Governors

What is a school's Governing Body?

The Governing Body works in close partnership with the Headteacher, staff and the Local Authority. Whilst the Headteacher is responsible for the day to day running of the school, the governors are involved, for example with such things as curriculum, health and safety, safe guarding, school buildings and finance. It ensures the school functions well and maintains the proper range of academic and social objectives. The Governing Body works as a team with shared responsibilities. The Governing body is there to be a ‘critical friend’ who can provide the right balance between supporting and challenging the performance of both the Headteacher and the school ensuring that the school is delivering good education for all the children and providing value for money.

Governing Body Members 

• Parents elected by other parents with children at the school.
• The Headteacher.
• Staff members (teachers and support staff). 
• Governor appointed by the local authority.
• Other people chosen by governors, co-opted onto the governing body, who have the
  relevant skills to support the school achieving its strategic aims.

The role of the governing body is a strategic one, its key functions are to:

• Set the aims and objectives for the school.
• Set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives.
• Set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives. 
• Be a source of challenge and support to the Headteacher (a critical friend). 

Meet Our School Governors

Name: Vickie Allen

Position: Head Teacher

Responsibilities/Committees: Collaborative governance

Date Appointed:  1st September 2015

Term of Office: Start Date 01.09.2015

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: None Declared

Governance roles in other educational institutions: Shilbottle Primary School

Name: Gary Parnaby

Position: Chair of Governors

Responsibilities/Committees: Collaborative governance

Date Appointed:  28th March 2022

Term of Office: Start date 28.03.22 End date 27.03.26

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: None Declared

Governance roles in other educational institutions: None

I am the Headteacher at Shilbottle Primary School and have worked alongside Seahouses Primary for over five years. We have always worked closely on joint projects which benefit the children, such as, shared educational visits. I have a real belief in the ethos of Seahouses Primary and during my many visits to the school, and work with the children, I have always found it to be an inspirational learning environment with staff who have a real passion for the children in their care.  

Name: Shirley Rutter

Position: Co-opted Governor

Responsibilities/Committees: Collaborative governance

Date Appointed:  1st September 2016

Term of Office: Start date 01.09.16 End date 31.08.28

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: Grandchildren in school

Governance roles in other educational institutions: None Declared

I worked at Seahouses First School for 26 years as Office Manager and I  have represented the school staff on the Governing Body since 1998. My children attended Seahouses First School and now my grandchildren are attending. I have seen huge changes in the way schools operate over my time on the Governing Body, and the challenges now, have never been greater. I truly believe that all children deserve the very best education and as Governors we continue to strive to ensure that is what they get.

Name: Corrina Scott-Roy

Position: Parent Governor

Responsibilities/Committees: Collaborative governance

Date Appointed:  1st December 2021

Term of Office: Start date 01.12.21 End date 30.11.25

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: Child in school 

Governance roles in other educational institutions: None Declared

Originally from Newcastle my husband and I moved to Northumberland 13 years ago and my little boy attends Seahouses Primary. I have found so much pleasure in books in my lifetime and I see this passion emulated in the core values at Seahouses Primary. I firmly believe that excellence in literacy underpins absolutely every academic foundation and it all begins here in primary education. I am thrilled to be selected as part of the team and hope that my commercial experience coupled with my enthusiasm for learning can prove useful to the ongoing success of the school.

Name: Katie Neale

Position: Staff Governor

Responsibilities/Committees: Collaborative governance

Date Appointed:  15th April 2024

Term of Office: Start date 15.04.24 End date 14.04.28

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: EYFS/ KS1 Teacher, 2 children in school

Governance roles in other educational institutions: None Declared

Name: Emma Pringle

Position: Parent Governor

Responsibilities/Committees: Collaborative governance

Date Appointed:  2nd March 2024

Term of Office:  Start date 02.03.24 End date 01.03.28

Business, Personal and Pecuniary Interests: Teaching Assistant, child in school

Governance roles in other educational institutions: None Declared

Maintained School Governance Guide