Local Academy Board (Governors)
Welcome to Wimboldsley Community Primary School - Local Academy Board
The Local Academy Board at Wimboldsley Community School have the responsibility for education of the children in our schools. The Local Academy Board, whose membership includes the school's head teachers, provides strategic leadership to the school and takes key decisions in areas such as finance, staffing structure and appointments and premises as well as monitoring educational performance.
Our members are drawn from parents, staff and the local community so that we bring a wide range of experiences and views to our debates. Although we are all volunteers, we take our duties very seriously and consequently have a genuine impact upon the school and the education provided to Wimboldsley's children. We welcome enquiries from all sections of the community about membership. We always embrace people who are committed to the ethos of the school and who are willing to work with us to improve the quality of the leadership that we provide. Enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to learn and contribute are the most important qualities.
Positive feedback is always welcome (so we can repeat successful things more often) but we also want to learn about things we can improve.
We can readily be contacted through the school office [email protected]
If you are interested in becoming a representative of our Local Academy Board click here
Our Governance Professional can be contacted via email - [email protected]
Meet our Local Academy Board Members
Phil Bettley - Co-opted
I look forward to developing a great affinity with Wimboldsley. Most of my life has been spent surrounded by those working in Education, including my Wife, who is an Assistant Head and SENCo and my Sister who is a former Headteacher. Having a teenager on the autistic spectrum, I have significant experience of the challenges faced by parents of children with additional needs and have a particular interest in this subject. Whilst my career has mostly been spent in finance, a significant proportion of this has been supporting Local Authorities and Education Institutions and the surrounding macroeconomic environment.
Jody Darlington - Co-opted
I am a hard working individual and have been a dedicated volunteer and PTA member at Wimboldsley. Both my children went to Wimboldsley, it felt like home to them with the lovely atmosphere.
I have proudly held the PTA Chair role for the past 5 years now. I am passionately committed to contributing to the school in any way possible. I have a firm understanding how crucial the quality of leadership and the importance of inclusion are in the ethos of the school, and its aspiration of achieving excellence. I am a fully trained Teaching Assistant and am currently working towards the HLTA qualification. I have worked in a pre-school and a primary school many years ago which I loved, mainly working alongside children with SEN, this has fueled my passion for volunteering for the last 20 years in local schools.
Recently I also was voted in as a Secondary school governor locally. I also hold a governor role on the Cheshire West and Chester Scrutiny Committee for Educational Matters. I hope all of this demonstrates my passion for all children’s care and education throughout their young lives.
James Bancroft - Parent
Chair
I’m married to Lisa and our son attends the school and loves it. Our daughter left a few years ago and absolutely thrived at Wimboldsley. We are very lucky that our children have been able to attend such a lovely school. After 22 years in education, including seven years as a headteacher, I have made a career change. I now work in local government, managing admissions and school places across an authority. I have experience as a governor in other schools. I feel lucky to have the chance to share my experience and educational understanding as a LAB member at Wimboldsley.
Adam Lawrence - Co-opted
Vice Chair
I am a qualified accountant, I’ve developed my skills across industry including Insurance, Pharmaceuticals and Banking. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to give back to my local community and utilise a breadth of knowledge to influence strategy to benefit Wimboldsley
Sarah Macaskill
Headteacher
I am both delighted and honoured to have been appointed as Headteacher at Wimboldsley. From my 22 years of leadership work for Wirral LA, I know that happy and successful schools depend on all of us working together . Wimboldsley has a history of excellence and I am very much looking forward to continuing to support the school in its journey to become even better by working collaboratively with both staff, governors, the pupils, yourselves and the wider community.
Emma McCracken
Parent
Awaiting content
Lydia Naylor
Co-opted
As a former pupil of Wimboldsley Primary School, I feel incredibly proud to return as a governor and to give something back to a place that played such an important role in my early life. My time at the school helped shape my confidence and aspirations, and I am passionate about ensuring today’s pupils have the same positive, nurturing experience.
Through my work in local government, I spend my time listening to communities and helping ensure people feel heard, included, and supported. I have also worked with schools and young people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those facing additional challenges, which has deepened my belief in the importance of creating environments where every child feels safe, valued, and able to thrive.
I am committed to supporting the school’s continued success, championing pupil wellbeing and inclusion, and helping strengthen the connection between the school and its community. I feel privileged to be part of Wimboldsley Primary School’s journey and to help ensure it remains a place where every child can grow in confidence and achieve their potential.