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Governors

About the role of Governors

Governors work as a team called the local governing board. 

The 3 core functions of the governing board are:

  • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
  • Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
  • Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent

The governors of St Polycarp's Catholic Primary School believe it is important that committees reflect the diversity of the school communities they serve. Diverse committees promote inclusive school environments and provide diverse role models for staff and young people.

The governors are currently collecting data on the diversity of the LGC, including data on age, gender and ethnicity. They will use that data to inform their recruitment and training needs and ensure there is always a diverse range of perspectives around the table to support robust decision making.

Current Governing Body

NAME ROLE - APPOINTED BY FROM TO
Martin Parr Chair - Diocese 12 NOV 2022 11 NOV 2026
Paula Best Headteacher - Ex Officio 1 SEP 2018 -
Martyn Peebles Staff Election 4 SEP 2023 3 SEP 2027
Tessa Prentice Staff Election 28 SEP 2023 27 SEP 2027
Maggie Putland Foundation Governor 2 OCT 2024 1 OCT 2028
Emma Firth Associate Governor 20 SEP 2021 19 SEP 2025
Naomi-Claire Lowe  Local Governing Committee 18 MAR 2024 17 MAR 28
Jennifer Sullivan  Parent Governor 14 SEP 2021 13 SEP 2025
Hayley Snishko Associate Governor 23 OCT 2023 22 OCT 2027
Simon Shaw Associate Governor 1 FEB 2024 31 JAN 2028
Joanna Croney Associate Governor 17 JAN 2024 16 JAN 2028
Ruth Akujuaobi Parent Governor 26 JUN 2024 25 JUN 2028

Contact the Governors

If you wish to contact the governors you can either write to the school for the attention of the chairman of the governors, Mr Martin Parr or email us.

Minutes of Governors Meetings

The minutes of all meetings held by the governing body are available to view at the school office by arrangement.

School Development Fund

Our ambition at St Polycarp's is to provide the very best education for all of our pupils.

The School Development Fund (previously known as the Governors Fund) is funded through parental donations and has always been a source of much needed capital for projects that have included: The classrooms for year R and Year 2 costing in excess of £1m, the kitchen enlargement 10 years ago costing around £250,000. More recently the entire cost of replacing many of the toilets, installing the IT suite and updating the outdoor play areas have been covered by contributions from the trust fund, and our amazing PTA.

If you don’t currently pay into the School Development Fund, we would be grateful if you could complete the online sign up via the ‘piggy bank’ icon on the top right hand side of the school website to add either a regular or one-off contribution. You can also contribute via CAF Donate here. 

Please ask the school office if you require help with this. 

Many employers operate match funding and/or similar funding schemes that could increase your contribution. We know how busy parents are, but if you think your employer may run one of these schemes, we are happy to assist in any administration that might be involved.

100% of the School Development Fund goes to the school and is used to benefit each and every pupil at St. Polycarp's.