South York Multi Academy Trust (SYMAT) Governance

For information about Governance in the South York Multi-Academy Trust, including information about the Trustees and Members of the board, please see the 'Governance' section on the SYMAT website. For legal, financial and statutory information on SYMAT please see the 'Legal, Financial and Statutory Information' Section on the SYMAT website.

The Local Governing Body

The Local Governing Body is made up of representatives of the school staff, parents  and members of the local community. All of our governors have their own careers and responsibilities but dedicate as much time to the school as they are able. They bring a range of expertise and skills which are all equally valued.

2020/2021

Attendance Register: Full Governing Body Meetings 2020/2021

Attendance Register: Covid-19 Task Group 2020/2021

Attendance Register: Full Governing Body Meetings 2018/2019

Attendance Register: Resources Committee Meetings 2018/2019

Attendance Register: Education and Strategic Committee Meetings 2018/2019

Attendance Register: Health and Safety Premises Group 2018/2019

What Our Governors Do

An important part of the role of the Governing Body is to help set the vision and values for the school, and the policies and procedures that act as a framework for how the school is run. The Governing Body works hard to support the Headteacher to ensure that AYJS is providing the best possible education for its pupils by:

•  Thinking and working strategically to help raise standards.

•  Monitoring and evaluating progress towards the school’s priorities and targets.

•  Supporting the head and staff as well as challenging their expectations – called being a ‘critical friend’.

•  Accounting to all stakeholders for the school’s overall performance and for the decisions they have made.

As well as sharing a common desire to support the school, the Governing Body has statutory duties by which it is legally bound. It is ultimately responsible for all matters relating to the school including teaching and learning, health and safety, safeguarding, staffing, premises and finance. At AYJS, the full Governing Body normally meets every half term to discuss and agree the school’s business. The Governing Body goes into school to attend events and to meet with the Headteacher, other members of staff and pupils to help us to find out how the school is progressing towards its targets. 

In addition to participating in the full Governing Body, governors may also serve on sub-committees. The sub-committees are:

• Finance and Resources

• Education Strategy

• Headteacher Appraisal and Teachers’ Pay

• Health and Safety

• Foundation Governors

Contact the Governors

If you would like to contact the Governors you can do so either by letter via the school office or by email to the Clerk of Governors Isobel Goforth.

Derek Angood (Co-opted)

After completing my training at St John’s, I spent 40 years as a Teacher, Deputy-Head Teacher and Head Teacher. I worked in local schools starting at Wigginton, then Clifton Without and then as Deputy Head at Hob Moor. I was Head Teacher at Appleton Roebuck from 1998 until I retired in 2015.

During my teaching career, I had many loose associations with Bishopthorpe school. Bill Matthews, who was Head Teacher in the 80’s, was a college friend and neighbour and we played in the same football teams for years. When Mr Beecham was Head Teacher, his wife was a teacher at my school, and the two schools developed positive sporting and music links which lasted until I retired.

I have lived in Bishopthorpe since 2003 and since I retired, I have been happy to help in school from time to time in various voluntary roles. There are aspects of working in school that are enjoyable and rewarding and I was grateful to be reminded of that. When I heard that the school was short of a Governor, I thought I might be able to help. As a staff representative and Head Teacher, I have served on Governing bodies for about 30 years, albeit in a slightly different capacity to this time. 

Clare Ashton (Co-opted)

I am Mother to a daughter at AYJS and a son at the infant school. In my professional life, I am a forensic psychologist, working with individuals with complex and challenging behaviour. This means I bring passionate experience in working collaboratively with everyone (be that  adult or child) to explore a broad range of potential alternative solutions to problems and supporting people to find the best way forward in difficult situations. Working as a manager in the public sector also means that I am used to working effectively and efficiently in order to ensure the public get the best possible value for money, which will hopefully come in useful when I serve on the resources committee. 

Chris Brennan (Community Governor)

Although I live in Acaster Malbis, I’ve had an affinity with Bishopthorpe for a considerable number of years, in particular being a Governor at AYJS since 2004.  Over that period of time I’ve been Chair of Governors, Committee Chair and supported the school through three Ofsted inspections.  My role as a Governor is supportive yet challenging to ensure each child has the same opportunities.  Being part of a very committed, passionate school team ensures we continue to meet the high expectation we all want for our children. 

The different skill mix within the Governor body is important and I bring commercial and business experience from my various roles, initially within the energy industry and latterly as a Business Partner within a medical practice.  The synergy between education and health has enabled me to share and for us to learn from, the challenges affecting both sectors.

