We are blessed with a dedicated and effective Governing Body, Ofsted (July 2019) recognised:

'Governors are highly committed and have a strong understanding of the needs and interests of the community the school serves. Governors play an important role in securing and sustaining the school’s role within the community, for example through links with the church and with local businesses.'

Please find below details of current members of the Governing Body, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

Get to know Steve:

I came to live and work in Cumbria in 1994 before settling in Shap over 20 years ago. I have two children who both had a great start in their education at Shap School and are now building on that at UCC. I have been a governor since 2008, gaining experience on various sub-committees, and spending some time as vice-chair, before becoming Chair in 2018.

For the past 24 years I have worked, in the UK and abroad, as a trainer and consultant in leadership and team working skills. This experience has made me even more keenly aware what a great staff and leadership team we have at the school.

I see my role as chair of governors as ensuring that we create the very best environment we can to enable the school to continue to flourish, for the benefit of our children and the whole community. Being a school governor isn't always a bed of roses, but a visit to our lovely school never fails to leave me with a smile on my face. 

Appointed: April 2008 (currently in fourth term of office)

Term of Office: 4 years

Appointed as a Foundation Governor by St Michael's PCC 

No business or pecuniary interests or material interests arising from intra-governor or staff relationships

Steve is a member of the Resources Committee

Attendance last year: Full Governing Body Meetings: 1/3, Resources Committee Meetings: 0/3

Get to know Julie:

I have lived in Shap since August 2016.  As a family we enjoy being so close to the countryside and all the wonderful places in the Lake District.  I have two children who attend the school and will often be seen on the daily school run (usually hoping that I’ve not forgotten something in their book bags). 

I am currently a stay-at-home parent but before moving to Shap I worked for nine years for a Women’s Aid group supporting survivors of domestic abuse.  I have also worked for the Youth Offending Service as part of a mentor scheme.  I am able to use some of these skills and experience in my role as a governor.  I am part of the school finance committee and I am also the link governor for the subjects of Maths and Science. 

I admire the hard work and dedication of all of the children and staff of Shap C of E School and would like to also thank all the families and   local community for your ongoing support.

Appointed: October 2018 (currently in second term of office)

Term of Office: 4 years 

Appointed as a Foundation Trust Governor by the Lonsdale Trust 

No business or pecuniary interests or material interests arising from intra-governor or staff relationships

Julie is Co-Chair of the Resources Committee and a member of the Educational Standards Committee

Attendance last year: Full Governing Body Meetings: 3/3, Resources Committee Meetings: 3/3, Educational Standards Committee Meetings: 2/3

Get to know Siobhan:

I was officially appointed to the post of Clerk to Governors in March 2020, after a short period of acting Clerk from the beginning of the year.  This is the second time I have held this position, the first time was from early 2005 until the birth of my second child in 2009. I have lived in Shap since early 2003, prior to this I lived and worked all over the country as an Outdoor Pursuits Instructor working mainly with young people, followed by a period as an Operations Manager for a Walking Holiday Company. I continue to enjoy walking, canoeing and open water swimming with my family. The Clerk's role is one of administration, support and advising, alongside administering three full governing boards meetings each year.

Get to know Katie:

Originally from the North East, I moved to Cumbria with my husband and twin boys in 2006.  

I have always been a teacher, and I have taught in  a variety of different schools in Northumberland, Stockport and Cumbria, ranging from large town schools, inner city schools and small village schools.  I have a special interest in outdoor education, environmental education,  history and geography, and have generally coordinated these subjects in the schools that I have worked in, however I have also coordinated English, PE, PSHE and EYFS.  I am interested in how children learn, I therefore completed a PGCE in Special Educational Needs in 2007, and have since been a school SENDCo and Enrichment Coordinator in the Cumbrian schools I worked within.

I have worked at Shap CE School since 2012, I have mainly taught in Catbells class alongside Mrs. Kelsall, and I became the Assistant Headteacher in 2013.  Following the retirement of Anne Maud, our previous Headteacher, in 2019,  I became Acting Headteacher, and then from November 2021 I became substantive Headteacher - a role that I thoroughly enjoy!  As Headteacher, I work closely with Steve and Julie, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Governors to coordinate our full governing body and sub committee meetings.  We have an excellent team of governors, who are hard working and dedicated to our school development, I was delighted that this was recognised by OfSted on their last visit in 2019, and I am proud to be part of Shap CE School governing body.

