The Governing Body of St Paul’s School
The Duty of the Governors
(1) to ensure that the vision, ethos, and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined;
(2) to ensure that the Head Teacher performs her responsibilities for the educational performance of the school; and
(3) to ensure the sound, proper, and effective use of the school’s financial resources.
Each governor works with his or her colleagues:
(a) to develop the strategic plan for the school;
(b) to determine the aims, policies and priorities of the school;
(c) to set statutory and non statutory targets;
(d) to monitor and evaluate the work of the school;
(e) to appoint staff and ensure the implementation of appropriate personnel procedures;
(f) to manage the budget;
(g) to secure high levels of attendance and good standards of pupil behaviour;
(h) to ensure all children in the school have access to a broad and balanced curriculum suitable to their age, aptitude and ability, and which prepares them for adult life;
(i) to ensure the health and safety of pupils and staff: and,
(j) to have regard to advice received from the Clerk about the nature of the Governing Body’s functions.
The Governors
Please see below the governors for the Academic Year 2023-2024.
Rev George Curry – Chairman
Ex-officio Foundation Governor (since 1981)
Minister of Elswick Parish Church, St Stephen and St Paul
No relevant pecuniary interests
Governor and trustee of Luckley House School, Wokingham
Member of the Diocesan Education Board
Member (co-opted) of the City of Newcastle Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Member of the City of Newcastle Standing Conference on Religious Educarion
Director of West Schools’ Trust
Lead Governor for Safeguarding
Mr Jason Cochrane
Ex-officio Governor as Head Teacher (1 September 2023 – 31 August 2027)
Head Teacher
Governor at Kibblesworth Academy
No relevant pecuniary interests
Mrs Camilla Hall
Foundation Governor (1 September 2022 – 31 August 2026)
No relevant pecuniary interests
Mrs Kemi Ajayi
Foundation Governor (1 September 2022 – 31 August 2026)
No relevant pecuniary interests
Mr Paul Oloniyo
Elected by parents (1 September 2023 – 31 August 2027)
No relevant pecuniary interests
Mr Rob Frame
Foundation Governor (1 September 2020 – 31 August 2024)
No relevant pecuniary interests
Mrs Rachel Johnston
Elected by school staff 1 September 2024
SLT and EYFS Lead
No relevant pecuniary interests
Miss Ruth Shuttler
Foundation Governor (1 September 2023 – 31 August 2027)
Piano Teacher at Durham High School for Girls
No relevant pecuniary interests
Mr Stephen Grant
Foundation Governor (1 July 2022 – 30 June 2026)
Governor of Bede Academy
No relevant pecuniary interests
Mr Thomas Young (Vice-chair)
Appointed by the Local Authority (1 July 2022 – 30 June 2026)
Director of Sibbald Young Chartered Accountants
No relevant pecuniary interests
Governors who have stepped down/finished their term in the past year:
Mr Bryn Taylor
Elected by school staff (1 September 2023 – 31 August 2024)
Deputy Head teacher
No relevant pecuniary interests
Mrs Maryam Mohensian
Elected by parents (1 September 2020 – 31 August 2024)
No relevant pecuniary interests
Mr Martin Thompson
Foundation Governor (1 July 2020 – 30 June 2024)
Deputy Head Teacher (Pastoral) at Churchill Community College, Wallsend
No relevant pecuniary interests
Mrs Judith Sword
Ex-officio Governor as Head Teacher
No relevant pecuniary interests
Mrs Jane Bowerman
Foundation Governor (1 September 2020 – pre-December 2022)
Stepped down due to family reasons
No relevant pecuniary interests
Dr Philip Keates
Elected by parents (1 Sept 2018 – 31 August 2022)
No relevant pecuniary interests