| Mrs Alison Ashworth a Foundation Governor and Chair. Alison is a retired primary headteacher whose last post was as standards lead in a Catholic multi academy trust. Alison is a serving Ofsted inspector. She is delighted to be working as a governor at St John’s and is looking forward to being a part of this nurturing and valued educational establishment! Alison is a member of the teaching and learning committee. In her spare time, Alison enjoys baking and travelling. |
| Mrs Jill Tarr is a Foundation Governor and Vice Chair. Jill is a retired teacher who taught at King James School Knaresborough for over 30 years, teaching humanities. In her spare time Jill volunteers for a local charity (WISE). Jill enjoys cycling and plays tennis regularly. Jill is a member of the Quality of Education Committee. |
| Mr Terry Forbes is a Foundation Governor. Terry ran his own successful business for many years and is a Trustee of the Diocese of Leeds. Terry is a member of the Governors’ Finance and Health and Safety Committee and is our link with senior officials at the Diocese. |
| Mr Andrew Morley is a Foundation Governor. Andrew is a member of the Finance and Health and Safety committee. |
| Mrs Jackie Butterwick is a Foundation Governor. Jackie was a Careers Adviser and Training Officer for a Government Department. More recently she was responsible for Promotions and Marketing in St John’s school. Jackie is a member of the Human Resources and Student Care Committees. |
| Deacon John Walsh is a Foundation Governor. Deacon John is a Trustee of the Diocese of Leeds and comes from St Mary’s Parish in Halifax, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our Catholic mission and values. He will serve on the Finance, Health & Safety Committee, and we look forward to working closely with him as we continue to strengthen our school community. Mrs Norma Harrington is a Local Authority Governor appointed by Leeds City Council. Norma’s professional life has involved working for the prison service for 23 years, taking early retirement as Governor of Wealstun Prison in 2011. She has served on Wetherby Town Council since 2012, serving as Town Mayor from 2016-2018. Norma is also a trustee of two local charities, and vice chair of Better Wetherby Partnership. Norma was elected to Leeds City Council in May 2018 and is a Ward Councillor for Wetherby Ward, serving a number of local villages. Norma is a member of the Human Resources and Student Care Committees, the Strategy Committee and is the Governor responsible for Safeguarding and Child Protection. |
| Mrs Leigh Purves is a parent governor. Leigh brings valuable experience in education, safeguarding, and community engagement, which will support her in contributing to the strategic leadership of St John’s. Parent Governors play a vital role in working with the governing body to set the school’s vision, hold leaders to account, and ensure the best outcomes for all pupils. We look forward to working with Leigh in this important capacity. |
| Miss Viki Fox is a teacher governor. Viki joined the governors in January 2025 and has taught at St John’s since 2013. She is a member of the Quality of Education Committee and has responsibility for overseeing governor training. |
How to contact the Governing Body
We always welcome suggestions, feedback and ideas from parents, carers and the wider school community. Please contact the Chair of Governors, Mrs Alison Ashworth chairofgovernors@stjohns.org.uk
The Governors produce a report which shows the structure and the remit of the governing body and any committees and summarises their activity each year – the report for 2025 2026 can be found here:
Annual Governance Statement of the Governing Body :
Annual-Governance-Statement-for-the-Governing-Body-of-St-Johns-2025.pdf
The record of Governors business and pecuniary interests can be found here :
Currently being updated
Governing Body Meeting Dates 2025 2026