Meet our School Governors

Tim Walker – Chair of Governors

• Foundation Governor
• Appointed by the Diocese of Blackburn
• Term of office start date 31/1/24
• Term of office to end 30/1/28
• Sits on the Appraisal and Pay Appeals Committee, Curriculum, Personal Development, Wellbeing and Inclusion Committee,  Grievance, Committee, Pupil Discipline Committee, Resources Committee and Standard and Effectiveness Committee.
• Register of business interests: None
• Nominated Governor for Child Protection & Safeguarding

I have been a member of the Governing Board for several years and am currently Chair. The governors collectively are responsible for establishing the strategic direction, ensuring accountability and ensuring financial probity for the school. I am proud of the school’s achievements over the years I have been involved and am grateful to those who have volunteered to serve on the governing board. I am indebted to the entire school community for their efforts, professionalism and commitment over the years.

 

 Claire Singleton – Vice Chair

• Foundation Governor
• Appointed by the Diocese of Blackburn
• Term of office start date 31/1/24
• Term of office to end 30/1/28
• Sits on the Appraisal and Pay Appeals Committee, Attendance, Discipline and Dismissal Committee, Complaints Appeals Committee and Standard and Effectiveness Committee.
• Register of business interests: None
• Nominated Governor for SEN&D

 

Elizabeth Robinson – Headteacher

 

• Headteacher
• Appointed by the Governing Body
• Term of office start date 1/1/21
• Term of office to end 31/12/25
• Sits on all Committees
• Register of business interests: none

 

Sarah Watson – Assistant Headteacher

• Staff Governor
• Elected by school staff
• Term of office start date 22/9/2022
• Term of office to end 21/9/2026
• Sits on the Curriculum, Personal Development, Wellbeing and Inclusion Committee, Resources Committee, and Standard and Effectiveness Committee
• Register of business interests: None

 

Christopher Bannister

• Foundation Governor
• Appointed by the Diocese of Blackburn
• Term of office start date 20/11/2024
• Term of office to end 19/11/2028
• Sits on the Resources Committee.
• Register of business interests: None
• Nominated Governor for Geography

 

Rebecca Armer

• Foundation Governor
• Appointed by the Diocese of Blackburn
• Term of office start date 29/10/2024
• Term of office to end 28/10/2028
• Sits on the Curriculum, Personal Development, Wellbeing and Inclusion Committee,  Pupil Discipline Committee and Appraisal and Pay Appeals Committee
• Register of business interests: None
• Nominated Governor for

I have been governor at Newton Bluecoat Church of England Primary School since February 2020. I am a mother of two children, both of whom attend Newton Bluecoat.

I am a former Director of Learning for PE and Sport in a 3-19 year old academy, and am now a farmer, a member of the school friends, and a serving member of the Lund Church PCC. I hope my experiences allow me to bring a holistic approach to my governance.

My main priority is making sure ALL our children have a safe, secure and enjoyable environment to learn in, that will allow them to thrive and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

 

Victoria Elliott

• Parent Governor
• Elected by the parents of Newton Bluecoat CE Primary School
• Term of office start date 19/11/2020
• Term of office to end 18/11/2024
• Sits on the Resources, Standards and effectiveness, Curriculum, Personal Development, Wellbeing and Inclusion Committee. 
• Register of business interests: None
• I work in the financial/Insurance sector as a business account manager and believed I could bring key attributes to the role of a governor. The village school has a wonderful reputation, however I was keen to be involved in the governor role to bring in new innovative ideas, help develop its core strategies moving forward as well as taking the opportunity to be a voice for other parents/carers along with my personal commitment to seek to improve ongoing outcomes for our children.

