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Governance

The school is part of the Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust and the AGC is part of the governance structure of the Trust which is responsible for overseeing strategic decisions of the school. The governance structure for the trust as a whole is outlined in the governance structure documents here. As an Academy Governance Committee we work in close partnership with the Headteacher and senior leadership team to ensure the best quality education is provided to every child. It is our responsibility to support, challenge, ask questions and ultimately represent the school community. The Academy Governance Committee acts as a ‘critical friend’ to the senior leadership team, questioning and challenging decisions in a constructive and professional way.

Academy Governance Committees have key roles in relation to: providing support, monitoring and challenge around educational experience and performance; church, community and stakeholder engagement and supporting alignment with Trust strategy, approach, ethos and values. The AGC Members meet regularly, visit the school when possible and during special events.  As a team, we are able to support the school to function well and strive to provide a high standard of education.

As a Church of England Academy (part of the Diocese of Coventry Multi-Academy Trust) all the AGC Members support the school in being a place of inclusive welcome and education for everyone.

Academy Governance Committee (AGC) Members

Head Teacher – Mrs Jane Cook

AGC Chair – Mrs Jeanette Knowles

Address: c/o The Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust, St James CofE Academy, Barbridge Road, Bulkington, CV12 9PF

The Academy Governance Committee is made up of the following people:

Parent AGC Members

 

Vacancy x 2

Foundation AGC Members

Charles Higgins (Ex-officio) (Vice Chair)

Jeanette Knowles

Vacancy x 2

Community AGC Members 

Stephen Rea

Joanne Wright

Staff AGC Members

Jane Cook (Headteacher)

Suzanne Hughes

School Governance Professional

Josie O'Rafferty

 

AGC Meeting Dates 2025-26

       
 
JAM Day:  Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday
Date: 07.10.26 02.12.26 03.02.27 10.03.27 19.05.27 30.06.27
Time 4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm
     

St James AGC Membership and Attendance

 
 
St James CofE AGC Membership 2026-27
Category Title First Name Last Name Position Start Date Re-appt End Date Appointed By Attendance 2025/26
Community Mrs Jo  Wright 07.07.26 06.07.2030 Trust Board n/a
Community Mr Steve Rea   18.09.2026 17.09.2030 Trust Board n/a
Foundation Rev'd Charles Higgins Ex-officio/Vice Chair  17.01.19 ex-officio DBE 5/6
Foundation Mrs Jeanette Knowles Chair 06.05.2025 05.05.2029 DBE 6/6
Foundation   vacancy         DBE
Foundation   vacancy         DBE
Parent   vacancy         Elected by Parents
Parent   vacancy         Elected by Parents
Staff Mrs Jane Cook ex-officio Head Teacher 01.01.18 ex-officio N/a Ex-offcio 6/6
Staff Miss Suzanne Hughes   28.11.2023 27.11.2027 Elected by Staff 6/6
Clerk Josie O'Rafferty   15.09.2026 N/a Trust   N/a
AGC Members who have resigned in the last 12 months Appointed By Attendance 2025/26
Community Mr Philip Evans   28.03.22 27.03.26 Trust Board 4/4
Community Mrs Esther Fasoyin   09.02.2026 10.06.26 Trust Board 1/2
Parent Mr Steve Rea 20.09.2022 18.09.2026 Elected by Parents 5/6

St James CofE Academy AGC and SLT Register of Interests

 
St James CofE Academy
Register of Interests 2025-26
DATE OF DECLARATION NAME Date of Appointment Term of Office Appointed By BUSINESS / PECUNIARY INTERESTS START & (CESSATION) DATE OF INTEREST EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS START & (CESSATION) DATE OF INTEREST RELATIONSHIPS
01.10.25 Jane Cook 01.01.18 N/a Exofficio Nil Return
01.10.25 Charles Higgins 17.01.19 N/a Exofficio Parochial Church Council of St James Bulkington 28.11.2018;      
  Bulkington Charities 28.11.2018
01.10.25 Suzanne Hughes 28.11.2023 1 Elected by Staff Nil Return
12.11.2025 Steve Rea 20.09.2022 1 Elected by Parents Nil Return
01.10.25 Jeanette Knowles 06.05.2025 1 DBE Nil Return
24.09.25 Sarah Moore N/a - ABP Curlywirl ltd t/a Windseal Double Glazing (family owned business) 01/04/1992 ABP - St James CofE Academy;Queens CofE Academy    
AGC Members who have left in the last 12 months
DATE OF DECLARATION NAME Date of Appointment Term of Office Appointed By BUSINESS / PECUNIARY INTERESTS START & (CESSATION) DATE OF INTEREST EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS START & (CESSATION) DATE OF INTEREST RELATIONSHIPS
01.10.25 Philip Evans 28.03.22 1 - ceased 27.03.26 Trust Board Nil Return