Message from Mrs Valerie Cadd – St. John’s Chair of Governors
I became a governor because I believe every child has a right to a high quality education and to attend an Outstanding School. It is my belief that all St. John’s Governors also want to do the very best they can for the school, the pupils and the local community. That is why they voluntarily give up so much of their time.
The Governors is the school’s accountable body. We work as a team in which constructive working relationships are actively promoted. The role is made easier by the fact that the school has outstanding leadership, committed and capable staff at all levels, wonderful children and extremely supportive parents/carers.
What does the Board of Governors do?
It is responsible for the conduct of the school and for promoting high standards. The board of directors aims to ensure that children are attending a successful school which provides them with a good education and supports their well-being and keeps them safe. It is also responsible for upholding the Christian character of the school.
Sets the strategic direction of the school by:
Setting the values, aims and objectives for the school
Agreeing the policy framework for achieving those aims and objectives
Setting targets
Agreeing the School Improvement Plan which includes approving the budget and agreeing the staffing structure
Challenges and supports the school by monitoring, reviewing and evaluating:
The implementation and effectiveness of the policy framework
Progress towards targets
The implementation and effectiveness of the School Improvement Plan
The budget and the staffing structure
Conducts self-evaluation
Ensures accountability by:
Responding to Ofsted reports when necessary
Responding to SIAMS reports when necessary (Church Inspection)
Holding the Head Teacher to account for the performance of the school, through support and challenge
Ensuring parents and pupils are involved, consulted and informed as appropriate
Making available information to the community.
Valerie Cadd
Chair of Governors
Governors Shared Area
Academy members
Local Governing Board
Foundation
Mrs V Cadd
Chair
I am a regular worshipper at St John’s Church and I am an elected member of the Parochial Church Council (P.C.C.) and Deanery Synod. I was a teacher with a special interest in working with pupils with Special Educational Needs for over 30 years before I retired. I have been a Foundation Governor at St. John’s C.E. Academy since 1998. I am appointed governor by Durham Diocesan Board of Education, following recommendation from St. John’s P.C.C. I am also very actively involved with Girlguiding U.K. and I am currently Girlguiding Durham South’s President.
Mr M Doswell
I am the father of two current pupils at St John’s C.E. Academy and a regular worshiper at St Columba’s Church, Darlington. I have been working in the Further Education and Skills sector, dealing predominantly with adult apprenticeships since 2007 and am currently an Operations Manager of a large national training provider. I am appointed governor by the Durham Diocesan Board of Education, following recommendation from St. John’s P.C.C.
Mrs J Pattinson
I have been a Foundation Governor at St John’s C.E. Academy since January 2014. My appointment by the Diocesan Board of Education followed a recommendation for the position by St. John’s Parochial Church Council (P.C.C.). I am a regular worshiper at St. John’s Church where I am also an elected member of the P.C.C. I was employed as a Civil Servant for 20 years and then for the last 18 years as an administrator continuing to administer a pension scheme on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE).
Mr J Harrison
I am a regular worshipper at St. John’s Church. I am a retired chemical engineer , working the main of my working life in the packaging industry but in latter years, after being made redundant, as an exhibition manager in the animal feed industry. I was appointed a Foundation Governor in 2015. I am a past Group Scout Master for the 1st. Darlington B.P. Scout Group. I am a Player ,Trustee, Committee Member, and Band Sergeant for Northallerton Silver Band.
Revd Tony Roache
(Incumbent)I was licensed to St John’s and St Columba’s parishes at the end of July 2019 and it became my duty and my joy to be part of the governance of St John’s Church of England Academy. Before coming to Darlington I was an Army Chaplain for thirteen years, a Parish Priest in Manchester before that and before being ordained I used to work for a living. My last ‘proper job’ was to put bags in planes at Manchester Airport. I’ve been married for 35 years and have three grown up children who are a delight and pride.My hope is that I can make a positive contribution to the life of the school and help in guidance and policy.
Mr E Robinson
Vice Chair
I am a member of St William’s Parish on Albert Hill and a former Head Teacher of St Teresa’s RC Primary School in Harris Street. I taught for 32 years with the last 18 years as Head Teacher. My aim as a teacher was to ensure each child achieved their best and that their time at school gave them special memories for life. I have been on St John’s Governors since 2007.
Mrs S McKenzie
Head Teacher
Mr M Ramsay
I have worked at St. John’s since January 2014. Prior to that, I lived and worked as a teacher in East London, where I developed a passion for working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds. I feel very strongly that all children should receive equal opportunities through a high quality education and upon starting my role at St. John’s, I knew immediately that the staff and governors shared this vision.
I was appointed as headteacher in September 2021 and am beyond proud to lead St John’s and continue to provide an outstanding education for our pupils.
Elected Parent
Mr A Linsley
Originally from the Teesdale area, where I worked in the public sector, I am now living in Darlington working for Royal Mail delivering in and around the local community.
I am the father of two children who currently attend St John’s C.E. Academy and I am a regular worshipper at St John’s Church.
Appointed in 2017 as elected parent governor, I am proud to have joined and be involved with a great team of experienced governors, striving to achieve and maintain the current high standards already in place at St John’s.
Staff
Mrs S A Railton
Link Governor
I have been involved with St. John’s school for 20 years as both my sons attended this school. I also work at St. John’s as an Administration Assistant. I have been a governor for 15 years. Starting as a parent governor and now I represent the non teaching staff on the board. St. John’s is a very special and outstanding school and I feel honoured to be part of its past and future success.