Governance

Governors are volunteers who collectively make up the schools Local Governing Committee. The Local Governing Committee comprises of individuals drawn from the school’s community, both as elected and appointed members.

The Diocese appoints Foundation Governors specifically to ensure:

• That the Catholic character of the school is preserved;
• That the school is conducted in accordance with its trust deed; and
• That the religious education curriculum is in accordance with the Bishop’s policy for his Diocese, based on the Bishops’ Conference Curriculum Directory.

The Headteacher is a Governor and each school also has elected Parent and Staff Governors and may also co-opt a Governor for a specific purpose.

The role of a Governor within the Trust is an important one. The governance structure ensures that as far as possible the responsibility to govern is vested in those closest to the impact of decision making. Governors play a crucial role in the leadership of our school. They share in the strategic responsibility of promoting high educational standards on and ensuring that the school is conducted as a Catholic school.  The overall role of the Local Governing Committee is to support and challenge the school leaders to provide the best possible education for all children.

Governors attend at least three full Local Governing Committee meetings a year, will have a monitoring role which helps them develop a deeper understanding of the school and may also sit on a sub committee where specific issues are considered such as admissions, staffing, finance or standards.

Governors are expected to attend training which is provided free of charge through the Trust and are required to undertake annual safeguarding training. 

Governors are accountable to the Directors and the Bishop and must ensure that, at all times, they act in good faith and in the best interests of the school and the Trust, exercising care and skill using their knowledge and experience.

How to become a school governor

We have two Foundation Governor Vacancies available.

Please contact the school for more information.

Full Governing Body Committee

Please find below details of how our Governing Body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

Mr Paul Arrowsmith (Chair – Foundation Governor)

Term of Office Expiry; 07.03.25 
Appointed by; Diocese

My name is Paul Arrowsmith, I’ve worked in education for over 17 years as a teacher, Boarding House Master, Pastoral Lead and Senior Leader. Including 5 years as an Assistant Headteacher, SENDCo and DSL for a large secondary school in the west end of Newcastle with over 1200 pupils and 70 staff. 

Throughout my career I have gained leadership experience in an international boarding school in Australia and a Pupil Referral Unit and three large comprehensives in the North East of England. 

I currently work as a safeguarding consultant, delivering training for schools and organisations looking at all aspect of safeguarding and education welfare. 

I believe that inclusivity is key to ensuring that students feel confident to learn and enjoy education and all students deserve the best education possible. 

Mr James Crowe (Vice Chair – Foundation Governor)

Term of Office Expiry; 10.07.27 
Appointed by; Diocese

My name is James Crowe and I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in January 2019. I am an Assistant Headteacher at Cardinal Hume Catholic School and work closely with matters of Curriculum, Pupil Achievement and Intervention. I have experience of working as part of a team to deliver an Outstanding Education for all pupils regardless of background and I hope to use these experiences to help drive the school forwards over the year to come. 

Mrs Sandie Matthewson – (Parent Governor)

Term of Office Expiry; 17/02/2027
Appointed by; Parents

Awaiting Information…

Mrs L Stokoe (Executive Head Teacher)

Appointed by; Diocese

Awaiting information.  

Mr Stephen Bartley (Foundation Governor)

Term of Office Expiry; 23.06.26  
Appointed by; Diocese 
Committees; Head Teacher’s Appraisal

My name is Stephen Bartley and I am a Parent Governor.  I was appointed as a Governor in October 2013.  Since I have been on the Governing Body i have seen a lot of changes for the better and seen the school drive forward.  I work in the building controls industry and have experience of working in a team and able to listen to people’s opinions as well as voice my own.  Being part of the Governing Body I want to continue to help drive the school forward in all aspects and so the children can have the best experience and education possible. 

Additional Information