Our Governing Body

Term of office: 30/11/2022 – 29/11/2026

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.                                                                                                                                                                

Kelly Newby - Chair of Governor - responsibility for Attendance and SEND

I have worked within education in Leeds since 2011, holding various roles in senior leadership and later as the Principal of an Independent school specialising in supporting children and young people with complex SEND and behaviour needs.

In 2018 I was invited to take an advisory secondment with Leeds Local Authority. This led to a permanent role in 2020, as the Vulnerable Children Lead; this role was a national first across the country, following on from the Timpson Review.

The role encompassed leadership oversight of teams from across the directorate including Area Inclusion Partnerships; Suspensions and Exclusions; Attendance; Elective Home Education; Virtual School; Medical Needs Teaching Service; and the Pupil Tuition Team.  I also ran and chaired the local SEMH (Social Emotional and Mental Health) advisory panel, as well as holding additional responsibilities with local Safeguarding and Youth Offending boards, all focusing on the wellbeing of children and young people from across the city.

In September 2022, I took up a new challenge and currently hold the position of the East AIP Project Director, where I work in partnership with over sixty schools in the East area of the city to promote inclusive practice.

Inclusion is an area very close to my heart, and I have worked at a local, national and international level regarding strategic inclusion development, and have taken a leading role in delivering on national pilots focusing on inclusive practice in the city. 

I am extremely proud to take on the role of Chair of Governors at Cockburn John Charles Academy.  As an institution we have gone from strength-to-strength which is testified by the recent Ofsted judgement.  Together with staff and students, we will continue our journey in the pursuit of excellence, where our actions and practice promote our 5 key values and demonstrates that every child truly does matter.

Term of office: 15/01/2024-15/10/2028        

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.

Dominic Bascombe

Community Representative - responsibility for Health & Safety and Pupil Premium

I moved to Leeds from Scotland to work as the Regional Official for Equity, the trade union for professional performers in the entertainment industry. I represent workers across the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside area.

My academic and professional background is in journalism and law, but I also firmly believe that everyone should be engaged with their local community and have tried to do so wherever I live.

Cockburn John Charles is a local school in my community and I chose to join the governing board as I am keen to see successful local schools.

I believe that all of our children deserve the best educational opportunities wherever they live and being a community governor has helped to develop my own understanding of the educational system, but also to work with the excellent teaching and leadership team to get the best from our children.

Being a governor is a challenging but very rewarding experience.

Term of office: 02/02/2023-01/02/2027

Register of Interests:  
No interests to declare.                                 

Bruce Davies

Parent Governor

My name is Bruce Davies, I am an artist, writer, curator of BasementArts Project, based in South Leeds and a parent of a child at the academy.

I joined the Board of Governors at Cockburn John Charles as I am passionate and committed to the relevance of art in education, this is an Arts rich academy. At a time where there are concerns surrounding skills and productivity, my mission is to promote art as a thing of value that improves the quality of life and teaches transferable skills that can be a career destination, in its own right. I hope to bring my knowledge and skills to bear in that which I become engaged with at CJCA.

Term of office: 01/01/2023-31/12/2026

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.                                                                                      

Shamin Miah

Community Representative

I feel passionate about the standard of teaching and learning at Cockburn John Charles Academy. I am currently a law student, who enjoys representing the youth in the political sphere and getting more young people engaged in politics. My previous role as a Member of Youth Parliament for Leeds, where I represented the young people of Leeds in the House of Commons gave me the ambition and determination to improve the education of young people. Being in the position of a community governor provides a unique and exciting experience to be involved with the school’s ‘Transformation to Excellence’.  As a member of the Trust board I have seen the progress the academy has made and wish to help the next generation of students on the journey to greatness.

Term of office: 01/01/2023-31/12/2026

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare

CEO at Leeds United Football Club.                                         

Angus Kinnear

Community Representative

Information to follow.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Term of office: 17/01/2023-16/01/2027

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.

Tracey Neville

Staff Governor

I have worked in an educational setting for 23 years in both Primary and Secondary schools. I started working for the academy in 2015, when it was then South Leeds Academy. Since Cockburn MAT has led the school I have seen the academy transform greatly, for the better.

My roles have been varied and I am currently the Learning Support Co-Ordinator, which I feel strongly and passionate about. I have a genuine passion for my role and that I take great pride seeing the students flourish, as they make their journey from Year 7 to complete their GCSE’s.

My genuine outcomes for the students are to see them flourish and excel through the care, support and guidance the school provides navigating their way onto future opportunities.

Over the years I have developed excellent and meaningful professional relationships with both the students and their families, alongside my work colleagues, which in turn, has helped the students to reach their full potential both academically and socially.

As the staff governor for Cockburn John Charles, I know I can positively represent staff on the governing body, as I have built good relationships with the various teams and can offer my ongoing support.

My vision for the school is help it to continue on its journey of “Transformation to Excellence.”

Term of office: 02/02/2023-01/02/2027

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.

James Rawson

Community Representative

I currently work as an Assistant Principal for Behaviour, for a school in the East of Leeds.

I am responsible for all facets of behaviour within the academy, from implementation of the behaviour policy, to staff training, duties, Admissions and Alternative Provision.

I joined the governing body at Cockburn John Charles Academy as I have the experience and a strong knowledge of inclusion, teaching and learning as well as behaviour for learning.

As part of the governing body I can provide the appropriate levels of support and challenge to the leaders in the Academy, with a focus on attendance and behaviour.

Term of office: 01/09/2024-31/08/2028

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.

Zafran Pervez

Community Governor

I recently completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Leeds and will continue with higher education. Dedicated to creating meaningful change for disadvantaged children, I volunteer at various organisations. As a Regional Ambassador for Yorkshire and Humber for the Holocaust Educational Trust, I strive to ensure the Holocaust is never forgotten by sharing survivor testimonies, while also combating hate and racism in the UK.

I have also volunteered and worked as an educational support worker at IntoUniversity and Catch UK, a charity that helps young people avoid anti-social behaviour. This organisation supports troubled youth, helping them learn new skills and gain experiences that open doors to higher education and professional careers.

Driven by my passion for educational reform, I joined the governing body of Cockburn John Charles. I believe every child deserves access to high-quality education, regardless of their circumstances or academic abilities. Coming from a disadvantaged background myself, I understand the hardships young people face, especially those from ethnic minority communities. This is why inclusivity is crucial within the governing body of a school. I aspire to work closely with the school's leadership team to offer strategic guidance, provide insight, and make meaningful changes in the lives of students and the wider community. 

Term of office: 20/09/2025- 19/01/2029

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.

Drew Kilpatrick

Parent Representative

I am a manager in the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, (YAS). I look after a team of managers/trainers who train first responders within the community and have been with YAS for over five years. 

As a committed governor, I will have an active part in shaping the school’s future by assisting in the development of policies and advising on key decisions. I have a wealth of skills I can bring to the table, including extensive leadership skills and a proven track record in successfully managing a team. I am not afraid to challenge decisions if I do not feel it would benefit the school. 

As a parent governor, I will represent the views of our parents/carers and help to ensure decisions made by the governing body are in the best interests of all students, bringing real world experiences and recognising key areas of improvement. I have a good understanding of policies including Safeguarding. I am extremely enthusiastic, put 100% into all tasks I undertake, I demonstrate diplomacy and show empathy when dealing with sensitive situations. I love a challenge, and I am a great problem solver.