In my spare time, if I have any after being ‘dad’s taxi’ for my two daughters, I enjoy most sports in particular rugby, football and golf.  I also have a passion for running and you may see my pounding the streets of Bishopthorpe whilst training for marathons and half marathons.                

Pam Coates (Foundation Governor)

I have lived in Bishopthorpe for fourteen years and for the last three years have been a governor at AYJS.

I am on the Curriculum Committee which looks at policy, the provision of teaching and the academic progress being made by the children. I have been involved in the interview process for appointing staff. I am link governor for art and music.

As a Foundation Governor from St Andrew’s Church, I am particularly interested in how being a church school makes a distinct difference to the lives of the children at AYJS. I am so proud of their willingness to talk about their personal beliefs and their eagerness to support others and put the school ethos into practice.

I really enjoy coming to share in the life of AYJS.  I visit as often as I am able. I love helping with art groups, attending concerts and church services, going on trips and occasionally having lunch at school. I take assembly each half term, which is a great privilege.

As someone who has always taught and still tutors in the village, I just  can’t stay away from school!

Ann Cox (Foundation Governor)

I feel very privileged to have been made a Foundation Governor at AYJS. 

I am now the Chair of the Education and Strategic Planning Committee and a link Governor for Special Needs Children and Religious Education. I am also Vice Chair of Governors at Knavesmire Primary School and have been a governor there for around 14 years. I am a freeman of the City of York and treasurer of the Micklegate Stray.

I moved to Bishopthorpe about 7 years ago to be near to my daughter and family. I have two granddaughters at AYJS, Willow and Rowan Clark. I am a member of St Andrew’s Church in Bishopthorpe and I am a member of the PCC and am on the Finance Committee and take an active part in the life of the Church.   

In any spare time that I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening and reading.

Mr Jonathan Green (Headteacher)

I have been teaching at the Archbishop of York’s CE Junior School since 1992! I was appointed Deputy Headteacher and loved teaching in our school so much that I stayed and was lucky enough to be appointed Headteacher in April 2008.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am nuts about cricket. I used to play a lot, but now my knees hurt a little bit too much and my eyesight is not what it was.

I know that I am very privileged to be the Headteacher of such a lovely school in such a super village.

Hannah Leadbetter (Staff Governor)

Working as a teaching assistant, with an interest in playing a greater part in the life of the school, I was very happy to join the team of governors this year. During my time at AYJS, I've worked one to one with pupils with extra needs, taught groups - both within and outside of class, trained Peer Mediators and been lucky enough to join the year 6 pupils on their residential trip.

Apart from working with children, I love spending time with my family, reading, outdoor activities and sports. I play in a badminton team and compete against other clubs. My holidays are often spent camping, biking, canoeing and hiking (with a book to enjoy in  between times).

James Naish (Parent Governor)

I have been an AYJS parent since 2015 when my son started and expect to continue as one until my daughter finishes in 2023. I moved to Bishopthorpe in 2007, but previously spent time living here between studies after my parents moved here in 1994, working in The Ebor and playing for the cricket club. As a result, I feel a long-term affinity with the community which has evolved as my own family has integrated into village and school life.

In my working life, I am a solicitor, chartered surveyor, estate agent and business owner, all of which provide useful experience to add to the perspective of a school parent.

I enjoy going out to pubs and restaurants; and have always been a keen skier and snowboarder. I love various sports, but these days just as a spectator, instead keeping fit through cycling, running, walking and gym, with the occasional (and inevitably poor) round of golf.

Simon Sykes (Community Governor)

I have been a Governor for a number of years and hold a position on the Resources Committee and Health and Safety Committee.  I have also been involved with various project committees.

In my personal life I am a building contractor and can use my skills to advise on various aspects in School.

My hobbies and pastimes include walking, skiing, travelling and gardening.  I am also involved with the Bishopthorpe Gala and hep with local pantomimes.

Fiona Phillips (Chair / Parent Governor)

I am a mother of two girls, one currently at AYJS and the other at the Infant School.  In my professional life I am a Consultant in Public Health Medicine with a passion for improving healthy lifestyles.  I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the best health possible and should have the right tools to be able to achieve this.  I feel privileged to have a role on the governing body, as a good education plays a huge part in determining an individual's future health outcomes.  As a governor I would like to share this expertise and support AYJS in ensuring our children have the right foundations and are set on the path to having a healthy and fulfilling life.  In my spare time (what spare time?!) I enjoy gardening and swimming.