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Our Governors
Full Governing Body:
The board of trustees has formally met 4 times during the year. Attendance during the year at meetings of the board of trustees was as follows:
P = present
AA = apologies accepted
ANA = apologies not accepted
AWA = absent without apologies
N/A = not in post
Committee Information
Business & Resource Committee
The Business and Resources Committee is a sub-committee of the main Governing Body. Its’ purpose is to consider and recommend the Academy’s budget, contribute to the development plan, monitor and review expenditure, financial procedures and service level agreements as well as any issues relating to the building and environment of the Academy.
Audit & Risk Committee
The Audit and Risk Committee is also a sub-committee of the main board of trustees. Its’ purpose is to advise on, and investigate any activity within its terms of reference, and to seek any information it requires from staff. Maintain and oversee the Academy’s risk register, review the body’s internal and external financial statements and reports to ensure that they reflect best practice.
Standards & Welfare Committee
The main function of the committee is to advise the Principal and Governing Body on matters concerning the Academy’s standards, effectiveness and welfare of students.
Pay & Performance Review Committee
To implement the Academy’s pay policy including the pay for individual members of staff as required by the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document. Consider and determine action on the recommendations of the Committee of appointed Governors in respect of the Principal’s performance management.
Admissions Committee
All matters to do with admissions, it is a requirement that the Governing Body must approve the policy.
Student Discipline Committee
Staff Attendance / Grievance / Discipline & Dismissal (SA/G/D&D) Committee
Meeting Attendance
View the latest
Executive Pay - Employees whose benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceed £100k - 1
St Wilfrid's Church of England Academy, contributes to the locally agreed arrangements for facilities time between schools at a cost of £11,385.
Link to School Financial Benchmarking Service page for St Wilfrid's C of E Academy
Meet our Governors
Clare Leadley
Role on the Governing Body
I am the Chair of Governors and have been on the Governing Board since 2019. I ensure that the governing body continues to support and challenge the academy’s leadership in equal measure, upholding high expectations for educational outcomes and financial stewardship.
Background
I bring a background in public sector audit through my work with District Audit, where I focused primarily on value for money audits, alongside some financial audit work. This experience has given me a strong understanding of public accountability, effective resource use, and financial oversight. I also have experience of managing a small business, which gives me first-hand experience of managing budgets, bookkeeping, staff, and general operations—skills directly transferable to the financial and resource management responsibilities of school governance.
Why did you join the Governing Body?
I have served as a school governor for over ten years, including chairing the board of a Primary School. St Wilfrid’s a truly special place, where mottos, visions and mission statements aren’t just words on a website they are truly at the heart of the whole educational experience.
JEN FRANKISH
Role on the Governing Body
Parent Governor and Vise-Chair Governor.
Background
I am the Head of Planning and Delivery at the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). I oversee transformation, portfolio management, business planning and delivery. I previously worked as Head of Strategy and Planning at the Youth Justice Board (YJB) responsible for advice to ministers, strategic and business planning and strategic influencing but have worked across civil/public service roles for nearly 20 years. I have also been chair of governors in a primary school for around 7/8 years.Both of my sons attend the academy (Y9 and Y7).
Why did you join the Governing Body?
Having been involved in governance in primary for a number of years I was keen to expand my knowledge of secondary education whilst hopefully bring some of my experience of school governance to support the governing body and academy. I become a governor, and still do it, because I want to contribute to making a difference for all children so that every single child can reach their potential and have a positive experience in their education.
Mark Hodson
Role on the Governing Body
Carrying out Business & Resource, Pay & Performance and Principal’s Performance Management Review tasks.
Background
Educated to Master of Business Administration and Master of Science degree level.
Experienced in Product Management and Marketing; Sales, Services and Operations; Training and Quality (internal auditor for ISO 9001 Quality Management System ISO 45001 Health and Safety).
Employed within an industrial global technology company.
Why did you join the Governing Body?
As a trustee of the school, I can help to create a learning environment where students from all backgrounds can achieve their potential, teachers can follow a path of professional development, with staff members and school leaders receiving the right support and resources for effective running of the school. At the same time providing a culture of safety, respect, care and teamwork for all members of the school.
DAVID RINTOUL
Role on the Governing Body
Foundation Governor
Background
I have worked in the NHS for ten years, currently as Associate Director of Performance for the Mental Health Trust serving Lancashire and South Cumbria. Prior to this I worked in Further Education, heading a faculty within a local college in the areas of Computing & IT, Business & Finance and Media Production. On leaving university I joined an international retail organisation and worked with them for eighteen years in a variety of roles, including logistics, new store openings and systems development.
Why did you join the Governing Body?
I have a wealth of experience in education and strong connections with Blackburn Diocese and the local community. I see school governance as a practical way that I can contribute to the community that I am part of. I have served as a governor at a nursery, infant and junior schools as well as St Wilfrid's. Our daughter received an excellent education during her time with St Wilfrid's and I am keen to contribute to ensuring that future generations also have that same opportunity. I feel that my skills and experience are useful in helping to achieve that objective.
