Governing Body

Bartholomew School has a Local Governing Body (LGB) comprising Trust appointed governors, elected parent governors, elected staff governors and the Headteacher.

Information about the Eynsham Partnership Academy Trust (‘The Trust’) and its Trustees and Members

The LGB is a committee of the Trust and has responsibilities delegated to it via the Trust Scheme of Delegation. The LGB currently meets nine times a year, and Governors also have link roles and smaller working groups which monitor different areas of the School’s performance. Meetings take place in the evenings and, where possible, Governors are also encouraged to visit school a few times a year during the school day to gain knowledge about the day-to-day culture and ethos and see how policies and strategies works in practice.

A Governor’s role is:

  • to set the strategic direction for the school
  • to hold the Headteacher to account on finance and outcome
  • nothing to do with the day-to-day running of the School! We work to improve outcomes for every student at Bartholomew School. Governors are, “eyes on, hands off"

The Local Governors of Bartholomew School agree that boards should aim to reflect the diversity of the school communities they serve. Having a range of voices around the table should promote inclusive school environments and provide diverse role models for staff and young people. Governors are selected in a variety of ways, with Parent and Staff Governors being elected by the parent and staff communities respectively. We will continue to advertise any such vacancies as widely as possible (including on this page and in parent newsletters), to encourage applications from across these communities, and to support all those who put themselves forwards for these positions.

Academy Appointed Governors are selected and approached by the Governing Body and appointed by the EPA Trustees. We regularly undertake skills audits and look at many aspects of the ethos and composition of the board, including considerations of religion, ethnicity etc. These discussions are used to inform our recruitment and training needs and to ensure there is always a diverse range of perspectives around the table to support robust decision making.

Due to the relatively small size of our governing body, we do not publish diversity data online as individual governors could be identified, and we have a legal obligation to protect their personal data.

Governors' Business Interests and Attendance

News and Updates from the governors

The Chair of Governors, Lucy Dickinson, writes an update for the end of term newsletter. For the most recent update please click on the image below and for previous issues go to our Newsletters pageLetters from the governing body can be found on our Letters Home page (please select 'Governors' from the filter list).

Chair of governors news term 2 december 2023

Becoming a Governor

Shape the future of our young people

All our governor positions are currently filled, new positions will be advertised here when they become available.Bartholomew School Governors Code of Practice

Contact the Chair of Governors

If you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, please email: Governors@bartholomew.epatrust.org

Governor Profiles

Lucy dickinson

LUCY DICKINSON

Chair of Governors

Category of governor

Director appointed

Term of office

December 2022 – December 2026
Work

Currently self-employed as a Clerk to the Governors, as well as doing freelance environmental, educational and publishing-related consultancy. Academic background in Chemistry, with several years’ experience in science publishing, and grants administration

Links to the school/area

Lives in Eynsham and has one child at Bartholomew School
Why did you become a governor?

Having both a professional and personal interest in good School Governance, I joined the Bartholomew Governors in 2014 in order to help support and challenge the school in providing the best possible opportunities for all students. I became Chair in September 2021, and also Chair the EPA steering group on Climate and Biodiversity

Tessa ford

TESSA FORD

Vice-Chair of Governors

Category of governor

Academy appointed

Term of office 

February 2020 – February 2024

Work 

Mainly retired but continue to work as School Improvement Adviser to some schools in West Berkshire

Links to the school/area

I was previously a parent governor at Eynsham Primary School and enjoyed that involvement. Having recently retired from working as a School Improvement Adviser I keen to make best use of my knowledge and skills to support the school in my community

Jane Osbourne

JANE OSBORNE

Category of Governor

Academy appointed

Term of office

September 2020 - August 2024. First appointed pre-2014

Work

Retired Teacher
Links to the school/area

All four of my children attended Bartholomew School, during which time I was involved in the work of the PTA. I have been a governor for many years, some of which included being the Chair of Governors

Why did you become a governor?

To support the school in providing the best possible education for the children and young people in its community

Gavin robinson

GAVIN ROBINSON  

Category of governor

Academy appointed

Term of office

February 2023 – February 2027. First appointed 2011

Work

Chartered Accountant and Corporate Treasurer by profession. Since 1991 I have worked in different roles and in different locations for a FTSE 250 listed Industrial and Electronic Components Distributor. I’m currently in the Corporate Development area

Links to the school/area

 Lives in Eynsham
Why did you become a governor?

Having settled in Eynsham in 2009, I wanted to be more involved in the local community. In early 2011, when I saw that Bartholomew School was looking for new governors, and in particular one with finance experience, I saw this as a great way to use my professional knowledge to help drive an exceptional educational experience for the young people in our community

Head photo

CRAIG THOMAS   

Category of governor

Bartholomew School Headteacher

Harry copson

HARRY COPSON

Category of Governor

Staff 

Term of office 

February 2022 – February 2026

Work 

Teacher of Geography, Sociology and History and Assistant Pastoral Lead (APL)
Links to the school/area

Apart from my undergraduate degree at Nottingham University I have always lived in Oxfordshire and did my teacher training in Oxford too. I have lived in various parts of the county and now work at Bartholomew

Why did you become a governor? 

