Who are we?

This page shares information about our governing body. According the NGA (National Governance Association), the governing body are responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a good quality education. Together, with the headteacher, who is responsible for day to day management, they set the school aims and policies. 

The governing board provides strategic leadership and accountability in schools. It has 3 key functions:

• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent. 
• Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils. 
• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.

The governing body meet every half term. In addition, there are two sub-committee groups. These are:

• The Finance & Executive Committee. This sub-group take responsibility for finance, staffing and building matters. 
• The Standards & Achievement Committee. This sub-group takes responsibility for teaching, learning and outcomes. 

I completed a BA (Hons) Primary Education at Nottingham Trent University in 2007. After this, I moved to Yorkshire and worked in the BD4 area of Bradford for my whole teaching career. I joined Bradford Academy in January 2015 and became Primary Principal in October 2016. I have two primary aged children and I am a parent governor at their school. I am passionate about the difference a good education, rooted in British and Christian values can make and am committed to helping Riddlesden St Mary's to continue to meet the needs of the school community through support, guidance and challenge. 

Declaration of interest: None

Material interest: None

Business interest: None

Meetings attended since appointed: 

FGB: 1/1

Standards & Achievement Committee: 2/2

Appointment date: July 2020

Term of Office: 4 years

I am a parent of 2 children currently in school and I have been a governor since 2011. I was recently elected for my second term of office. I am committed to supporting the school in providing the best school experience and education for our children.

Declaration of interest: None 

Material interest: None 

Business interest: Parks and recreation - Bradford Council

Meetings attended: 

FGB: 6/6

Standards & Achievement Committee: 6/6

Appointment date: 7th April 2019

Term of office: 4 years

I have been the Vicar of St Mary's Church, Riddlesden since July 2017.  As the Vicar I automatically the Foundation Governor ex officio. I have been a school governor for 29 years, including 16 years as Chair of Governors of a Church of England School in Nottinghamshire.

Declaration of interest: None

Material interest: None

Business interest: None

Meetings attended:

FGB: 6/6

Executive Committee: 6/6

Appointment date: 19th September 2017

Term of office: Ongoing

 Having been a member of the Governing Body of Riddlesden St. Mary's School for a number of years. 

I am a member of St. Mary's Church and involved with Girl Guiding in Riddlesden as District Commissioner for Keighley East. My interests include playing Bridge and walking ,often with my family ; I am a grandmother and great grandmother.

Declaration of interest: None

Material interest: None

Business interest: None

Meetings attended:

FGB: 5/6

Executive Committee: 5/6

Appointment date: 31st August 2018

Term of office: Ongoing

I moved from York to Riddlesden 2013 and joined St Mary's Governing Body as a Local Authority governor in February 2017.  Since making the move to West Yorkshire, I have enjoyed getting to know the area and becoming part of the community, and now sees Riddlesden as my home.

Professionally, I am an academic and have researched and taught in universities across England since 2003.  My research has been in the areas of education, social policy and healthcare and I am most interested in ways of using research evidence to make decisions about healthcare services. I currently work at the University of Leeds where I supports the NHS to do research and to make and deliver policy to improve services for local communities.

I am long distance runner and an active member of Bingley Harriers and Athletics Club. When I am not working I can usually be found running in the Yorkshire fells or growing (and eating) vegetables in the garden. 

Declaration of interest: None

Material interest: None

Business interest: None

Meetings attended:

FGB: 5/6

Standards & Achievement  Committee: 6/6

Appointment date: 27th January 2017

Term of office: 4 years

Declaration of interest: None

Material interest: None

Business interest: None

Meetings attended in the past 12 months:

FGB: 4/6

Standards & Achievement Committee: 4/6

Appointment date: 3rd December  2018

Term of Office: 4Years

My name is Claire McGuigan. I have worked at St Mary's for 18 months although I have been in education for over 20 years, working a number of primary schools across Bradford.

I am currently based in Early Years, an area that I have a wealth of experience in. I also run the newly formed P.T.A, am the Mental Health Champion for school and lead the super school choir in tuneful song.

I have an all round vested interest in school and everything that happens in it, as I have 2 children who are pupils within the St Mary's family.

I became a governor because I care passionately about education for each and every child. I want to be part of helping the school to continue to be the amazing, unique and happy place it is, giving our children the best start we possibly can and allowing them to be the best they can be.

Declaration of interest: None

Material interest: None

Business interest: None

Meetings attended since appointment:

FGB:  1/2

Standards & achievement  Committee: 1/2

Appointment date: 30th April 2019

Term of office: 4 years

Declaration of interest: None

Material interest: None

Business interest: None

Meetings attended since appointed:

FGB: 3/3

Appointment date: 28th November 2019 

Term of Office: 4 years