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What is the Board of Governors?

All schools in England have a Board of Governors which is responsible for overseeing many of the strategic decisions of the school. A key role is to act as a ‘critical friend’: to support, to challenge, to ask questions, ultimately to represent the school community.

The Board of Governors works in close partnership with the headteacher, staff and the local authority. Whilst the headteacher is, of course, responsible for the day to day running of the school, the governors are involved with such things as staffing, curriculum, school buildings and finance. It ensures the school functions well and maintains the proper range of academic and social objectives.

The governing body consists of:

• The headteacher
• One elected staff governor
• One appointed local authority governor
• Two elected parent governors
• Seven appointed foundation governors (one of whom is the Parish Priest)

The standard term of office for a governor is four years. The chair and vice-chair are elected annually at the first meeting of the academic year.

The Chair of Governors is Mr Martin Moran, who can be contacted via the school office.

Much of the work of the governing body is done by the following two committees:

• Standards
• Resources

Our current Board of Governors:

Mr Martin Moran Foundation  Chair of board of Governors

I am a practising Catholic and joined the Governing Body of Our Lady of Lourdes in 2008 as a Foundation Governor. I have served on Buildings and Health & Safety and Performance Management committees. I have been involved with the parish and school for many years, my three children having gained an outstanding education at the school. During my career progression I have developed many areas of expertise that I feel enhance my governor role such as a Chair of the committees that I serve and qualifications gained. I believe I can offer the school a fair and balanced view of the governing body.

Term of Office ends:31/08/2025

 Mr Peter Loynd Foundation Governor Vice Chair (Resource Committee)

I originally joined the Governing Body around the turn of the millennium having previously served on the Governing Body of Partington Primary School. During my first period with Our Lady’s, I served as Chair and Vice Chair as well as Chair of Finance.

I was asked by Fr Ned to rejoin the Governing Body in September 2016 as a Foundation Governor where I have joined the Resources Committee. I come as an independent voice and an objective viewpoint. My intention is to support the school by providing, as far as is possible, all necessary means for the Head Teacher and his staff to educate the children in the school in accordance with the school mission statement and to enable each and every child to achieve their full potential.

I am a retired Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and managed Royal Bank of Scotland in Partington from 1987 to 1990. I particularly bring my financial skills to assist in managing the school finances. I am also involved in Health and Safety and personnel issues in school.

I am a parishioner of All Saints, Ashton on Mersey where I am a Reader and Eucharistic Minister. I am married with 5 children and 3 grandchildren. My father and wife were both teachers and 3 of our children are also in teaching – one son teaches Year 5 in Swinton, another son is Head of Modern Languages at a local high school and a daughter teaches Year 6 in Oxford. This gives me a detailed insight into the pressures currently being placed on both schools and staff.

Term of Office ends: 31/8/2025

Mrs Marie McGarvey - Staff Governor (Resource Committee)

Having been a pupil of the school and a lifelong resident of Partington, I feel I have a real commitment and passion for the school, its pupil/parents and the wider school community.

I became a staff Governor shortly after beginning work in 2008 as a School Secretary. As changes in demands to the role demanded, this necessitated that I developed into the role of School Business Manager having completed my Certificate in School Business Management with the National College in School Leadership in 2011. 

As a Governor I am involved in The Resource Committee where I am able to offer my advice, knowledge and experience to this committee, and the Full Governing Body. The Resource Committee cover all aspects of Schools Financial Management, Health and Safety and all Staffing and HR issues.

I enjoy my role and I’m looking forward to continue to work with both Governors and staff to support the school to move forward to benefit our wonderful pupils.

Term of Office ends:24/10/2021

Councillor James Wright Local Authority (Resource Committee)

Term of Office ends: 4/12/2021

Mrs Shelagh Bailey Foundation Governor (Standards Committee) 

Term of Office ends: 31/8/2021

Mr Stephen McNicholas Foundation Governor (Resource Committee)

I joined the Governing Body as a Foundation Governor in January 2019, following an invitation from Fr. Ned. I have previously served as a Foundation Governor for St. John Vianney – Stretford for a period of 10 years.

I am now officially retired, having worked for 44 years in logistics, latterly working for DHL Supply Chain as a Depot General Manager.

I have lived in Sale since getting married 44 years ago and have two grown up children and three grandchildren. I am a parishioner of All Saints and am active in parish life, undertaking the role of Eucharistic Minister, Reader and also a member of the counting team processing the parish collections.

I enjoy the role of Governor and look forward to supporting both the school, teachers and it’s pupils during my term of office.

Term of Office ends 31/01/2024

Ms Helen Fitton Foundation Governor (Standards Committee)

I am a practising Catholic and joined the Governing Body of Our Lady of Lourdes in September 2019. I am a Foundation governor and serve on the Standards Committee. I have resided in Partington for the past 12 years and am active within the parish church as a Eucharistic Minister and Reader. I enjoy supporting our staff and pupils during their time at the school.

Term of office: 31/08/2023

 Miss Emma Kurtz Parent Governor (Standards Committee)

Term of office: 23/10/2023

Mrs Clare Marchmont Foundation Governor (Standards Committee)

I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in September 2019. Since then I have been impressed by the strong Catholic ethos and the supportive environment which permeates throughout the school.

I worked in Trafford secondary schools throughout my teaching career (mainly in the catholic sector) and I am aware that there are currently many challenges faced by schools. I hope that in my role as a foundation governor I will be able to support our school to rise above these challenges.

I believe that a Catholic education offers young people an excellent start in life and I look forward to working with the team at Our Lady of Lourdes to ensure that our students enjoy working hard and achieving personal success.

Term of office:30/08/2023 

Mrs Natalie Gaulton  Deputy Head Teacher Associate Member  

Father Ned Wall - Parish Priest (Resources Committee) - see also the section on OUR CHURCH

Mrs Diane Furlong - Headteacher

The full Board of Governors meets at least once every term but smaller committees of governors meet more frequently. We try to maximise the expertise and talents of each governor so that each one can fulfil his/her role to the best possible advantage of the school community.

There are now two committees, Resources Committee and Standards Committee.

Foundation Governors are appointed by the Diocese.

Parent Governors are elected by parents.

Staff Governor is elected by the staff.

The current Board of Governors have no registered business interests.

Fr. Ned Wall is a Governor at two other primary schools, All Saints and St Margaret Ward. 

Mr Martin Moran is the spouse of a current member of staff.

Mrs Furlong is the Headteacher.

Governor Information:

Join us!

Please read our code of conduct for the board of governors.

All governors must be elected or appointed.

If you want to be part of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School's board of governors please enquire about any vacancies.

Contact; Trafford Governor Services, Rev. Fr. Ned Wall or Mr.s D Furlong Headteacher.

You can also contact Trafford's Governor Services:

0161 912 3218

governor.services@trafford.gov.uk|