All schools in England have a Governing Body which is responsible for overseeing many of the strategic decisions of the school. A key role is to act as a ‘critical friend’: to support, to challenge, to ask questions, ultimately to represent the school community.
The Governing Body works in close partnership with the Headteacher, staff, Archdiocese and the Local Authority. Whilst the Headteacher is, of course, responsible for the day to day running of the school, the Governors are involved with such things as staffing, curriculum, school buildings and finance. It ensures the school functions well and maintains the full range of academic and social objectives.
Who are we?
St John Fisher Catholic Primary School Governing Body Constitution is as follows:-
The Governing Body consists of:-
- Seven Foundation Governors
- One Elected Staff Governor
- One appointed Local Authority Governor
- Two Elected Parent Governors
- Headteacher
The standard term of office for a governor is four years. The chair and vice-chair are elected at the first meeting of the academic year and serve a two year term of office. Governors are very much in support of succession planning hence the election of chair and vice-chair ever two years; after two years the chair hands over to the vice-chair who supports the new vice-chair in ‘getting ready’ to ‘drive’ the governing body and school in raising standards.
Testimonial from previous Parent Governor- Mrs Stanners
“Even though my time as Parent Governor has been short I have thoroughly enjoyed it and found the role most rewarding. St John Fisher is a school I am proud to say I have had involvement with and my daughter has thrived beyond expectations. Thank you very much for allowing me to be part of an amazing team which I am sure will go from strength to strength”.
The Governing Body of St John Fisher Catholic Primacy School is currently:-
Mrs Sue Orme – Chair of Governing Body
Local Authority Governor
LA Governor until: April 2022 – 2026
Member of: Standards and Quality Committee
Attendance: FGB meetings and relevant Committees
“I have been employed in Education for almost 30 years from class teacher through to Headteacher. At present I am self-employed and within this role I provide bespoke support to school staff within various capacities – teachers, TAs and senior staff. Additionally, I am an NPQML/SL/H accredited Assessor and online Facilitator.”
Mrs Kelly Veitch
Elected Parent Governor
Parent Elected Governor: June 2025 – June 2029
Member of: TBC
Attendance: FGB meetings and relevant committees
“As Parent Governor of St John Fisher Catholic Nursery and Primary School, I am keenly and actively interested in school improvement and ensuring the school continues to build on its high standards of education.
I have two children at the school, and I am hoping to work closely with the staff to maintain the excellent education they and the rest of the students currently get.
My background is in child health, and I believe it is key to a child’s success to have a good educational and home environment. I hope to have a positive impact within this role and look forward to contributing all I can to ensure the strong inclusive vision of the school continues. “
Michelle Ravey
Foundation Governor
10th July 2023 to 9th July 2027
“I am Michelle Ravey and was brought up in Huyton, something which I am very proud of. I am delighted to be appointed as a Foundation Governor to St John Fisher Catholic Nursery and Primary School. Both my husband and I have a strong connection with St John Fisher as my husband was the Deputy Head at the school during the early 80’s and I worked at the school as a Learning Support Teacher from the mid 1990’s up until 2008. I have recently retired from Headship after 35 years in Education as a Teacher and a Headteacher for the last 8 years. I am now working part time at the Archdiocese of Liverpool. My strengths are SEND provision, creative curriculum and Leadership and Management. I hope to contribute to this wonderful school as it continues to go from strength to strength”.
Luke Carter
Parent Governor
1st September 2023 to 31st August 2027
Zena McCarthy
Staff Governor
Staff Governor July 2023 – July 2027
Member of: Inclusion and Safeguarding Committee, one of two Safeguarding Governors
Attendance: FGB meetings and relevant committees
“I am a Class Teacher, SENDCO and member of the Senior Leadership Team in school and serve as a member of the Full Governing Body and Inclusion and Safeguarding Committee. I am committed to ensuring that all our children in school, whatever their ability are kept safe and are provided with the opportunities to reach their full potential. I am a passionate and driven teacher who is committed to ensuring that the provision we provide is to a high standard and one that is engaging, challenging and inclusive for all.”
Mrs Christine Smith
Foundation Governor
Foundation Governor: July 2024 to July 2028
A member of: Standards and Quality, RE Governor
Attendance: FGB meetings and relevant committees
“I am delighted to join the Governing Body of St John Fisher Catholic Primary School. I began my teaching career here over 25 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed serving the school community as a teacher, member of the SLT and teacher governor here until 2009. I have since worked at a junior school in Halton and am now a Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at Liverpool John Moores University. I am keen to use my years of experience in education and my passion for Catholic education in Knowsley, where I have lived for my entire life, to contribute to the continued high performance of this wonderful school as a member of its outstanding governing body.”