Full Governing Body Structure 2024 - 2025

This is a brief outline of what we do and who we are.

What do we do?

The Governing Body acts as a group. We have a range of duties and powers and a general responsibility for the conduct of the school.

We decide:

• the aims and policies of the school;
• how the standards of education can be improved;
• how the school should be run in general terms;
• how to spend the school budget.

We:

• work with the Headteacher and staff to draw up the School Development Plan;
• make sure that the National Curriculum and Religious Education are being taught and report on the National Curriculum assessments and examination results;
• select the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher;
• make sure proper procedures are in place for appointing, promoting, supporting and disciplining staff;
• oversee the way the school is managed, including matters relating to buildings.

We are a Voluntary Aided School, which means we have more autonomy in some areas of policy than a board of governors of other types of schools. We differ in that we are responsible for:

• the Admission Policy of the school;
• the buildings and their upkeep;
• setting the Religious Education and Collective Worship Policy

and

• we are the employers of the staff in the school.

We are a corporate body, so individual governors are generally protected from personal liability, provided that we act honestly, reasonably and in good faith.  We have a Constitution which is written up in a legal document called the Instrument of Government. This sets out the number of members in each category of governor and confirms that the school has a Christian foundation.

Types of Governors

We have ten members on our Governing Body. For further details about becoming a Governor in Blackburn with Darwen please see:

https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/index.php/governors 

For specific vacancies at St Cuthbert’s CE Primary please contact the School Business Manager Mrs Moorhouse.  

They have a special responsibility for ensuring that the character of the school as a Church of England Voluntary Aided School is preserved and developed.

• The Rector is an Ex Officio Foundation Governor, by virtue of being an incumbent of the Parish.
• PCC Foundation Governors (4): elected by the Parochial Parish Council.
• DBE Foundation Governors (3): elected by the Diocesan Board of Education.
• LA Governor (1): Appointed by the Local Authority.
• Parent Governors (2): Elected by the Parents.
• Headteacher Governor (1): Automatically an Ex Officio governor.
• Staff Teaching Governor (1): Elected by the staff.
• 1 co-opted Governor (1): 

Register of Attendance: Full Governing Body Committee

Committee : Emily Coolican, Vicky Weddle (Chair), Claire Marsden, Daniel Farnworth, Julian Wainwright, Fr Nicholas Davis, Jackie Stokes, Stacey Jo Thomas, Phil Tomlin, Julie Eatwell

• Attended  A  Apologies  AA Apologies Accepted

Register of Attendance: Committee Meetings

Committee : Emily Coolican, Vicky Weddle (Chair), Claire Marsden, Daniel Farnworth, Julian Wainwright, Fr Nicholas Davis, Jackie Stokes, Stacey Jo Thomas, Phil Tomlin, Julie Eatwell

• Attended  A  Apologies  AA Apologies Accepted

Governor Profiles

Chair of Governors - 

Vicky Weddle

I am a school effectiveness officer for BwD council, supporting all schools across our borough in a variety of different ways, one being a responsibility for safeguarding in schools. Previous to this role, I was a primary headteacher in Darwen and have lived in the area for the past 28 years, where my own children went to school and grew up. I know the town and the community around St Cuthbert's very well. I was elected Chair of governors not long after joining the board and hope that my knowledge and experience will be an asset to supporting staff, pupils and parents to further improve on what is a well-established school with an excellent Christian vision and ethos.

Foundation PCC Governor

Mr P Tomlin 

In total, I’ve spent nearly 35 years at work and am currently employed in the waste & recycling industry - prior to this I worked in public relations, marketing and sales. As a committed recycler at home I drive my family mad with my regular sorting through our waste bins! Outside of work I’m very keen on walking, (amongst other things) and regularly walk in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the beautiful countryside around Darwen. 

