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Governors

Our Governing Body comprises 11 governors, made up of Foundation Governors (who have a duty to preserve and develop the religious character of the school), parents, staff and the Local Education Authority. Our current governing body is comprised as follows:

Foundation Governors – Fr John Caster ( Chair of Governors) , Mrs S. Barter,  Mr P. Bithell, Mr M. Beneventi, Mrs C. Hunter and tbc.

Parent Governors – Mrs J. Williams-Pears, Mrs L. Beaty

Staff Governors – Ms. G. Burkinshaw

Local Authority Governor – tbc

Mrs Duncombe also sits on the Full Governing Body as Head Teacher. 

Biographies and details of our current governors can be found below:

 

Fr. John Caster

Governor Type – Ex-Officio Foundation 
Date of Appointment – 01.09.12 (FGB) 
Term of Office – Ex-Officio
Committee Membership – Chair of Governors, Teaching and Learning, SIAMS
Biography: Many of you will know me through my role as Vicar of S Barnabas' parish, and I hope you will feel free to discuss my role as Chair.  As Chair, I have the responsibility to work with our Governors and school leaders to develop strategy and policy which will continue to build over the progress in recent years.  I come into this position with over fifteen years combined governance experience, and I have chaired a school in London from 'Good' to Outstanding'.  As you will know, our school is a priority to me, and I will do everything I can to ensure that every one of our children receives the best education possible, grounded in the values which are so important to our whole school community.

Responsibilities – Religious Education, SEN, Safeguarding and Strategy & Governance. 
Business Interests – None
Governance Roles at Other Institutions – None

 

Mr. P. Bithell

Governor Type – Foundation 
Date of Appointment – 10.5.2023
Term of Office – 4 years
Committee Membership – Teaching and Learning
Business Interests – None
Governance Roles at Other Institutions – None 

Peter Bithell is a musician.  He studied at the Royal Academy of Music & in Italy. Since 1987 he has been a professor of piano at the Guildhall School of Music in London.  He has played concerts & taught in N. & S America,  China & Europe.

In his spare time he reads a lot & messes about in his garden.

Mrs. S. Barter

Governor Type – Foundation/ PCC 
Date of Appointment – August 2023
Term of Office – 4 years
Committee Membership – Teaching and Learning
Business Interests – None
Governance Roles at Other Institutions – None 

Mrs. J. Williams-Pears

Governor Type – Parent
Date of Appointment – February 2023
Term of Office – 4 years
Committee Membership – Finance and Resources
Business Interests – None
Governance Roles at Other Institutions – None 

With a background of 15 years in operating theatres and as the current Chief Operations Officer of a Healthcare company, I understand the importance of quality care and education. I am committed to bringing this perspective to the role of Parent Governor, advocating for the best interests of our students and the school.

As a parent of a child at St. Barnabas, I have a personal stake in ensuring that our school provides the highest quality education. I am dedicated to working collaboratively with the school's staff, parents, and the wider community to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive, learn, and grow to their full potential.

Beyond my professional and governance roles, my interests include being with my family, reading, cooking, and socialising.

Mrs. C.  Hunter 

Governor Type – Parent
Date of Appointment – October 2023
Term of Office – 4 years
Committee Membership – Teaching and Learning 
Business Interests – None
Governance Roles at Other Institutions – None 

Mrs. L.  Beaty 

Governor Type – Parent
Date of Appointment – 
Term of Office – 4 years
Committee Membership – Finance and Resources
Business Interests – None
Governance Roles at Other Institutions – None 

Ms. G. Burkinshaw

Governor Type – Staff  
Date of Appointment – September 2024
Term of Office – 4 years
Committee Membership – Teaching and Learning
Business Interests – None

Governance Roles at Other Institutions – None 

Mrs. M. Duncombe

Governor Type – Headteacher
Date of Appointment – 2015
Term of Office – Ex-Officio
Committee Membership – All
Governance Roles at Other Institutions – Bethany School

Vacancy

Governor Type – PCC
Date of Appointment – 2015
Term of Office –4 years
Committee Membership – tbc
Governance Roles at Other Institutions – None