The Governing Body is made up of individuals who are representative of different sections of the academy and the local community. Some are elected by parents and staff while the rest are appointed by the Trust; their term of office lasts for 4 years, after which they will need to be re-appointed if they wish to continue being a Governor. The Board of Governors works with the principal to secure the delivery of education in the school suitable to the needs, ages and abilities of the pupils. Becoming a governor is a way of contributing to your local school and learning new skills.
An outstanding Governing Body is absolutely key to the effectiveness of a school or academy. OFSTED (the national inspection body for schools) has noted that the most effective schools clearly demonstrate effective leadership and management, of which Governance is a vital part.
As a Governing Body we are continually looking out for individuals who are committed to seeing Bishop Young CofE Academy continue to improve so that our children gain the necessary skills they need to be able to make aspirational choices in the future. We need people who are able to look at our academy strategically, who are able to support the leadership but also provide appropriate challenge. Our purpose is always to help the academy improve its performance, and therefore improve outcomes for the children in our community.
In particular, we are looking for individuals who can provide an important link with the local community, as well as having business and management skills and experience. You do not need to be an expert in education, but someone who is not afraid to consider issues and ask questions that will challenge and hold the academy leadership to account.
In turn, we hope that becoming a Governor will enable you to strengthen existing skills and develop new ones, as well as providing an opportunity to contribute positively to the children and families in our local community.
If you are interested in becoming a Governor, and would like to know more, please contact one of the people listed below:
Mr. Paul Cooper - Executive Principal
0113 273 9100
paul.cooper@abbeytrust.org
Honor Byford – Co-Chair of Governors (Trust appointed)
Term of office - 01/05/2021 – 30/04/2025
Sally Robinson - Co-Chair of Governors (Trust appointed)
Term of office - 02/07/2022 – 01/07/2026
Reverend Anne Russell – Clergy (Ex Officio)
Appointed - 21/11/2022
Term of Office - N/A
Libby Ashworth – Staff Governor
Term of office - 04/05/2022 – 03/05/2026
Donna Dyson - Parent Governor
Term of office 21/06/2023 - 20/06/2027
Paul Cooper – Principal (Ex Officio)
Appointed - 01/09/2017
Term of office – N/A
Rachael Lacey-Cole – Principal (Associate Governor)
Appointed - 01/09/2020
Term of office – N/A
Laura Lister - Governor (Trust-appointed)
Term of Office - 07/02/2024 - 06/02/2028
Surinder Raggu - Governor (Trust-appointed)
Term of Office - 02/09/2024 - 01/09/2028
Kofi Mensah - Governor (Co-opted)
Appointed: 11 November 2024
Ends: 10 November 2028
Debbie Lamb - Governor (Trust appointed). Term of office 27/06/2023 - 10/11/2023
Hayley McNeill – Staff Governor. Term of office - 21/11/2022 – 29/02/2024