 

Steve Kirkham

• Parent Governor
• Elected by the parents of Newton Bluecoat CE Primary School
• Term of office start date 23/5/2022
• Term of office to end 22/5/2026
• Sits on the Resources, Standards and effectiveness, Curriculum, Personal Development, Wellbeing and Inclusion Committee. 
• Register of business interests: None

 

• Nominated Governor for Kevin Deveney
• Foundation Governor
• Stepped down in September 2021

 

Nicola Booth

• Foundation Governor
• Term of office from 20 Mar 2023 to 19 Mar 2027
• First appointed on 10 Mar 2023
• Nominated by POM
• Sits on Curriculum,  Personal Development, Wellbeing and Inclusion Committee and Admissions
• Register of business interests: none
• Nominated Governor for SEND

We moved to Newton-with-Scales 36 years ago, and our daughters grew up here and both attended Newton Bluecoat School. Early Years Education has always been my passion and I was lucky enough to teach in our Little Blues Nursery Unit from its opening in 1997 until I retired 21 years later. 

Since then, I have enjoyed spending more time with my family, especially our three young granddaughters, but Newton Bluecoat School is still very important to me, so I am grateful to be a member of the Governing Board, and also a volunteer in Reception Class one morning a week. I love being a part of such an amazing community and look forward to helping our lovely school continue to grow from strength to strength! 

 

Laura Croft

 

• Local Authority Governor
• Term of office from 10 Mar 2023 to 9 Mar 2027
• First appointed on 10 Mar 2023
• Nominated by LCC - GB App't
• Register of business interests: none
• Sits on Curriculum, Personal Development, Wellbeing and Inclusion Committee.

 

I was appointed as a Local Authority Governor in early 2023. My two children attend Newton Bluecoat C of E School and are thriving here. I currently work as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant in a specialist school and my role includes supporting pupils in their transitions beyond school. I believe that my skill set supports a nurturing and inclusive approach to the Governing Body.

 

Father Shaun Baldwin, Vicar of Lund

I'm a relatively local lad from Wesham where my family still live. I was ordained in 1989 and over the years have worked in parishes across Lancashire, never straying too far away from my roots. I moved to Lund Parish in December 2023 where I live with my wife Rev Mo, who is also a priest. Between 2001 and 2012 I worked as a Probation Officer. I have been involved with church schools - primary and secondary - throughout my ordained life, both as a Governor and as a chaplain for the children, staff and parents. It is a joy to be involved at Newton Bluecoat School: as a Governor to be part of a team that supports the Head Teacher and her staff to ensure they provide a safe and happy environment for the children to learn, grow and thrive; as a Chaplain - to walk alongside the children and staff, supporting them in their journeys of faith, and to grow the relationships in the parish between the church and school communities. May everyone who is connected to the school strive to 'shine from the inside out'.

• Foundation Ex-officio
• Term of office start date 10/1/2024
• Term of office to end 9/1/2028
•  

Andy Lang - Co-opted governor

Term of office from 20 Sep 2024 to 19 Sep 2028
First appointed on 31 Jul 2024
Nominated by GB

Sits on Curriculum, Personal Development, Wellbeing and Inclusion Committee, Resources Committee and Standards and Effectiveness Committee. 

 

Matt Cousins - Parent Governor

Term of office from 16 Dec 2024 to 15 Dec 2028

Appointed by elected

Sits on Resources and Standards and Effectiveness Committee. 

I'm a recently appointed parent governor with 2 children currently attending Newton Bluecoat. I'm hoping to use both my background in commercial and business improvement to help the school be the best it can be, furthering its nurturing environment where our children can really shine from the inside.

 

Ginny Needham - Foundation governor

Term of office from 28 Mar 2025 to 27 Mar 2029
First appointed on 28 Mar 2025
Appointed by DBE - PCC

Nominated Governor for SEND

Sits on Standards and Effectiveness Committee. 

I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in 2025 following a long connection with school. My three children attended Newton Bluecoat School, gaining a great start in their education. I worked there for 23 years, working across all key stages, promoting creative activities and supporting individuals and their families. Since retiring, I have regularly volunteered in KS2 and enjoy being involved in art projects and helping in class.

Newton Bluecoat School is a happy and nurturing environment for the children of this parish, and I am enjoying being able to support the school as a governor. 

 

Frances Tomlinson - Foundation Governor

Term of office from 4 Aug 2025 to 3 Aug 2029
First appointed on 4 Aug 2025
Appointed by DBE - PCC Nom

Sits on Standards and Effectiveness Committee.