A team of volunteers who bring experience, care and thoughtful challenge to help every child at St Thomas’s flourish.
Our Governing Body meets at least once each term. Governors support the school’s vision and aims, understand its strengths and priorities, and work closely with the Headteacher on long-term school improvement.
Governors bring skills in education, finance, management and pastoral care. They approve key policies, appoint the Headteacher and hold the school to account, while leaving day-to-day leadership to the Headteacher and staff.
Every governor undertakes training, maintains confidentiality and spends time with staff and children to understand school life. All serve voluntarily and without payment.
Foundation, parent, staff and ex-officio governors work together for the whole school community.
Foundation Governor appointed by the Diocese
Jo is a member of St Thomas’s Church and a class teacher at a primary school PRU in Lancashire. She holds the NASENCO qualification, is our SEND Governor and chairs the Finance, Premises & Staffing Committee.
Foundation Governor appointed by the Diocese
Rachael is a member of St Thomas’s Church. Her background is in primary teaching and she now works as a freelance writer and trainer.
Ex-officio Governor
Sarah is the Headteacher of St Thomas’s CE Primary School and serves on the governing body in an ex-officio capacity.
Ex-officio Governor
George is the vicar of St Thomas’s Church and has a child at the school.
Foundation Governor appointed by the Diocese
Liz is a Foundation Governor and a former primary school teacher. She leads the governing body’s work on safeguarding.
Foundation Governor appointed by the Diocese
Billy is a member of St Thomas’s Church and a past pupil. He is proud to support the school both as a governor and as a teaching assistant.
Staff Governor elected by the staff
Claire is Deputy Headteacher, Year 6 class teacher, SENDCo and a Designated Safeguarding Lead, as well as the elected Staff Governor.
Parent Governor elected by parents
Sam is a Parent Governor with two children at school and works as a cyber security consultant.
Parent Governor elected by parents
Beth is a Parent Governor with two children at school and has served as Chair of the PTFA for several years.
Parent Governor elected by parents
Natalie has two children who have attended St Thomas’s, including one with SEND. She is Vice Chair of the Finance, Premises & Staffing Committee and leads on health and safety.
Attendance and declarations are published so families can see how the governing body carries out its responsibilities.
| Governor | 18 Sep | 12 Nov | 15 Jan | 12 Mar | 4 Jun | 2 Jul | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Budd | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 100% |
| Rachael Sutherland | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 100% |
| Rev. George Briggs | ✓ | Apology | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 83% |
| Maggie Cole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Apology | ✓ | Apology | 66% |
| Anne Hoe | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 100% |
| Jo Dowker | ✓ | Apology | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 83% |
| Sarah Cunliffe | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Apology | Apology | ✓ | 66% |
| Sam Thom | ✓ | Apology | ✓ | ✓ | Apology | ✓ | 66% |
| Billy Dayson | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 100% |
| Beth Booker | Apology | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 83% |
| Claire Taylor | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 100% |
| Name | Employment | Interest or note |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Budd | Nil return | No change recorded 17 September 2025 |
| Rachael Sutherland | Self-employed freelance writer; part-time general assistant at Lakeland Maze Farm Park | Brother employed by the Diocese of Carlisle in finance and buildings |
| Rev. George Briggs | St Thomas’s Church | — |
| Jo Dowker | Lancashire County Council, Stepping Stones PRU | Staff member |
| Sarah Cunliffe | St Thomas’s CE Primary School | Headteacher; husband Andrew Cunliffe is also employed by the school |
| Sam Thom | Cyber security consultant | Member of special-interest groups within the NCSC and OWASP |
| Billy Dayson | St Thomas’s CE Primary School | Teaching assistant |
| Beth Booker | No information recorded | — |
| Natalie Fryer | Cumbria Tourism | — |
| Claire Taylor | St Thomas’s CE Primary School | Teacher |
Rooted in our Christian vision and values.
Careful oversight of the school’s future.
Helping every child and adult to thrive.
