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St. Catherine's CE Primary School

St. Catherine's CE Primary School
In God's Love, Together We Flourish

 

Governors

St. Catherine’s Church of England Primary School is a member of The Bishop Fraser Trust

The Local Governing Body has responsibility for providing focused governance for St. Catherine’s CE Primary School

The Local Governing Body

Chair: Christa Norton

Local Governors contribute to the strategic direction of the academy and Trust by contributing to discussions at local governing body meetings which consider:

  • vision and values;
  • clear and ambitious strategic priorities and targets;
  • access of children, including those with special educational needs, to a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum;
  • ensuring all groups and individuals are making good or better progress; the quality of teaching;
  • the implementation of the Trust’s policies;
  • the development of links with the local community; and
  • the establishment of mechanisms to promote good parent/carer/family relations
  • Hold the senior leaders to account by monitoring the academy’s performance.

This includes:

  • agreeing the outcomes from the academy’s self-evaluation and ensuring they are used to inform the priorities in the academy’s action and improvement plan;
  • considering all relevant data and feedback provided on request by academy leaders and external sources on all aspects of academy performance;
  • asking challenging questions of academy leaders;
  • ensuring senior leaders have implemented the required policies and procedures and the academy is operating effectively according to those policies;
  • acting as a link governor on a specific issue, making relevant enquiries of the relevant staff, and reporting to the governing body on the progress on the relevant academy priority; and
  • listening to and reporting to the academy’s stakeholders: pupils, parents, staff, and the wider community, including local employers.

Local Governing Body (ID 1087)

  • Christa Norton
    Chair of Governors

    Christa Norton

    Appointed15.02.18

    I have lived in the Horwich area since 2009, moving here from just outside London, where I was born and where my still live. Both my sons attended St Catherines and I was an active member of the PTA before being appointed as a Parent Governor at St Catherine's in 2018. I was subsequently elected as Chair in 2020 and am proud to serve our school community. I am a huge advocate of the arts and studied for my degree at the Royal College of Music, before moving into a career in Marketing. I currently work as a Global Marketing Lead for PwC. I am in regular member of the congregation at St Joseph's Anderton, where I lead the Choir, and I am also a member of the Bolton Free Cakes for Kids, creating bespoke birthday cakes for disadvantaged children.

  • Karen Graham
    Headteacher

    Karen Graham

    Appointed 15.02.18


    I am thrilled to be the Headteacher at St. Catherine's Church of England Primary School and have been here since 2008. It is a real privilege to work in such an incredible school with a dynamic staff team. I am committed to ensuring that our school can provide the very best opportunities for all of our children and I encourage us all to ensure that we continue to be amazing in all aspects. I particularly value our Christian ethos and warm family atmosphere.In addition to my work as headteacher I am an member of the Horwich and Blackrod Learning Collaborative, a highly effective and active group, as well as representing our cluster of schools at the School Improvementconsultation group.

  • Carol Parry

    Carol Parry

    Appointed 15.02.18

    I have worked within the Criminal Justice System for the last 20 years. For the last 16 years I have worked for the Crown Prosecution Service based in Manchester, but my work requires me to attend Crown Courts in various locations throughout the whole of the North West. I have been a resident of Horwich all of my life, with the exception of a brief spell in Worsley many years ago. I attended the original St Catherine's school until 1984 and this was followed by secondary education at Rivington and Blackrod High School. My two children attended St Catherine's Primary School and we are regular attenders at St Catherine's Church. I am an active member of the PCC (Parochial Church Council) and assist the church by being the resident Child Protection Officer. I have been part of the governing body at St Catherine's for many years and, together with my fellow governors, work hard to ensure I contribute to the efficient and smooth running of the school.

  • Kate Mills

    Kate Mills

    Appointed 22.01.22

    As both a parent governor (since 2022) and the designated Link Governor for Safeguarding (since 2023), I am fully committed to our school's welfare and progress.

    I am a proud parent with two children attending St Catherine's who have flourished since joining. I am a Teacher of Physics with over a decade of experience in education, granting me a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape and the challenges students face.

    Safeguarding is our utmost priority. As the Link Governor, I am dedicated to maintaining the highest standards to ensure the safety and security of every student. It's not just a responsibility; it's a solemn duty that demands our unwavering attention.