CANON VAL EDGE
Role on the Governing Body
Vice Chair of Standards and Welfare Committee and Link Governor for Sixth Form
Background
I have had a lot of experience on the Governing Body at Saint Wilfrids and have a strong connection with the school built up over many years. I was an adult tutor for a number of years at Blackburn College. I started on the Governing Body as a Parent Governor before moving into the role of Foundation Governor. I was the Chair for 7 years and supported the school through significant changes and school inspections. I am currently the Link Governor for the Sixth Form. I am a practicing Christian and uphold the values of the school and the Christian faith.
Why did you join the Governing Body?
I have a wealth of experience in education and strong connections with Blackburn Diocese and the local community.
JOHN LEIGH
Role on the Governing Body
Woodard Governor/Trustee
Background
Retired Solicitor. Governor since 1992 (Chair 1993-1999).
Why did you join the Governing Body?
Two daughters attended. Already a governor at another school.
JILL CROSS
Role on the Governing Body
Foundation Governor, Chair of the Standards and Welfare Committee, Safeguarding Link, Christian Distinctiveness Link and Equalities Link Governor and sit on Pupil Disciplinary Panels.
Background
My work has been as a Medical Secretary for the NHS both in a hospital setting and latterly at Cornerstone Practice group of Health Centres from which I am semi-retired and providing locum cover when required. Both my sons were students at the Academy which, as well as academically, gave them a strong Christian grounding and support to take into their adult lives and careers.
Why did you join the Governing Body?
Having been a school governor at primary school level I wished to continue and use my experience. Also, as a committed Christian, I am passionate about the Christian ethos of the academy which encapsulates every other facet of St Wilfrid’s teaching and learning and gives all students a strong basis to live by.
DR FARMER
Role on the Governing Body
Staff Governor
Background
I have been teaching for 8 years, previously working at a school in Accrington. I joined St Wilfrid's in 2019 as a Teacher of Physics and am now the KS4 Coordinator in Science. Prior to teaching I worked as a both a physics researcher and physics outreach officer.
Why did you join the Governing Body?
Since joining St Wilfrid's I've been struck by the strong and supportive community of staff and students and when a chance to serve this community on the Governing Body arose I was keen to join.
MR BLEAZARD
Role on the Governing Body
Support Staff Governor
Background
After completing my Degree in Chemistry, I worked as an industrial organic chemist for many years. I am now the Senior Science Technician at St. Wilfrid's and have been in post for 6 years. However, during the Pandemic my role was varied enabling me to work with support staff across the Academy.
Why did you join the Governing Body?
I think it is important to have somebody to represent the support/non-teaching staff on the governing board. Members of staff on the board can provide immediate feedback to other governors and insight into thoughts and feelings within The Academy.
Abigail Hardman
Role on the Governing Body
I have joined the Governing Body as a staff governor and have joined the Standards and Welfare committee.
Background
Having qualified as a Physical Education teacher in the North East in 2017, I subsequently worked in Manchester and Lancaster before joining Saint Wilfrid’s five years ago. I began my role as a Year 7 form tutor and later spent time as an Assistant Head of Year. Alongside my teaching role in the PE department, I am currently the Head of Year 11.
Why did you join the Governing Body?
As a keen sportswoman who grew up with many siblings, being part of a team is something I have always enjoyed. During my time at Saint Wilfrid’s, I have consistently felt valued and supported, both personally and in my professional journey. When the opportunity to join the Governing Body arose, I was therefore keen to become involved. As a committed Christian, the ethos and values of Saint Wilfrid’s are very important to me, and it is a privilege to contribute to the teamwork within the school.
SARAH LEWIS
Role on the Governing Body
Parent Governor
Background
I have a daughter who is currently in Year 11. My career has been as a Graphic Designer, but I am now a full time carer for my son. So I have lots of SEN experience. I have experience as a governor in a main stream and special primary as well as St Wilfrid's.
Why did you join the Governing Body?
I wanted to give something back to St Wilfrid's as a parent and to utilise my skills and knowledge in a different environment.
LISA HARVEY-NEBIL
Role on the Governing Body
Parent Governor
Background
I am a former Wilfridian and have been working in youth work & education for 27 years. I am currently the CEO of a youth charity based in Manchester.
Why did you join the Governing Body?
The board was looking for someone with charity governance experience which I have, so felt like I should give back.
Waheeda Patel
Role on the Governing Body
I am a Parent Governor.
Background
I have 18 years HR experience, including school consultancy and my current role as a Senior HR Business Partner for the NHS, I bring expertise in wide areas including governance, safeguarding and strategic planning.
Why did you join the Governing Body?
I am committed to a safe, inclusive, high-achieving environment and representing parents effectively.
Name of the Academy trust: Saint Wilfrid’s C of E Academy
Company number of the trust: 07671404
Registered office address of the trust: Duckworth Street, Blackburn, BB2 2JR
Part of the UK the trust is registered: England and Wales