I’ve been married for 22 years to Jenny and our two children, (Christopher & Eleanor) both attended St Cuthbert’s School. I’m currently Stage Manager of St Cuthbert’s Amateur Dramatic Society so some of you may have seen me during the pantomime. I’ve taken a number of ‘recycling assemblies’ and was appointed as a Governor in summer 2013 and am now Chair. I’m keen to support the school with their eco-school programme which will help us enhance the curriculum, link more closely with the community, improve our school whilst learning and having fun!

I want to ensure that everyone in the St Cuthbert’s family has their ideas listened too, their dreams respected and that they are all treated with respect and integrity as befits our Christian community. 

Ex Officio Foundation Governor -Incumbent of the Parish

Rev Father Nicholas Davis

I am the Priest in Charge of Darwen, St Cuthbert with Tockholes St. Stephen.  I was appointed to this position in November 2016 having previously been the priest-in-charge at Holy Trinity, Tarleton and St Mary the Virgin, Rufford w Holmeswood.  I am passionate about our church being at the heart of our local community, catering for the needs of all of the people in the parish and working closely with the school.  I lead worship in school every Thursday and enjoy spending time with the children and staff of St Cuthbert's School.

Foundation PPC Governor - Resources Committee 

Miss C Marsden

My name is Claire and I am a recently qualified High School History Teacher. I have worked in education, covering various support roles, since I gained my degree in 2010. I joined the governing body in summer 2013 and continue to support the children, staff and wider community of our school to ensure that all areas are able to thrive and that the children enjoy their education as I did mine. I have attended St. Cuthbert’s Church for over 20 years and am proud to be an active member – singing in the Church choir, sitting on the PCC, youth leader and leading Messy Church sessions. I am a committee member for the amateur dramatic society and find myself very busy during panto time, with many jobs on the go! I thoroughly enjoy my singing, being a member of several choirs across Darwen and Blackburn, and enjoy supporting others in their music. I am excited to be a member of the governing body and helping the school to go from strength to strength.

Foundation PCC Governor - Resources Committee 

Mr J Wainwright

I am a member of St Cuthbert's Church where I sing in the choir.  I am also involved in the amateur dramatic society and am usually found backstage dealing with the technical side of the productions.  I work within the IT sector and often find myself sorting IT problems for school.  

Parent Governor

Jackie Stokes 

I am Jackie Stokes, I have been a parent governor at St Cuthbert's primary school since 2023.

I graduated from Salford University in 2006 with a physiotherapy degree, I currently lead a community rehab team based in Pendle. I moved to Darwen in 2009 and both my children have attended St Cuthbert's primary school since 2017.

Within my professional role I have experience of audit, performance management, service development and recruitment, as well as the day to day management and organisation required for running a team and service.

I have a keen interest in St Cuthbert's primary school, both the performance and welfare of all who attend and work there. My role as a governor enables me to gain greater insight into the running of the school and my skills and experience are useful to support the development of the school.

Foundation Governor 

Stacey-Jo Thomas

I am a school leader in a local school and have been a teacher for many years, teaching from EYFS right through to Year 6.  I have been a foundation governor at St Cuthbert's since September 2023 and am passionate about supporting the school and its community so that all can flourish. It is exciting to be a part of school community that is as close and well-cared for as the one at St Cuthbert's. 

Headteacher Governor -

Emily Coolican

I have been at St Cuthbert's since September 2021. I was appointed as Headteacher from January 2022 and feel privileged to be in a position where I can contribute to the further development of what is a very special and unique school and community. I am passionate about ensuring that our children and their families get the very best from their time at St Cuthbert's and the way in which we help to prepare children for their futures by nurturing them and providing the very best foundations in order for them to thrive.

Teacher Governor - 

Daniel Farnworth

I have been at St Cuthbert’s for 8 years as a teacher across both KS1 and KS2 as well as in PSRP. I have been staff governor for 2 years. I choose to be a governor as I am passionate about the school and want to help the school in any way I can. I am eager to support the staff, pupils and parents at our wonderful school.

Clerk to the Governors

Governor Services - Blackburn with Darwen LA

All Governors can be contacted through the school office.