To represent the views of day-to-day staff and students to the governing body in the hope of making it an even better place to work and study

FEP (1)

FIONA LOADER

Category of governor

Parent 

Term of office 

May 2019 – May 2023

Work

Financial Adviser, Paton Financial Planning (Principal) / St James’s Place (Authorised Representative)
Chartered Accountant (UK & Australia), partner with PwC

Links to the school/area

My parents moved to Eynsham in 1983, so I have lived here on & off since then. I moved back to live here permanently in July 2018.I have two sets of twins; my eldest two attend Bartholomew School

Why did you become a governor? 

I am keen to represent the parents at the Governor meetings and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the continual success of the school. I believe that my professional experience, along with my strong commitment to the school, would enable me to make a significant positive contribution and add value to the school governing body

Janine broome

JANINE BROOME

Category of governor

Parent

Term of office 

May 2021 – May 2025

Work 

Head of Strategic Initiatives and Company Secretary at AirTanker (RAF Brize Norton)

Links to the school/area

We moved to Eynsham from London in 2011. We have 2 sons who both attended Eynsham Community Primary School where I was a member of the PTA for 10 years, including a few years as Secretary. I was a founder member of the Eynsham Good Neighbour Network, and I am Secretary of Eynsham Choral Society

Why did you become a governor? 

When my younger son joined Bartholomew in September 2021, I felt the time was right to support the senior school more. I want to represent a parent’s view in the TLO committee and the wider governing body. There are some interesting crossovers with my Company Secretary position at work - I use relevant knowledge in my role with the school. I enjoy learning more about the challenges and successes of the school 

Jo feehily

JO FEEHILY

Category of governor

Parent

Term of office

Category of governor

Work

I am a Programme Lead and Principal Lecturer in higher education. I manage postgraduate provision in marketing. I have worked in higher education for 22 years in a range of business-related subject areas and I research in coaching and mentoring. In my early career, I worked in public sector marketing and PR

Links to the school/area

Both of my children attend Bartholomew and I have lived in Long Hanborough since 2007

Why did you become a governor?

I would like to support the school in achieving the best outcomes for the children of the community

Nicole evans

NICOLE EVANS

Category of governor

Parent Governor

Term of office 

November 2022 – November 2026

Work

Self-employed, working with local letting agents providing property reports and inspections, ensuring property safety compliance

Links to the school/area

Both of my children currently attend Bartholomew School

Why did you become a governor?

Having been active in my children’s primary school, I put myself forward as a parent governor at Bartholomew School, soon after my youngest joined the School, aiming to offer a parent’s viewpoint. I prioritise Health & Safety and advocate for student wellbeing, behaviour, and attendance. I wanted to contribute to a safe, supportive environment, where every student can thrive academically and emotionally

Daryl black

DARYL BACK

Category of governor

Academy appointed

Term of office 

February 2023 – February 2025

Work

Director of theatrical charity and freelance Theatre Producer (20 years) working across the South East. Each large-scale production offers paid work placement opportunities to students in their final year of university/ college and I work closely with these colleges in ensuring that the students graduate with the relevant knowledge for careers in the theatre industry. Prior to this I was an actress working in theatre, television, film and radio

Links to the school/area

Has lived in Eynsham for 20 years

Why did you become a governor?

Having been Chair of the PTA and Annual Fund at Oxford High School for 15 years and passionate about education, I felt that I would like to be involved in the continued success of Bartholomew School in ensuring that young people are given every opportunity to fulfil their potential

Image to follow

KASSIM JAVAID

Category of governor

Parent

Term of office  Profile to follow
Work  
Links to the school/area  

Why did you become a governor?

 

Berny auton

BERNY AUTON

Category of governor

Academy Appointed
Term of office 

November 2023 - September 2027

Work

I work as an artist from my studio in Abingdon including facilitating the occasional workshop and classes. I also coach Young People on job applications, interview preparation and career progression.  I volunteer as a Mentor with abandofbrothers and am supporting Oxfordshire Youth to help them move to new premises. All the above being a deliberate switch from a corporate career in management consultancy and technology businesses around the world

Links to the school/area

I was introduced to Eynsham Partnership Academy by Governors for SchoolsI have lived in Oxfordshire for 23 years and have friends in Eynsham whose children attend, or used to attend, Bartholomew

Why did you become a governor?

Learning and Development have been extremely important for me and my family. I was an ‘involved' parent at both my daughters’s schools and continue my commitment to education, particularly the importance of the arts, in all its forms, across our community

Image to follow

ROSA ARIAS-YAGUE

Category of governor

Profile to follow
Term of office   
Work  
Links to the school/area  
Why did you become a governor?  

Image to follow

JEAN BLACKSTOCK

Category of governor

Profile to follow

Term of office   
Work  
Links to the school/area  
Why did you become a governor?  

Image to follow

ANNE ARMITAGE

Category of governor

Appointed Governor

Term of office

March 2024 – March 2028

Work

Self-employed medico legal expert witness for medical negligence cases and case manager working with personal injury litigation clients. I have several years of senior management experience and working as an occupational therapist

Links to the school/area

I live in Eynsham and have two children at Bartholomew School

Why did you become a governor?

I have been a Governor at St Peters school Cassington since 2019, with the past 2 years as Chair of Governors. I am keen to combine my Governor experience between primary and secondary school education. I am keen to use my professional background to help to challenge and support the school, to provide the best outcome for students and for the school

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