Academy Council
About
Our governors are responsible for raising school standards by:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
- Supporting and challenging leaders. They know the school well and can articulate its strengths
We annually audit the skills of the academy council in order to ensure that governors have the relevant skills and experiences to contribute to the work of the council. Collectively, our governors have a range of backgrounds
and competencies appropriate to the board’s responsibilities. If there is a shortage in a skills area we seek to rectify this by training or by recruiting someone to the board with the necessary experience, or both.
All Governors have the same status and are eligible to vote when required.
“Governors are jointly responsible for the conduct of the school, ensuring that the best possible Catholic education is provided for the pupils attending the school. This means ensuring the school is run according to its Articles of Association and the Diocesan Trust Deed, that its religious character is preserved and developed, and that pupils obtain high standards of academic achievement.”
Diocese of Leeds Office for Education and Schools
Further Information
Contacting the Academy Council
Mrs Liz Warhurst, Interim Chair of the Academy Council
Contact via email office@sacredheart.bradford.sch.uk
Academy Council Members
| Name | Position | Term of Office |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs Liz Warhurst | Interim Chair Foundation Governor | 16.12.20- 15.12.24 |
| Canon Timothy Swinglehurst | Foundation Governor Sacred Heart Parish Priest | 01.09.16 – 31.08.25 |
| Mr Mark Joyce | Vice Chair Foundation Governor | 05.10.20-04.10.24 |
| Mrs Lauren Wainwright | Foundation Governor | 01.09.22-31.08.26 |
| Dr Adrian Kennedy | Parent Governor | 05.10.20-04.10.24 |
| Mrs Amanda Rhodes | Headteacher | Ex officio |
| Mr Bob Lavery | Foundation Governor Trust Director | 28.02.17-31.08.24 |
| Mrs Claire Gilhooly | Staff Governor | 24.11.22-23.11.26 |
| Mrs Vicky Fox | Parent Governor | 29.03.23-28.03.27 |
How Academy Councillors Are Appointed
- Foundation Governors are appointed by the Diocese of Leeds, following recommendation from the parish priests.
- Staff Governors are appointed through a process of election by the whole staff of the academy.
- Parent Governors are appointed through a process of election by the parents of children at the academy.
- The Foundation Priest maintains their post for a fixed term.
- The Executive/ Headteacher maintains their post for as long as they are in role.