Governors

Mr Tony Whitehead - Chair: Foundation Parochial Church Council Appointed Governor

As an active member of the local Morris Green community, I feel extremely proud to be the Chair of Governors at St. Bede C of E Primary Academy. Both of my children previously attended the academy and I have built on and forged links with the Church and school. I am a licenced Lay Minister at St. Bede Parish Church and, as well as lead and teach at Church, I also lead Collective Worship at St. Bede Academy. I work closely with the senior leadership team, meeting with them weekly to ensure the Local Governing Body (LGB) are effective in their oversight of the strategic direction of the school, which includes Quality of Education, Christian Distinctiveness Safeguarding, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development and Early Years. As an LGB, we are developing skills through online tutorials and ‘on the job’ experiences (i.e. reviews) to provide effective governance.

Mr David Almond - Vice-Chair: Foundation Parochial Church Council Appointed Governor

My name is David Almond and I am currently the Vice Chair of Governors at the School.

I was nominated to serve on the Local Governing Body of St Bede’s Academy (LGB) by St Bede’s Church where I am part of the PCC (Parochial Church Council).

My wife was also a pupil at the School quite a few years ago now.

I can see and feel that the School is a great learning environment and I want to help maintain this ethos and help the pupils to thrive.

As one of the largest Primary Schools in Bolton we can also strive to be one of the best as well.

Mrs Anna Black - Headteacher

As both a long serving staff member of St. Bede C of E Primary Academy and a parent of two pupils who currently attend, I am incredibly proud to be part of the Local Governing Body in my role as Headteacher.

In my 20 years in education, I have been a class teacher, curriculum leader, Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher. All of these roles, including my current role as Headteacher, have been to ensure all our children make excellent progress, regardless of their starting points. We pride ourselves on our safe, caring and engaging learning environment with high standards and expectations.

Everyone at St. Bede is passionate about our vision ‘Learning, Caring, Growing Together’. The vision, our core values and the Parable of the Good Samaritan underpin all of our learning experiences. Our links to St. Bede Church and local Pastors further supports our strong Christian ethos. We are committed to ensure that all our children leave St. Bede having developed the lifelong skills of positivity, resilience and independence. We foster a love of learning and a determination to succeed.

Reverend Vincent Whitworth - Foundation Parochial Church Council Appointed Governor

I am currently the Vicar of St. Bede Church, and have been part of the St. Bede family since 2019; I love being part of St. Bede Academy. I am also a Member of The Quill C of E Trust, as well as serving on the Local Governing Body.

I have many years’ experience of governance in education, having served as a Governor, Trustee and Member of other schools and MATs within the Bolton area. I have a particular role and interest in developing the school vision and the distinctive Christian Ethos of St. Bede Academy, and I regularly lead collective worship within the school and support the amazing pupil Ethos group.

I am immensely proud of the relationship that St. Bede Church has with St. Bede Academy and I am committed to developing this further in the years to come.

Miss Alex Etchells - Staff Governor

I am enthusiastic about being a Staff Governor due to my deep dedication, passion, and drive for both our school and the broader community. As a Special Needs Assistant with five years SEND experience, I have taken on a lead role in managing the school's medical register, demonstrating my commitment to ensuring the well-being of our pupils. I am also committed to promoting a vision of inclusion for all children at St Bede. I bring a wide range of skills and knowledge and through the role of Staff Governor, I am eager to gain deeper insights into the school's operations, broaden my professional relationships, and share my experiences and knowledge for the benefit of our school community.

Miss Leah Jennings - Foundation Parochial Church Council Appointed Governor

St. Bede C of E Primary Academy will always have a special place in my heart as this was where I started my career in education as a Year 3 teacher in 2014. Whilst at St. Bede, I taught across Key Stage 2 for seven years which allowed me to develop a secure knowledge of the curriculum and end of Key Stage expectations. I also held a number of curriculum leadership responsibilities whilst there, including Science and RE.

The support and guidance of the dedicated staff at St. Bede led me to my current role as an Assistant Headteacher at St. Bede’s partner school, Tonge Moor Primary Academy. Here, I lead a passionate, hard-working team who are dedicated to making a positive impact on children’s learning, increasing their desire to learn and enabling them to become independent life-long learners.

I am very excited and proud to be a member of the St. Bede Governing Body whilst ensuring both schools work collaboratively to provide the very best for all children within The Quill C of E Trust.

Mrs Gillian Whitehead - Foundation Parochial Church Council Appointed Governor

Both my children went to St. Bede and I have had an interest in the school since my eldest child joined in 2010.

I have worked in education myself for the last 25 years and currently work as a Year 5 teacher at a local primary academy. I have enjoyed many roles within primary education over the years.

It is a pleasure to be involved in the governance of the Academy and I bring a wealth of experience as an educator, and a parent, to support the school, staff and pupils to achieve what St. Bede are striving for as a school.

Mrs Jill Brooks - Foundation Parochial Church Council Appointed Governor

I have two children at St. Bede, so have a keen personal interest in the school and how it operates.

I’ve been in education for 14 years and am currently working as a Teaching and Learning Manager for the Maths department in a Wigan Borough High School. I have extensive experience of leading curriculums and mentoring other teachers to reach their best.

I believe all my experience as a teaching manager, and as a parent of two, will help me support the school and the rest of the governing body to reach their full potential.

Mrs Jean Phillips - Foundation Parochial Church Council Appointed Governor

I have just retired and for the last 20 years I worked as a medical receptionist/secretary at a GP’s practice. I attend St. Bede’s Church and have been a Church Warden there for the last seven years.

My children attended a local primary school where I was a Governor for many years, and also had the privilege of been Chair of Governors for several years.

I shall do my very best for all the children who attend St. Bede Academy and hope that I can bring some of my previous experience to the Governing body, and that we continue to make sure ‘Every Child Matters’ is at the heart of all we do.

Vacancy - Parent Governor

For any governance related queries please email Claire Woods, Trust Governance Lead: enquiries@thequillcofetrust.org