schools and academies should publish on their website, up to date details of the structure of the governing body and any committees, together with the names of their governors and their particular roles and responsibilities within that structure. This information is required for each governor who has served at any point over the past 12 months.

Structure of the Governing Body and Committees

The Chair of the Governing Body is: Mrs Joanna Lyons and the Vice Chairs of the Governing Body are: Mr Peter Cunningham and Mr Gareth Rosbrook.

The Governing Body’s structure and membership is outlined in the table below and within that structure it has the following committees:​

Current Governing Body’s structure / membership and Pecuniary Interests:

ForenameSurnamePositionCategoryStartEnd
PeterCunninghamVice ChairCo-opted2/10/20191/10/2027
SarahHollywoodStaff10/6/20159/6/2027
JulieHubbardCo-opted2/10/20191/10/2027
JoannaLyonsChairCo-opted2/10/20191/10/2027
GarethRosbrookVice ChairCo-opted16/2/202215/2/2026
JillSapsfordCo-opted16/2/202215/2/2026
JillShawHeadteacherHeadteacher1/1/2016
RebeccaSowdenLocal Authority1/2/202431/1/2028
JohnSpoorsCo-opted12/2/20207/2/2028
LucyWraightParent23/11/202222/11/2026
JoanneFairleyCo-opted7/2/20246/2/2028