Our Governing Body

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

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.                                                                                                                                                                

Kelly Newby - Chair of Governor

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: 14/10/2021-14/10/2024        

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.

Dominic Bascombe

Community Representative

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

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: 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.                                                                                      

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: 28/04/2022-28/04/2026

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.

Julia Pope

Community Representative, Safeguarding Governor

Julia has been working in the field of community social inclusion for 30 years spanning roles within the third sector, education institutions and local authority settings.

During the last 20 years her leadership has been focused upon the development and delivery of preventative, early intervention and targeted services for children aged 0 to 19 years and their families.

Julia holds post graduate and professional qualifications in children’s services integrated leadership, management studies and has a Master’s degree in social work. 

Julia’s motivation is driven by her passion and commitment to ensuring all children and young people reach their full potential, reflected in the professional roles she has undertaken and a major reason for wanting to support the mission of Cockburn John Charles Academy as a Safeguarding Governor.

Term of office: 02/02/2023-01/02/2027

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.

James Rawson

Community Representative

Information to follow.