St Paul's Church of England Academy
St Paul's CE Academy

Governing Body

We, as School Governors, have legal duties, powers and responsibilities that we must exercise as a body. The role of the Governing Body is to:

  • Provide a strategic review of the school: to raise standards of achievement, to establish high expectations and to promote effective teaching and learning.
  • Act as a critical friend to the Principal; to provide support, advice and information; to ask challenging questions and to press for improvement.
  • Ensure accountability of the Principal and staff.
  • We also have prime responsibility for the finance of the school.

To enable the Governors to achieve these objectives, the Body is made up of key groups within the school, parents, staff, the Local Authority, the Church and the community. Some of the Governors are appointed by the Diocese, whilst others are elected. All serve for a term of three years.

The Body generally meets once a term; a number of sub-committees focus on finance, staffing, health and safety and the curriculum. I welcome your views and hopefully this summary will give you a brief insight into the role of the Governing Body.

Mr Craig Taylor
Chair of Governors

Mrs Anna McGuire

Mr Taylor, Chair of Governors

Governing Body Members

NameType of Governor
Mr Craig TaylorChair of Governors, Co-opted Governor
Mr Tom RichardsVice-Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor
Ms Sarah BottFoundation Governor
Mrs Lynne HickmanFoundation Governor
(vacancy)Foundation Governor
Mrs Hayley AbbottParent Governor
Mrs Kerry LakinParent Governor
(vacancy)Parent Governor
Mrs Jo WoodCo-opted Governor
Mrs Anna McGuirePrincipal
Mrs Laura BridgeStaff Governor
Mrs Nicola HartlandStaff Governor

Governor Profiles

Mrs Hayley Abbott

Parent Governor

I was born in Sandwell and have spent most of my life living in Tipton. I am a Mom of two boys that currently attend St Paul’s. Having worked in various Financial management roles within the local authority for over 15 years and I am looking forward to using my knowledge and experience to play a positive role as Parent Governor at St Paul’s.

Mrs Sarah Bott

Foundation Governor

I have worked in Tipton for 25 years, starting at Ocker Hill Primary and then joined the team at St Martin’s CE Primary where I was Headteacher for the last 14 years. I have always enjoyed working with the Tipton Community and am very happy that I can continue to do this by supporting St Paul’s Academy on their Governing Body. I am currently a Senior Lecturer at Newman University where I am very proud to be training teachers of the future!

Mrs Laura Bridge

Staff Governor

I have worked at St. Paul’s for several years as the Office Manager and have a wide range of roles and responsibilities; every day is different. I enjoy my role as Staff Governor and having special responsibility for Pupil Premium. In my free time I like taking my dog for long walks to different places, I also enjoy shopping and eating out with friends.

Mrs Nicola Hartland

Staff Governor

I have been working at St Pauls Academy for over 10 years now and have developed my role during my time here. My job is varied and very rewarding. I have a daughter who has is at University and I really enjoy going to the gym. Chiquitos is one of my favourite places to eat. I teach intervention groups of pupils in KS2 and hold responsibility for Safeguarding and Online Safety too. I am looking forward to the experience of being a staff governor; as a member of the Governing team and the challenges that it will bring.

Mrs Lynne Hickman

Foundation Governor

My name is Lynne Hickman, I was born in Tipton and have lived in Sandwell most of my life. I’ve been coming into St. Pauls for the last nine years delivering assemblies and after-school clubs. I work for Tipton Youth Project as a school’s worker and we are currently working with eleven schools in the Tipton area. I attend St. Matthew’s church in Tipton. I like to read, bake and watch cookery programmes, I also try to walk , weather permitting, most weekends. I have a son and daughter and a grandson.

Mrs Kerry Lakin

Parent Governor

My name is Kerry Lakin, I have been a nursery nurse, working for Sandwell Council House Workplace Nursery for 27 years where I have worked my way up to senior nursery nurse. During this time, I have completed a range of training courses and now specialise in working with children with SEND. I also work for West Bromwich Albion as a steward on Match Days and have recently been promoted to Lead Safeguarding Steward. In my free time I love spending time with my family and friends going on day trips and holiday as much as possible. I have two children who both attend St Paul’s, I am deeply grateful for the experiences my children have had during their time here. I am excited to try something new as a School Governor and to be a small part of a wonderful school.

Mrs Anna McGuire

Principal

As a member of the Governing Body of St. Paul’s Primary School, I have enjoyed working alongside a dedicated team ensuring that our school provides a high quality education and secures good outcomes for pupils whilst constantly pursuing improvement. As Principal I am able to provide professional advice to the governing body and am pleased to receive constructive advice, challenge and a second opinion on proposals from other members.

Mr Tom Richards

Co-opted Governor

My name is Tom and in my working life I cover Tipton for the local Public Health department, working with schools and community groups to promote the health of everybody living and working in the town. As link governor for health and wellbeing I’m looking forward to working with students and staff at St. Paul’s to help maintain the positive, healthy working environment that I’ve observed on my visits to the school, and helping guide the great work the team at St. Paul’s has been doing to get everybody at the school fit and active. When I’m not working I like to spend as much of my time as possible out of doors, either at my allotment when I’m at home in Smethwick or camping, riding my bike, walking and swimming when I can get out into the countryside.

Mr Craig Taylor

Co-opted Governor

My name is Craig Taylor and have lived in Sandwell all of my life. I am looking forward to being an active member of the governing body. I come from a Sporting background and currently working as a Project Delivery Officer for the Black Country Consortium Ltd. My role is around School Sport in particular the lead for the Black Country School Games and also strategic lead for Primary School PE & School Sport Premium in the Black Country. I have a First Class Combined Honours degree from Newman University in IT and Sport Studies. I am also a Football Referee operating on the National Contributory Leagues and Football Conference.

Mrs Jo Wood

Co-opted Governor

Hello, my name is Jo Wood. I work at Tipton Library as a Senior Supervisor. I have worked in Sandwell libraries for nearly 40 years (I can’t believe it has been so long!) I have a passion for sharing a love of books and reading for pleasure with everyone, but especially children. In my spare time I enjoy going to the theatre, meeting up with friends and family, visiting National Trust gardens and pottering in my own garden.