Local Governing Body

The Catholic Academies in Romero Catholic Academy Trust are under the Romero Trust of the Diocese of Salford. They are founded by and are part of the Catholic Church and seek at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ.

As the Local Governing Body of a Catholic school within the Romero Trust, the overarching responsibility lies in ensuring that the school is conducted in accordance with its Catholic character at all times, and this overriding duty permeates the work of the Local Governing Body.

The Local Governing Body of a Catholic school within the Romero Trust should ensure that the curriculum of the school, is taught in the light of the Gospel values and actively promotes the spiritual and moral development of the pupils.

Foundation Governors have special responsibility for the religious education curriculum and have a duty to ensure that it is taught in accordance with the Curriculum Directory and the Bishop’s policy.

 

The three core functions of the Local Governing Body are:

1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction in line with the Romero Trust Vision and Values;

2. Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the School and its pupils, and for the internal organisation, management and control of the School, including performance management of staff; and

3. In line with the Romero Trust Scheme of Delegation, the overseeing of the financial performance of the School and making sure its money is well spent.

Membership

The Local Governing Board shall consist of ten members of which there shall be:

• One staff
• Two elected parents
• Five Foundation
• Headteacher
• Parish Priest

The term of office of local governors is four years.

St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Burnley Local Governing Body
Name	Appointed by	From	To	Business or Pecuniary Interests
Laura Bushell HT	Headteacher	01/09/2025
Daniel Frazer (Chair)	Appointed by foundation/Trust	01/12/2023	30/11/2027
Rosie Baldwin	Appointed by foundation/Trust	22/05/2024	21/05/2028
Lynne Oliver (Vice Chair)	Appointed by foundation/Trust	01/12/2023	30/11/2027
Sarah Webster	Appointed by foundation/Trust	13/02/2024	12/02/2028
Foundation Vacancy from 23/09/2025	Appointed by foundation/Trust
Fr David Featherstone	Ex-officio Foundation Governor	01/12/2023	30/11/2027
Steph Tyson	Staff Governor	01/01/2025	31/12/2028
Amanda McLaren	Elected by Parents	01/12/2023	30/11/2027
Parent Vacancy from 12/05/2026	Elected by Parents

 

Resignations/End of Term
Rachael Whittaker Resigned 12/05/2026	Elected by Parents	01/12/2023	12/05/2026

 

Chair of Governors: Daniel Frazer

Trust Governance Lead: Mrs Lauren Lang (lauren.lang@romerocat.com)