Our Governing Body
The role of the governing body is a strategic one with three core functions:
- setting strategic direction
- creating robust accountability
- ensuring best use of financial resources
The work of the governing body is driven by the school improvement plan. Discussions, decisions and actions for governors focus on school finance, staffing matters, use and condition of premises, pupils' wellbeing, curriculum, data and assessment, working with stakeholders, admissions and organisational changes.
The full governing body must meet at least three times per academic year but most meet more frequently through committee meetings. There is an expectation that governors will also undertake monitoring visits into school to find out more about the school throughout the year. Governors work closely with the headteacher and make decisions collectively as a team.
How To Become A School Governor
If you require further information on the roles and responsibilities of School Governors or you are interested in becoming one, please contact our Head of Governance, Steven Dawson - S.Dawson@connectmat.org.uk
Our Governors
|
Name |
Appointed by / type
|
Term from |
Term to |
Special responsibility role |
|
Gemma Knox |
Headteacher |
29 June 2026 |
|
|
|
Barry Clark |
Governor |
14 Dec 2022 |
13 Dec 2026 |
Chair; Link Governor for Safeguarding |
|
Mrs Rachel Graham |
Staff (Teaching) Governor |
11 Nov 2025 |
10 Nov 2029 |
|
|
Alan Henderson |
Governor |
03 Feb 2023 |
2 Feb 2027 |
Link Governor for Attendance & Behaviour |
|
David Johnson |
Governor |
14 Dec 2022 |
13 Dec 2026 |
Link Governor for Quality of Education, H&S, Community |
|
Peter Lunn |
Governor |
25 June 2025 |
24 June 2029 |
|
| Phill Ramsden |
Parent Governor |
25 June 2025 |
24 June 2029 |
|
|
David Scutt |
Governor |
1 March 2025 |
28 February 2029 |
|
|
Kevin Showler |
Governor |
25 June 2025 |
24 June 2029 |
|
Register of Interests
| Governor | Date Appointed | Category | Interests Declared |
| Barry Clark | 14 Dec 2022 | Governor & Chair | None |
| Rachel Graham | 11 Nov 2025 | Staff (Teaching) Governor | Father on LGB (Alan Henderson) (from 03/02/2023 to current) |
| Alan Henderson | 03 Feb 2023 | Governor | Daughter on LGB and staff member (Rachel Graham) (from 03/02/2023 to current) |
| David Johnson | 14 Dec 2022 | Governor | Business, Marmax Recycled Products - supplies to Consett Academy and Catchgate Primary School (from 23/01/2021 to current) |
|
Peter Lunn |
25 June 2026 | Governor | None |
| Phill Ramsden | 25 June 2026 | Governor |
None |
| David Scutt | 01 Mar 2025 | Governor | None
|
| Kevin Showler | 25 June 2026 | Governor |
None |
Leavers in the last 12 months:
| Angela Cobb | Parent Governor | 9 Oct 2024 | 1 April 2026 | Link Governor for SEND, Careers & Personal Development |
| Mark Gray | Head Teacher | 6 June 2022 | 26 June 2026 | |
| Deborah Menear | Staff (Support) Governor | 10 May 2023 | 31 Aug 2027 |
Record of Attendance
2025-2026 and 2026-2027
|
Governor |
12 November 2025 |
1 April 2026 |
3 June 2026 |
14 October 2026 |
10 February 2027 |
9 June 2027 |
|
Barry Clark |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
|
|
|
|
Angela Cobb |
No apologies received |
Resigned |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Rachel Graham |
Apologies accepted |
Attended |
Attended |
|
|
|
|
Mark Gray |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
|
|
|
|
Alan Henderson |
Apologies accepted |
Attended |
Attended |
|
|
|
|
David Johnson |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
|
|
|
|
Peter Lunn |
No apologies received |
Apologies accepted |
Attended |
|
|
|
|
Deborah Menear |
Apologies received |
Attended |
Apologies accepted |
|
|
|
|
Phill Ramsden |
No apologies received |
Attended |
Apologies accepted |
|
|
|
|
David Scutt |
Apologies received |
Attended |
Attended |
|
|
|
|
Kevin Showler |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
|
|
|