    I firmly believe that education extends beyond the confines of the classroom, shaping minds, hearts, and futures. I am committed to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and empowering environment where every child feels valued, respected, safe, and inspired to excel.

    Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of serving as your parent governor and safeguarding link Governor. Together, let us make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of our students.

  • Jackie Birks

    Jackie Birks

    Appointed 21.01.22

    I have been a parent governor at St Catherine's since January 2022 and have been the link governor for Pupil Premium since September 2023 . I live with my partner and our two sons in Horwich. Both children attended St Catherine's from pre-school until the end of Year 6, benefiting from outstanding teaching and learning and shared values in a caring, strongly Christian community. Throughout the years, I have enjoyed working alongside staff, children and other families. I have been involved in school life as a reading volunteer, as an extra adult in pre-school, at PTA events and more recently, as a parent governor.

    As a parent governor, it is a wonderful privilege to be invited into St Catherine's for “Governors in School” days. Children are polite, eager to learn, articulate and brimming with enthusiasm to show off their school. They are keen to share what they enjoy and what needs to be improved for the future. My favourite part of the visit is Collective Worship, where the love of God, in a warm and caring Christian community is a truly special event to witness.

    I have worked in education throughout my adult life, developing invaluable skills for the role of parent governor. I have over 14 years of experience as a secondary science teacher, four years as a nursery support worker and more recently, as a cover supervisor in a Bolton secondary school. These experiences have provided me with valuable insight into how children learn, the demands on staff and current challenges in the education sector. I am a collaborative worker and am passionate about supporting the education of learners, staff and families at St Catherine's C.E. Primary.

  • Adele Leather

    Adele Leather

    Appointed 15.07.22

    I began my teaching career at St Catherine's in 2006. It is a privilege to work with the wonderful children and amazing staff of this warm and welcoming school. During my time at St Catherine's, I have been given many opportunities to develop, joining the Senior Leadership Team in 2012 and becoming Assistant Head in 2017. My roles in school include Key Stage Two Lead and English Lead. In 2021, I completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL). I also have experience of working with other schools, for example regularly leading meetings with staff from local schools in our cluster and collaborating with representatives of clusters across Bolton in the Cross-Phase Reading Project. I became a governor in 2022, bringing my perspective as a member of teaching staff and also as a parent of two school-age children of my own. I aspire to encourage all pupils to be the best that they can be and to help them to leave St Catherine's as confident and capable individuals, ready for the next step of their journey.

  • Janet Adamson
    ,

    Janet Adamson

    Appointed 15.02.18


    I have been a Foundation parent Governor of St Catherine's School , elected by the parochial church council of St Catherine's Church since 2008, before becoming a Foundation governor. I have a long standing connection with the school as I am a past pupil and have been a member of St Catherine's Church all my life. My son spent all his primary education years at the school as do other family members. I have worked within the NHS for 29 years and have always lived in Horwich. In my role as governor I believe in having a positive and sensible outlook and I hope I am able to contribute to the school community and its commitment to ensuring that every pupil both learns and shines at St Catherine's.

    ,

  • David Hulme

    David Hulme

  • Nikola Felton

    Nikola Felton

    I am proud to serve as a Parent Governor at St Catherine's C.E. Primary School, where my daughter attends and continues to flourish both academically and personally. As a parent, I value the school's nurturing and inclusive ethos and am committed to supporting its continued success.

    I bring over 15 years of experience working in education, specialising in safeguarding and inclusion. In my role as a Safeguarding Lead, I have extensive experience supporting vulnerable children and families, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). I have worked closely with staff and external agencies, as well as delivering training, to help ensure the best outcomes for children.

    I am passionate about education and believe every child should feel safe, supported, and able to reach their full potential. As a governor, I aim to use both my professional experience and my perspective as a parent to support the school, its staff, and its wider community.

  • Callum Grundy

    Callum Grundy

    Callum Grundy is a Chartered Chemical Engineer with almost 15 years' experience in the water industry, recognised for strong technical leadership and a proven ability to drive innovative, practical solutions. He works as a Principal Engineer (Innovation) at United Utilities, where he helps identify, de‑risk and embed new technologies that improve environmental performance, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance across a large and complex asset base.

