Local Governing Body
Topcliffe are proud to be part of the educational vision for Elevate Multi Academy Trust whilst retaining our own strong identity. The Trustees have allowed its Academies to retain the same composition for their local governing bodies, which is set out below.
The three core functions of the local governing board are:
To ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
To hold the head teacher to account for the educational performance of the Academy and its children.
To oversee the financial performance of the Academy and make sure its money is well spent.
Chair of Governors: Richard Tindall
Contact: r.tindall@topcliffeacademy.org or
Topcliffe C of E Academy, School Lane, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3RG
Responsibilities
Together, the Governors are responsible for:
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Setting aims and targets for the academy and checking the academy’s progress towards attaining these.
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Monitoring how well the Academy’s policies and plans are working.
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Accounting for the performance of the Academy and the Governing Body.
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Working with the Head teacher to make sure that teaching at the academy is effective and good quality and the children are making the best possible progress.
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Taking general responsibility for the Academy and its budget.
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Challenging and supporting the senior management team and taking opportunities to show interest in and appreciation of staff and children.
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Promoting the interests of the Academy and its children in the wider community.
Types of Governors
There are several different types of Governor:
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Parent Governor
Elected from parents at the school by parents at the Academy.
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Staff Governor
Elected from staff at the school by staff at the Academy
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Co-opted Governors
Appointed by members of the Local Governing Body. They are intended to be representative of the local community and may add particular kinds of expertise.
- Foundation Governor
Foundation governors are representatives of the Church of England.
The local vicar is normally appointed as the 'ex-officio' foundation governor;
The other foundation governor will usually be appointed by either Leeds or York Diocese, following consultation with the local PCC.
Governing Body 2022-23
Name |
Type |
Term |
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Abi Clay |
Head teacher |
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Sophie Howard |
Staff |
22.09.2020 to 22.09.2024 |
|
Simon Park |
parent |
12.12.2026
|
Finance H&S |
Eric Robertson |
Parent |
03.12.2019 03.12.2023 |
|
Rev. Dawn Ward |
Foundation |
Ex officio |
|
Vacancy |
Foundation |
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Richard Tindall Chair |
Co opted
|
12.12.2026 |
Safeguarding |
Bev Southwell |
Co opted |
01.09.2019 01.09.2023 |
SEN |
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In Attendance |
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Dianne Mousley |
Clerk |
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Resignations |
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Rev Terry Dyer | Ex officio | 31.08.2022 | resigned |
Nicola Knowles | parent | 11.07.2019 | resigned |
Amy Binks | co opted | 30.06.2019 | end of term |
Andy Fyfe | co opted | 30.06.2019 | end of term |
Emily Shaw | staff | 25.09.2018 | end of term |
Stephen Bissett | Foundation | 26.08.2019 | resigned |
Rebecca Kaufmann | Staff | 24.04.2020 | left post |
Pen Portraits:
Abigail Clay - Headteacher
Abigail became head at Topcliffe C of E Academy in September 2015. Prior to becoming a headteacher she was an assistant head at an outstanding school where she taught across the primary age range from reception to year 6. Abigail has also worked as an Advanced Skills Teacher supporting modern foreign language development across the county. Abigail has written a book to support teachers in delivering languages to young children. Abigail enjoys sport, reading and spending time with her husband and three children. |
Richard Tindell - Co Opted Governor
Richard is thrilled to be able to take the role of Chair of Governors. Being a pupil himself in 1987, Richard is driven to make sure high standards are maintained and to help the school grow and evolve. Making sure that pupils of all ages and backgrounds have access to the same opportunities to achieve their full potential.
Having worked for the Police for 12 years in different forces Richard has particular experience in risk management and safeguarding. Being on the Governing body enables him to assist the school offering support and advice.
Simon Park: Parent Governor
Simon is delighted to take up his role as Governor at Topcliffe, being an ex-student and now proud father of 2 currently attending. He is keen to assist the school continue their fine work. Richard is passionate about helping young people achieve their potential through education and have access to resources to help them go above and beyond their own expectations.
Simon hopes to bring experience from his background in I.T, Recruitment and Finance to ensure the school achieves the high standards it strives towards. He am really looking forward to working with the children, staff and families within the community.
Bev Southwell: Co opted Governor
Bev is delighted to have the opportunity to be a governor at Topcliffe Academy and hope to use her 30+ years experience of education in a range of North Yorkshire secondary settings to support the school.
Her particular interest is in helping students with special educational needs, their parents and teaching staff access the support and guidance needed to ensure every child reaches their potential. Bev is also keen to promote inclusion in our increasingly diverse community.
Rev Dawn Ward: Ex Officio Foundation Governor
Dawn is excited to take up the role of Temporary Ex Officio Foundation Governor at Topcliffe C of E Academy. Before Ordination in the Church of England she worked for 40 years as a Community Pharmacist, and Dawn is passionate about Church in the wider community. Dawn is hoping to build strong links between school, the local church in Topcliffe and the communities both serve.
Dawn feels strongly that all pupils regardless of age and background should be able to access every opportunity to learn and to participate in the life of the school.
Register of Interest:
Topcliffe C of E Academy 2022-23
Name |
Name of Business |
Nature of Business |
Nature of Interest |
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Abi Clay |
Topcliffe Academy |
Head teacher |
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Sophie Howard |
Topcliffe Academy |
Teacher |
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Richard Tindall |
Cleveland Police |
Police officer |
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Eric Robertson |
Thirsk Surgery |
Doctor |
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Foundation Governor at
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Simon Park |
Foundation Resourcing Ltd |
Accountant |
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Bev Southwell |
Retired |
Teacher |
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Associate Members |
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