Appointed: Ex-officio

Term of Office: Not applicable

Business and Pecuniary Interests: Director M60tvLtd, Trustee Second Chance Charity Shop, Shap with no material interests arising from intra-governor or staff relationships

Katie is a member of the Resources Committee and Educational Standards Committee

Attendance last year: Full Governing Body Meetings: 3/3, Committee Meetings: 6/6

Get to know Rev. Fran:

My husband and I moved to Cumbria from Lancashire in 1999 as we were looking for more space for our family and other animals. We bought an old farmhouse with land and have spent the last two decades tending both house and garden and rearing more chickens! Our family has also expanded and we now have four grandchildren who come to stay on high days and holidays with our daughter and her husband, so it’s a busy home. 

I originally studied English with Education Studies at University with a view to teaching as a career and spent quite a lot of time working as a volunteer in various school settings. That plan wasn’t meant to be and I ended up working as a volunteer in the church doing all kinds of things, from running a youth club to teaching a bible class and, eventually, I followed that calling into Priestly ministry. I am currently finishing my training as a curate whilst also studying for an MA in theology through St John’s College, Durham. 

As a newly appointed foundation governor I am very excited to be able to continue working with Shap school and to build closer relationships with the staff and pupils. As someone with a heart for the well-being and flourishing of all, I also hope to be able to bring my ministry experience and religious knowledge to the role.  

Appointed: Ex-Officio

Term of Office: 4 years

Appointed by the Diocese of Carlisle in the absence of an incumbent

Business and Pecuniary Interests: Harter Foot Farm, Partner with no material interests arising from intra-governor or staff relationships

Fran is a member of the Educational Standards Committee

Attendance Last Year: Full Governing Body Meetings: 3/3, Educational Standards Committee Meetings: 2/3

 

 

 

Miss Helen Jackson

 

Get to know Helen:

 

Appointed: January 2024

Term of Office: 4 years 

Appointed as Staff Governor by the Staff of Shap CE School

No Business of Pecuniary Interests or material interests arising from intra-governor or staff relationships

Helen is a member of the Educational Standards Committee

Attendance last year: N/A

Get to know Rib:

Originally from Yorkshire, I moved here 30 years ago to train as a teacher. After falling in love with Cumbria I remained here, working in Outdoor centres and schools, watching children and adults develop in a range of settings.

When considering which school to enroll my son in, we attended the ‘Come and Play’ afternoons and I was always struck by the warm and welcoming atmosphere that met us. From these sessions, I knew that he would flourish in this lively and nurturing environment and I was very happy when he joined Catbells.

As a parent governor my role is twofold; to support the staff and share in their successes but also to hold them to account in their strategic decisions.  It’s challenging but extremely rewarding.  I'm privileged to be part of a team of Governors that will collectively help the school ensure our children achieve their full potential.

Appointed: September 2017 (currently in second term of office)

Term of Office: 4 years 

Appointed as a Parent Governor by the Governing Board to represent Parents as no other election candidates

Business and Pecuniary interests:  Governor, Sandgate School, Kendal with no material interests arising from intra-governor or staff relationships

Rib is a member of the Educational Standards Committee

Attendance last year: Full Governing Body Meetings: 2/3, Educational Standards Committee Meetings: 2/3

Get to know Pauline:

I grew up in a small village on the outskirts of Bradford.

After leaving school I attended Catering College. This eventually led to me becoming a mobile manager travelling up and down the country. When I was sent to Kendal I met my future husband and settled there.

In 1991 we moved to Shap to a house that some of you may remember being “spooky”… hopefully not now!

During my time here I have taught First Aid for the Red Cross and have moved through Playgroup, Rose Fete, youth club and swimming pool committees as my 2 children grew.  I found that I really enjoyed working with children, and loved the little “Light bulb” moments, attending many training courses and finally doing NVQs in Childcare.

I am now involved with Shap Community Enterprise.

I have a strong Christian faith and am a life long member of the Methodist Church, I now regularly attend and support St. Michaels. I, along with others, ran The Village Sunday School for many years. I am the RE link governor for school, and believe religion provides comfort in times of worry.

I am a fair-weather gardener, but love nurturing seedlings. I enjoy handcrafts (when I get the time) and still enjoy baking.

Talking of seedlings, I think of children who too need caring, nurturing as they grow in strength to be the best they can achieve.

