St Thomas' C of E Primary School

School Governors

St. Thomas School Governing Body

The School Governors at St Thomas’ are the strategic leaders of the school and have a vital role to play in ensuring that every child gets the best possible education.

Governors have the following core functions: 

• ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction; 
• holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and of its staff; 
• overseeing the financial performance of the school and ensuring value for money.  

The Governing Board work together with the Leadership team of the school to ensure that these core functions are carried out for the benefit of all the stakeholders at St Thomas’ C of E Primary school.

The Governors work together at Full Governing Board meetings and in sub-committee meetings. They also visit school to monitor decisions that have been described and taken at governing board meetings and of course to meet the pupils and staff in school and hear about their experiences of life in school.

The sub-committees at St Thomas’ have the following remits

Monitoring Committee

• monitoring and evaluating progress made on the key issues identified within the School Action Plan 
• seek feedback from the leadership team on the impact of strategies to improve progress and raise attainment
• seek feedback from the Headteacher on key issues which are a barrier to progress 
• analyse the self-evaluation of the effectiveness of the governing board 
• discuss and recommend for approval key changes to ensure successful implementation and progress of the School Action Plan 

Resources Committee

• monitor the school's annual budget, for monitoring forward financial planning, 
• monitor the site and buildings, including health and safety matters 
• ensure that the school's money is spent wisely and effectively, in the best interests of our children  

A message from the Chair of Governors

Chair of Governors Welcome Letter

Governor Committee Structure

Governor Committees Structure Sept 2021 - Aug 2022

Record of Governors' Attendance

Governors' Attendance Sept 2021 - Aug 2022

Governors' Attendance Sept 2020 - Aug 2021

Governors' Attendance Sept 2019 - Aug 2020 

Governor Pen Portraits

Susan Breckell - I have been a governor in Stockport schools for nearly 18 years and a Chair of Governors in 2 different schools across the primary and secondary sectors for the last 12 years.  I am also Chair of Governors at Manchester Academy an 11-16 Academy in Manchester. I hope to bring my experience of governing in all of these schools to St Thomas' so that we can ensure that all the children in our care have an excellent education and are able to leave us with experiences, skills and knowledge that will support them in the next stage of their education.  St Thomas' is a very special place and I feel privileged to be part of the community supporting Mr Sanchez and the whole staff team to provide the very best for our children.

Bryan Towell - I am a father of two school age boys and wanted to get involved with School Governance to give something back. A 20 year career in Food & Beverage leadership roles has equipped me with the skills and experience necessary to work with school leadership and deliver great outcomes for children.

Karen Carter - I am delighted to have been selected as Governor for St Thomas’s. I have over 10 years experience as a school governor. When my own children were at school I was involved in the school community, initially as a member of the PTA and then as a governor. I am excited to be part of the governing body of St Thomas’s, as we strive to assist children to reach their potential and be the best that they can.

Rev Lynne Cullens - My name is Lynne Cullens and I am the Rector of the Parish of Stockport and Brinnington; St Thomas' Church is one of our parish churches.  It is my privilege to be working so closely with the team at St Thomas' School, having taken up membership of the Governing Body.  As a church, we look forward to playing our part in enabling the St Thomas' School community to thrive and to find joy and hope in their time as pupils, parents, carers and staff.

Paul-Sanchez - I started working at St Thomas' CE Primary School in September 2020 as Headteacher. I am a firm believer in life-long learning. Whilst the education of our children is clearly our number one priority I also strive to make St Thomas' a learning place for all. Supporting our parents in supporting their children’s learning is a key area of our continuing development, as is providing professional development opportunities for all our staff. Outside of the job I enjoy spending time with my family; my wife and my daughter.

Lucy Gee - I have been a teacher for around 10 years and currently teach year 3 at St Thomas'. I gained my Degree in English, Media and Theatre in York followed later by a PGCE at The University of Cumbria. Prior to retraining as a teacher, I worked in the Media and Fashion industries in both Leeds and Manchester. I am passionate about the Creative Arts in education and the impact this has on children's sense of self and wellbeing.