Governors

CCSJ is governed under the conditions set out in the Oxfordshire County Council Instrument of Governance. We have ensured that we have a broad range of skills and expertise on the Board of Governors to best achieve the school's aims and goals, along with the statutory responsibility of running a school.

Local governors work with staff and parents to provide the best framework for educating our pupils. They are involved in all aspects of school life and meet regularly with the school’s leadership teams.

Governors fulfil their responsibilities by:

Holding the school’s leaders to account for the educational and financial performance of the school. Governors create robust accountability for the schools leadership team through rigorous analysis of performance data and financial information.
Setting the school’s vision and the strategy for achieving this vision. The school’s vision centres on pupil progress and achievement. Working with senior leaders, the governors agree key priorities and key performance indicators against which progress towards achieving the vision can be measured.
Ensure the school’s financial success and probity. The governing board must ensure that the budget that the school receives is managed effectively, and with regard to value for money.

The Local Authority and the dioceses of Oxford appoint governors except for parent governors, who parents and carers elect, and staff governors, who are elected by all school staff.

The Governing Body provides oversight, critical evaluation and strategic direction for the Head Teacher and the school's senior leadership team. It is also the body that makes senior staff appointments and to whom the Head Teacher reports. It is not, however, an executive body involved in the day-to-day running of the school. The Governing Body is happy to be contacted by parents or carers to discuss relevant matters, particularly in regard to the strategic direction of the school.

Please contact us via the school office.

If you have a serious concern about the school or your child that you feel has not to be resolved by discussion with the relevant staff member or subsequently by a discussion with the Headteacher, it would be appropriate to contact the Chair of Governors.

The Chair of Governors can be contacted at chairofgovernors@church-cowley-st-james.oxon.sch.uk

Meetings 2023/24 Meetings 2022/23 Meetings 2021/22

Declaration of Interest Information

Governing Body Constitution

Resources Committee Terms of Reference

Performance and Assessment Committee Terms of Reference

Current Governors

Steve Dew (Head Teacher)

Head Teacher at CCSJ since September 2013

I have lived in Oxford since 2007, starting my teaching career later in life after 10 years of living and working in London. I started teaching in a secondary school in inner-city Nottingham and transitioned to Primary school after moving to Oxford. I completed my NQT year (first year of teaching) in a school not too far away from Church Cowley in Blackbird Leys in 2004, and I’ve taught in and around this area ever since. I’m passionate about teaching and learning and offering opportunities beyond maths and literacy that help children get to grips with the ‘big issues’ in the world, developing a school that offers awe and excitement for all children. My wife is the Assistant Head for inclusion at the school. I have four children, two at university and two children at primary school, that keep me on my toes outside of school.

Martin Pounce (Clerk)

I have spent my whole working life in education, first as a teacher and then in various roles in local authorities. I first became a governor in 1982, and I have served as a governor in ten different schools over the past forty years. I have worked as a clerk in Oxfordshire schools since 2016.

Helen Lundebye (Chair)

Term of office from 10 June 2024 to 9 June 2028

I joined the Board of Governors in September 2023 as an Associate Member and was appointed Interim Chair in June 2024. I am also the link governor for Safeguarding, Pupil Premium and Special Education Needs. I have lived in Temple Cowley for three years with my partner and two daughters: a 5-year-old in CCSJ and a 2-year-old. I grew up in Washington, DC and worked in the state schools as an early years special needs teacher before moving to the UK 12 years ago to pursue my Masters. I have worked in international development, tech startups, and most recently in climate. As a governor, I am passionate about ensuring that all children and families feel that they are part of a vibrant, inclusive school community which works collaboratively to ensure all children thrive and excel holistically.

Rev. Geoff Bayliss (Foundation Governor, Vice Chair)

First appointed on 1 November 2015

Currently the Rector of Cowley Parish (St James and St Francis churches). Born in North London in 1960. Geoff Moved out of London, having completed an Ecology Degree. I have worked in outdoor education (teaching and managing youth activity sites) then education (20 years as a science teacher and faculty manager in Norfolk and Essex schools). The last 5 of those years was spent as both a science teacher and Revd. “As a follower of Jesus, I want people to find ‘life in all its fullness’. I believe our School has an important role to play in helping that happen. I am always happy to talk and chat to people about school or anything else.” Until November 2015, Geoff served communities in Essex.

Tom Peacock (Staff Governor)

Term of office from 24 June 2024 to 23 June 2028

I was born in Oxford and have lived here for most of my life. I have been a teacher at Church Cowley St James for most of my teaching career. I am passionate about ensuring all children reach their full potential. I am proud to work in a school that offers children a wide variety of opportunities and experiences, from singing at the O2 Arena to visiting Hampton Court Palace. As a staff governor, I want to ensure that the school continues to be a positive, inclusive, and special part of the local community.

Raj Desai (Local Authority Co-opted Governor)

Term of office from 2 October 2023 to 1 October 2027

I have lived in Oxford since around 2010. I have three primary school-age children who attend our local Church of England School. I am of mixed ethnic background (my father was of Indian origin and grew up in apartheid South Africa; my mother was born in Berlin, Germany). In my day job I am a barrister specialising in public law and human rights. One of my areas of specialism is education law, including special educational needs law. I am a strong believer in inclusive State education and CCSJ’s vision of serving its diverse community by ensuring that children, no matter their background, ability, or experience, become successful learners.

Eleanor Thompson (Foundation Governor)

Term of office from 6 June 2022 to 5 June 2026

I grew up in Oxford and now live in New Marston with my husband and our son. My background is in marketing, communications and events; I currently work for an operations consultancy and previously worked for an independent school and a charity. I am deeply interested in supporting CCSJ to provide equal and rich opportunities for all pupils so that they can set themselves up for success beyond CCSJ, and my role as a Foundation Governor gives me a particular focus on the school's spiritual life.

Samantha Adams (Associate Member)

Term of office from 30 September 2024 to 29 September 2028

I am from London and moved to Oxford 18 years ago. Having met my husband in Oxford, both our son and daughter attend CCSJ. I have a Human Resources and Retail Management background and am an associate member of CIPD. I have worked for various departments within the University of Oxford and currently work for one of the Oxford Colleges. As a governor, I am interested in the strategy of the school and how this will enhance and influence the children’s education and well-being and how the school sets a path for the children’s future aspirations.

Laura Hutton (Associate Member)

Term of office from 30 September 2024 to 29 September 2028

I am originally from the North. I moved to Oxford 14 years ago after meeting my husband. I have two daughters and a son who attend CCSJ. I have a deep interest in many aspects of education, my degree was in Early Childhood Studies, and I am the Early Years Governor. As a governor, I am particularly interested in every child in CCSJ having all of their needs met, being happy and reaching their full potential.

Church Cowley St James Church of England Primary School