Appointed: September 2017 (currently in second term of office)

Term of Office: 4 years 

Appointed as a Foundation Governor by St Michael's PCC 

No Business or Pecuniary Interests or material interests arising from intra-governor or staff relationships

Pauline is Chair of the Educational Standards Committee and a member of the Resources Committee

Attendance last year: Full Governing Body Meetings: 2/3, Educational Standards Committee Meetings: 3/3, Resources Committee Meetings: 2/3

 

Get to know Becky:

My family and I moved to Shap in December 2017 from south Devon. We moved here to be closer to family and to raise our children in rural community. We love exploring the local area on our bikes and in our kayaks! 

At university I studied neuroscience before training as a physics teacher. I have taught in many secondary schools around the UK and in September 2020 I took up my role of physics teacher at Ullswater Community College in Penrith. I am delighted to be working in a local school and have found UCC to be a most welcoming, friendly environment.  

Within my teaching career I am very interested in promoting good science and maths education in primary and early secondary school age pupils. I work within my department to actively promote the success of disadvantaged pupils. I whole-heartedly believe that education should be fairly accessible by all children, not limited by special need, background or family circumstance.  

Since September 2019 I have been working with Shap parish council to help raise funds for the redevelopment of Shap Memorial Park. I am excited to be part of a community group improving the facilities available here for the youngsters of Shap.  

Our daughter attends Shap C of E primary school and we have been so thankful of the support she received. Thanks to the efforts of the wonderful staff, she has settled well and is thriving. I am delighted to be joining the governing body of this fantastic school.  

Appointed: February 2021

Term of Office: 4 years 

Appointed as the Local Authority Governor by the Local Authority

No Business or Pecuniary Interests or material interests arising from intra-governor or staff relationships

Becky is a member of the Educational Standards Committee

Attendance last year: Full Governing Body Meetings: 3/3, Educational Standards Committee Meetings: 3/3

Get to know Simon:

I initially moved to Cumbria to finish off my Forestry studies at Newton Rigg in 2000 and like many others fell in love with the area and have stayed ever since.  I have been fortunate to be able to follow my forestry career path with a number of local companies and Estates over the years, culminating in my current role with A.W.Jenkinson Forest Products as their Senior Woodfibre Manger.  A role which provides involvement not just with Forestry, but the Energy generation sector, Horticulture, Processing, and Logistics.

My Wife and I moved to Shap over 8 years ago, as it provided a great location for both work and for us to enjoy the outdoors, as well as a thriving community spirit which we felt was key for raising a future family.  We both have a passion for the outdoors and love to get out on our bikes, fell walking, climbing or a bit of running every now and then, and more recently have enjoyed sharing these experiences with our young children.

The first proper introduction to Shap school was a lovely tour around the facilities with our Daughter, where we found all of the staff we were introduced to had a real passion for the school and their pupils. Our Daughter has subsequently now joined the nursery class and is loving the whole school experience.

I’m grateful for the opportunity and very much looking forward to joining the team of Governors at Shap School and look forward to contributing to such a thriving school.

Appointed: March 2021

Term of Office: 4 years 

Appointed as a Foundation Governor by St Michael's PCC 

No Business or Pecuniary Interests or material interests arising from intra-governor or staff relationships

Simon is Co-Chair of the Resources Committee 

Attendance last year: Full Governing Body Meetings: 2/3, Resources Committee Meetings: 3/3

Get to know Sarah:

I’m the parent of two boys at Shap School, Thomas and Matthew. We have lived in Shap for 10 years, a little bit of a change for me after 12 years living in London but we love the location and being able to run and bike from our front door and into the hills! Both boys really enjoy the school, especially all the outside learning and sports they’re able to take part in. 

I’m currently the secretary for the Friends of Shap School (FOSS) committee and have been involved with their fundraising activities to support and add to the school’s activities and resources over the past three years. I’m also currently Treasurer of Shap Swimming Pool, recognising the importance of keeping this community asset going, in particular for the school swimming lessons and school swimming events that take place there. 

In my working life, I’m a project manager working across Cumbria, Northumberland and southern Scotland, delivering a regional growth deal programme. I have previously worked in marketing and communications jobs in banking, the civil service and the Forestry Commission. I'm pleased to to bring the experience and skills from all these roles to the governor role. 

Appointed: July 2021

Term of Office: 4 years 

Appointed as a Parent Governor by the Governing Body to represent the Parents as no other election candidates

No Business or Pecuniary Interests or material interests arising from intra-governor or staff relationships

Sarah is a member of the Resources Committee

Attendance last year: Full Governing Body Meetings: 1/3, Resources Committee Meetings: 2/3