Governors

Strong leadership is central to our Christian Vision of ‘Living and learning together in the light of God.' It focuses on creating outstanding, nurturing provision that improves outcomes, develops a lifelong love of learning and values each child’s gifts. Every member of the school community plays a significant part in its success.

We have a range of active and skilled governors who support the school in its work to achieve its vision. As you will see from the information below governors are appointed to represent different bodies or organisations. Regardless of their designation all governors embrace the principle of serving all the children in our school. Led by our foundation governors all governors understand and embrace their role of supporting, upholding and developing the distinctiveness of the school as a Church of England School. Governors work collectively on this priority.

Governors are volunteers who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education.  They have a wide range of responsibilities, with priority being the strategic direction of the school and with fellow governors, being accountable for the performance of the school.

The Governing body has a range of duties and a general responsibility for the conduct of the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement.  It’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

– setting and monitoring the strategic direction of the school
– managing the school’s finances
– making sure the curriculum is balanced and broadly based
– appointing new staff
– reviewing staff performance and pay

The structure and makeup of the School Governing Body is set as follows:

Foundation Representatives: 7, current representatives: 4, vacancies: 3

Headteacher: 1, current representatives: 1, vacancies: 0

LA Representatives: 1, current representatives: 1, vacancies: 0

Parent Representatives: 1, current representatives: 1, vacancies; 1

Staff Representative: 1, current representatives: 1, vacancies: 0

Total: 12, Vacancies: 4

The Full Governing Body meets a least 3 times each year (but usually more often than this)
Separate meetings for ‘teaching, learning and pupil support’ and ‘resources.’ are held throughout the year
Governors also conduct regular monitoring and evaluation visits.

Erica Swales - Chair of Governors, Foundation Governor

I was delighted to join the Governing Body as Foundation Governor and Chair in March 2022.

During my thirty five year career ,I have held senior operational leadership and Operations Director positions in large corporate organisations in the private sector , in both the Financial Service and Outsourcing markets . I have achieved great success in coaching and developing people to achieve results to reach their full potential and I am really looking forward to utilising these skills in the school community.

Since taking early retirement and graduating from the Leading Leeds Governor programme I have held Governor positions in two primary schools in the Leeds area and am currently chairing an Interim Executive Board for a school that requires rapid improvement.

I am passionate about driving improvements in education to improve lives and firmly believe that every child counts and that children should be placed at the centre of all decisions made in schools. I enjoy working with the whole school community to ensure all children at Lady Elizabeth Hastings’ are given educational opportunity to optimise their individual potential. Please contact me via the school office should you wish to discuss anything with me.

Katie Barnett - Headteacher

Awaiting Content

Philippa Smith - Foundation Governor

I was very happy to join the governing body in February 2021 as a foundation governor. I have worked in primary education for over 26 years, with 17 years as a primary headteacher, and recently joined the Education Team at the Diocese of York as a School Development Adviser. I am a registered SIAMS inspector, a member of North Yorkshire SACRE and am also a trustee for a Multi Academy Trust. I feel privileged to be working in education and am passionate about using my experience to ensure our children receive the very best.

Clair Graham-Brown - Foundation Governor

I’m very grateful for the opportunity to join the Governing Body as a foundation governor from September 2021 and look forward to supporting all that the school does for the benefit of its children, staff and wider community. I joined the Diocese of York’s Education Team as Deputy Director of Education in 2014, to provide guidance and support to Church of England schools on principally governance and related matters. Prior to taking up my role at the Diocese, I gained experience as a solicitor, initially in private practice and latterly in house, most recently at Imperial College London. I’m looking forward to using my skills for the good of the school and those it serves.

Mr Mark Wake - LA Governor

I am delighted to be part of the LEH Governing body and I bring with me over 30 years experience in financial services and general business management. It’s a pleasure to be able to bring my expertise into school to help support the teachers and pupils achieve all their ambitions and potential.

Mrs Joanna Davies - Foundation Governor

I was delighted to join the governing body in October 2023 as a Foundation Govenor, I am also a parent to 2 children currently attending the school. I work as a Lay Minister for the Bramham Benefice Churches, which are linked to the school and also as a Community Development Worker in the local area. I have a particular interest in supporting families with children who have additional needs and am involved in running local support groups for parents. I previously worked as a Physiotherapist in the NHS and at Martin House Children's Hospice. I hope to use my skills and experience to contribute towards the excellent staff and governing team to help each child to flourish in the school environment.

Mrs Amy Surtees - Parent Governor

I was really grateful for the opportunity to join the Governing Body in 2022 as a parent governor. I have lived in Thorp Arch nearly all of my life. I was a pupil of Lady Hastings and my child is currently attending the school. I have been involved in the local community and have also served as a member of Thorp Arch Parish Council.

I have a degree in Marketing and many years experience in senior management roles in commercial and not for profit organisations. I use my skill set to promote, enhance and support the pupils and staff of the school.

Mrs Rebecca Marsden - Foundation Governor

I help to bring knowledge of the working classroom to our governing body, in order to support the development of our school so that every child can let their light shine. I have worked in education for nearly 20 years as a teacher, SENDCo and Deputy Headteacher . I feel very lucky to work alongside our dedicated and supportive staff and governing body.

Mr Simon Hesketh - Staff Governor

Having joined the LEH staff team as the new Deputy Headteacher in September 2023, I am also delighted to be part of the Governing Body as the Staff Governor. I have over fifteen years of experience in education as a class teacher and a senior leader and I am excited to bring my range of knowledge and skills to the team. I am passionate about giving children the best opportunities we can and I am excited to be part of a wonderful school community and a team that it so dedicated to driving the continued improvement of our school