    Bolton born and bred, Callum came through the local education system at Thornleigh Salesian College before studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester. He firmly believes in the power of a great education to shape opportunity, confidence and long‑term success. His career spans innovation, engineering, operations, maintenance, commissioning, design and construction across a multi‑billion‑pound regulated infrastructure industry. He is proficient in leading technical due‑diligence processes, solving complex problems and providing clear, evidence‑based advice. He is an effective communicator and influencer who has successfully led teams, built collaborative partnerships and supported staff wellbeing.

    Callum is also dedicated to supporting education and skills development beyond his role at United Utilities. He volunteers through STEM outreach, mentoring, coaching and serves as a professional reviewer for the Institution of Chemical Engineers. He is the appointed committee Chair of the IChemE Research & Innovation Special Interest Group, helping to connect industry, academia and future engineering talent. He is also a regular speaker at national and European conferences, sharing learning and championing innovation across the sector.

    As a governor, Callum is particularly passionate about equity of opportunity, curriculum quality and pupil wellbeing, as well as inspiring curiosity and creativity in the classroom. He believes that every child, regardless of background, ability or circumstance, deserves access to a safe, happy and high‑quality education that helps them grow in confidence and achieve their potential.

    A lifelong Bolton Wanderers season ticket holder, he believes years of loyal support have trained him well in resilience, patience and unwavering optimism; qualities he brings to both engineering and school governance! Outside football, he enjoys travelling, cooking and spending time outdoors with his family

  • Ric Lucas

    Ric Lucas

    I am really pleased to be a parent governor for st Catherine's primary school.

    Both my boys currently go to the school and it's great to have an active involvement in how the school runs. Having that ability to see it from a parents perspective and from the position as a governor allows me to understand what the school really does to help improve children's learning experiences and development.

    I originally worked in the health and fitness industry for 12 years, where I understood the importance of physical exercise, certainly as an adult, but more so ensuring is is something that begins at a younger age.

    My skill set transitioned me into the water industry as a health and wellbeing advisor, which I carried out for 5 years. My role was to educate, support and promote good physical, nutritionally and mental health to the workforce.

    My current role for the same industry is as a health and safety trainer. I carry out essential training for the business, courses which consist of physical first aid, mental health first aid, safe working at height, confined space entry and other courses.

    I have an award in education and training and I am working towards to my NEBOSH diploma in applied health and safety.

    I feel that my knowledge within the health and wellness space can provide support to the school and ensure that children can have the same level of access to support whilst in their learning environment.

    When I'm not in work I teach fitness classes as my local community centre and try to spend as much quality time with my family as possible

  • Beth O'Sullivan

    Beth O'Sullivan

    I am proud to be a Parent Governor at St Catherine’s C.E Primary School, where my child attends. I have worked in safeguarding for many years and also have a specialist degree in Education and Special Needs. Through my work and studies, I have developed a strong interest in supporting all children to feel safe, included and able to do their best at school.

    I believe every child should have the same opportunity to succeed and be supported to reach their full potential. I am particularly passionate about reading and writing, as these skills are so important for children’s learning and confidence, both in school and in later life. I believe all children should be encouraged to develop these skills and feel proud of what they achieve.

    As a governor, I am keen to support school in making sure every child feels valued and has the chance to succeed. I am proud to be part of a school community that is committed to helping all children grow and achieve.

 

Who can be a Governor?

You don’t have to have children at the school to be a governor. However, you do have to be over 18, and pass a formal check for your suitability to be within a school.  No specific qualifications are required but there are certain expectations. What’s really important is that you have energy, enthusiasm, time and a real desire to help provide children with the best possible education.

Governors come from all sections of the community, and all walks of life. Our Governors are a range of  parents, staff at the school, representatives of St. Catherine’s church and residents in the locality. Two governors are elected by parents, with the remainder appointed by the Trustees who try to ensure our Governing Body reflects the community they serve. Our Governors work as part of a team, and give total commitment to our school.

Term of office and meetings

The term of office for a school governor is normally four years. Our Local Governing Body meets once a term (for approximately 2 hours). Most of our Governors find they usually attend meetings or visit a school three or four times each term. They are invited to special occasions such as assemblies, sports days, plays and presentations.