It was a pleasure to join the governing body in 2018, initially as a co-opted governor and later as a foundation governor. I was a parent at the school at the time.

I believe in volunteering to support the local community. I bring my experience as a GP partner running a small business providing services to the NHS as well as many years of executive board experience within the Wakefield district. I have a passion for continuous quality improvement and staff development.

I am Vice Chair of the Governing Board with an additional responsibility as Safeguarding Governor. I have two grandsons who both attend St Mary’s and a granddaughter starting next September. In my long career, I served as a headteacher in a number of Leeds primary schools and from 2012 to 2020 I served as an Ofsted inspector. I am passionate about education, and I want the best for all the children at St Mary’s so they can learn in a positive environment, with high expectations, and reach their potential.

I joined the governing body in July 2022 as I wanted to challenge and develop myself in a new role outside my professional environment (as an actuarial consultant working with occupational pension schemes) in a way that was also of value to others.

 I enjoy being able to bring my skillset in analysing information, thinking logically and finding solutions to support the school and make a positive contribution to school life.

 I am a co-opted governor and I sit on the Resources Sub-Committee. I am also a parent of two pupils of the school, one past and one present.

I joined the governing body in 2022 as a co-opted governor.

 In my working life I have seen how a strong primary education can benefit an individual throughout their life.  I recognise the challenges that schools face in achieving national targets whilst supporting the needs of individual children and operating within their budget, and I believe that my professional experience in education and in business enables me to support our school in meeting these challenges.

  

Mrs Julie Brearey
	Role: Co-opted Governor
	Date of Appointment: 13th July 2022
	Term of Office: 4 years  (12th July 2026)
	Business Interests: N/A
	Attendance 2023 - 2024: 89%

 

I joined the Governor body in 2022 after my own children had left the school as I wanted to contribute to the continued success of the school that had given us as a family such a positive experience. Having recently worked in a school I have seen the difficulties of developing a school in line with a long term strategy whilst managing the day to day challenges. I am passionate about ensuring that the school leadership team feels supported and challenged to enable them to deliver the best education possible to the children in our community. I am a qualified Chartered Accountant so hope to be able to support the resources committee and senior leadership team in making the best use of limited resources. 

Since having children I have become more aware and interested in the education system. I believe that the state school system is extremely important and that there needs to be a constant improvement and evolution of schools and the education system to meet the demands of a changing society, via implementation of the latest best practices developed through research and innovation. This is a huge challenge as making changes is not always easy and I understand the difficulties schools must face with limited resources whilst delivering the day to day operational activities of running a school. As such, I would like to offer my skills and expertise where appropriate to support the school in these areas to help provide better outcomes for students and staff.

Mr James Kitson
	Role: Co-opted Governor
	Date of Appointment: 12th January 2023
	Term of Office: 4 years  (11th July 2027)
	Business Interests: Parent of child at the school
	Attendance 2023 - 2024: 66%

I have been the vicar of St Mary's Church since November 2018 and joined the governing body as a Foundation Governor shortly after my arrival. I also sit on the Education Subcommittee. Prior to ordination I was an EYFS and KS1 teacher with specialisms in Music and Science.  I am particularly committed to developing the ethos of the school to reflect the radical inclusion of the Christian faith which leads to the flourishing of everyone in our school community.

Reverend Nicholas Morgan
	Role: Foundation Governor
	Date of Appointment: 1st February 2023
	Term of Office: 4 years  (31st January 2027)
	Business Interests: Vicar at St Mary's Church, Boston Spa
	Attendance 2023 - 2024: 50%

Ruth Dunsmuir