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To read our Governing Body’s Written Statement of Behaviour principles, please click here
The Governing Body is a team of people who want to help the school to be the best school it can be. We have Governors who are parents of children at SJB, as well as Governors from around our community, because we know how important schools are in making our world a better place to be part of. Our jobs include: helping to choose the school’s teachers, making sure lessons are interesting and fun, checking the school is safe, making sure the school does not run out of money. To do all this we work closely with the school staff, and sometimes get to come in to see what the pupils are up to – which is great fun!
 | Mr John Barrett (Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor) I am a co-opted governor and was delighted to be asked to be involved with Sir John Barrow School. Before retirement I was a headteacher for seven years and then worked for the Local Authority for a further ten years. I have particular interests in the areas of special educational needs and safeguarding. As I governor I hope to support the school to develop and ensure that every child enjoys the best opportunity to thrive. |
 | Mrs Dawn Woodhouse (Co-opted Governor) I was very excited to be asked to join the governing body of such a caring and forward-thinking school. I have two grand children at Sir John Barrow and I can see already that this school fosters a wish for children to learn, have fun and strive to be their best selves. I have been a teacher for many years and am passionate about learning. In the past I have been heavily involved in Initial Teacher Training, curriculum development and International Schools work. Outside of my working life I love being out and about in the lakes and further afield with my family. As a governor I look forward to supporting the school in any way I can. |
 | Mrs Nancy Fletcher (Deputy Head Teacher) I am the Deputy Head Teacher at Sir John Barrow School. Since joining the school in 2008, I have worked as a class teacher and as the Deputy Headteacher. I love my job as I work with such interesting young people and with a talented and dedicated staff. My particular interests are developing a love of reading and encouraging our pupils to speak confidently and politely. |
 | Mrs Ayasha Kershaw (Staff Governor) -Maternity leave I am the Year 2 teacher and leader of KS1 at Sir John Barrow School. I have been a part of the wonderful team at SJB for 6 years and previously taught at another school in Cumbria. I have a keen interest in Literacy and reading and I am also privileged to work as a Literacy specialist for Orgill English Hub. |
 | Mrs Elizabeth Brown (Elected Parent Governor) I have lived in Ulverston for many years and have 1 child at SJB and 2 older children at high school. I have over 7 years governance experience at another setting and am excited to be part of the SJB governing body. My background is in finance and I am hoping those skills along with my experience and enthusiasm will be a great support to the children and staff in school. I enjoy many hobbies with my family and all our spare time is spent together doing the things we love and enjoying our beautiful Lake District. |
 | Mrs Rebecca Williamson (Elected Parent Governor) I have two children in school. SJB is a terrific school – supportive, inclusive and friendly. I’m keen to work as a governor to ensure every child is given the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Part of my day job is data analysis which will help in the discussion of the attainment gaps between the different pupil cohorts. I look forward to contributing to the improvement of an already great school. I have lived in Ulverston for 16 years and have played for multiple sports teams; I am now encouraging my children to do the same. I love where we live; we spend many weekends up mountains or out on a lake. |
 | Mr Craig Lavery (Parent Governor) As an employee of BAE systems for over 20 years, I have worked in a range of different teams. I have been a mental health well-being champion for the workforce for the last 5 years and offer a supportive, listening ear. I was born and raised in Ulverston and have 1 child at SJB and appreciate the support and hard work of the school. I am keen to offer my support in any way I can for the benefit of my own children and others’. In my spare time I enjoy cycling and running in and around the Lake District. |
 | Mrs Gemma Jackson (Appointed by GB) I am very pleased to join the SJB Governing Body – I have been working in school as a Senior Teaching Assistant since the beginning of 2024 after relocating to Cumbria from Suffolk. In Suffolk I was a Higher Level Teaching Assistant in a small rural school for 8 years. Before that I was a Deputy Manager and Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator (SENDCo) at a village nursery. I was also lucky enough to teach children English in China for a year and a half. I work closely with disadvantaged children as well as pupils who have ‘special educational’ needs – I enjoy supporting them to succeed in their learning and development. Out of school hours I love going for walks, running and spending time with my family and friends. |
Mrs Laura Hamilton (Parent Governor) Awaiting Update | |
 | Mr David Smith (Appointed by Governing Body) I’ve lived in Ulverston for over 35 years and am a retired dentist. My connection with SJB is my daughter happily attended many years ago and I’m now a volunteer, mostly assisting a little with year 5 reading, but available to help out elsewhere if required. My last two years of work was at Leeds university where I realised I really liked the educational environment and watching students develop and improve their skills and knowledge. I am very pleased to be connected to such a good school and its outstanding status. |
 | Cllr Mark Wilson -Leader of Ulverston Town Council Happy to have to support Sir Joh Barrow School as an Associate Member. |
 | Mr Jeremy Tennyson (Associate Member) |
 | Mrs Karen Little (Clerk)I am very proud to work with the outstanding Governing Body at Sir John Barrow School. Governors are very passionate that the highest education standards are provided, and go that extra mile to ensure that all pupils can achieve the best possible outcome. They are also a great pleasure to work with. |
Monitoring means gathering evidence to check what progress has been made towards strategic priorities and targets and the implementation of policies.
In the context of monitoring Key Areas, governors should be looking to evaluate progress in their Key Area of responsibility, and to identify weaknesses or areas where more resources may be needed.
