Local Academy Council

Message from Mrs Valerie Cadd – St John’s Chair of Academy Council

I became an academy councillor 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 Academy Councillors 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 Local Academy Council 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 Local Academy Council do?

It is responsible for the conduct of the school and for promoting high standards. The academy council 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 Local Academy Council

DND Learning Trust Company Documents

Academy members

St John’s Church of England Academy are part of the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust .

Find out more

Local Academy Council

Foundation

  • Mrs V Cadd BEM

    Chair

    I have been a Foundation Academy Councillor at St John’s Church of England Academy for many years. I am appointed local academy councillor by Durham Diocesan Board of Education, following recommendation from St John’s P.C.C.

    I strongly believe that all children are entitled to a rich and varied educational experience where they can flourish and fulfil their own unique potential.

    Having completed several terms of office as an Academy Councillor and having attended numerous training sessions I bring continuity, an in depth understanding about school policies and procedures and good local knowledge to the role.

    I am very proud to be an Academy Councillor at St John’s. It is a role that carries responsibilities and challenges but it is very rewarding and affords me the opportunity to work strategically alongside a capable and dedicated staff team.

    My faith and worship ethic are very important to me and help me to uphold the Christian ethos of the school and fulfil my role as an Academy Councillor.

  • Mr D Watson

  • Reverend Emma Harte

    Growing up on a council estate below the poverty line, key relationships were my lifeline. School was a safe haven, and I passionately believe every child should know they are loved, valued, and wonderfully made. Education should empower them to flourish and become agents of justice and equality.
    My faith in God has deeply shaped who I am. Prayer and my relationship with Jesus have transformed how I see myself and the world. God has guided me through motherhood, working as a TA, training for priesthood, serving in Shildon and Eldon, and now as priest-in-charge of St Herbert’s and St John’s in Darlington.
    As a foundational governor at St John’s Primary, I’m honoured to work with dedicated staff who share my passion for helping each child grow into their full potential in a loving, safe environment.

  • Miss C Large

    As a child who received free school meals and the first in my family’s generation to go onto further education, I am passionate about education and the positive impact it can have on the life chances of children. Gaining a Bachelor of Education Honours degree led to a wonderful, fulfilling career in teaching for 36 years, working in Durham and Darlington. For 21 years, I was privileged to be Headteacher at St John’s, working with enthusiastic children, a supportive community, committed staff and a dedicated team of governors.

    Retirement has gifted me with quality time to spend with family and friends, as well as the freedom to enjoy travel and indulge in my passion for gardening. However, I am delighted to have been asked to be a Foundation Academy Councillor, which allows me to continue to play a part in shaping and supporting this wonderful school and its community. I am thoroughly blessed to be able to continue being part of St Johns’ journey and look forward to being part of the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust.

  • Mrs A Grange

    I grew up in Stockton and studied to be a Museum Curator in Sheffield and Newcastle. In 2014, I started work as a Collections and Learning Assistant at Head of Steam Railway Museum. There, I developed a passion for raising aspirations among young people through sharing our local history and exposing them to museum collections and objects.

    I chose to sit on St Johns’ Local Academy Council because I would like make a positive impact on the community through sharing my skills/knowledge and forging a valuable link with the local museum.

Headteacher

  • Mrs E Harrison

Elected Parent

  • Mrs S Harris

    St John’s has been a part of my life for 31 years as a former pupil and now a parent. The school’s ethos of providing equal education and support had a significant impact on me. I thrived academically with their amazing support.

    After leaving St John’s Church of England Academy, I attended Hurworth School before earning a degree in Business Management. I supported disadvantaged pupils in Secondary Education, addressing attendance and behavioural issues. Later, I transitioned to Human Resources in further education.

    Currently, I work as a Regional Manager in direct sales, prioritizing childcare while working from home. I’m motivated to become a Governor to give back to a school that played a significant role in my own and my children’s education.

Staff

    Clerk

    • Marie Skipsey