Governors

Prior to joining St Bartholomew’s CE Multi-Academy Trust, the two separate governing bodies of Tibberton CE Primary School & St Lawrence CE Primary School agreed in July 2019 that the two schools would become the Tibberton CE Primary School & St Lawrence CE Primary School Federation.  Each setting work in partnership to share resources and best practice to give all the children the best possible start in their educational life. Since joining the MAT, the local governing board has remained accountable for the two schools under the Trustees of St Bartholomew’s.

The Local Governing Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic decisions and direction of the schools whilst being a ‘critical friend’, offering support, constructive advice, a second opinion on proposals and help where needed, along with challenge, questions, and ideas to so arrive at the best solution for the pupils, staff and whole school community.

“Governors understand their responsibilities and carry out their statutory duties appropriately”, Ofsted May 2024.

Our Governing Body works in close partnership with the Executive Headteacher, staff at both schools and the Diocese. The governors are involved with monitoring the curriculum, health and safety management, safeguarding, school buildings and finance. It ensures the school functions well and maintains the proper range of academic and social objectives. The Local Governing Board works as a team with shared responsibilities.

Membership of the governing board includes parents and staff from both schools.

The Local Governing Board requires 9 Governors of which 1 is the Executive Headteacher, 2 Parent Governors (one from each School), 2 Staff Governors (one from each school), 2 Appointed Governors and 2 Foundation Governors, appointed by the Lichfield Diocese.

Governors are appointed for a four year period of office and are from a wide range of professions to bring expertise to the leadership and management of our school. As a Local Governing Board we work alongside the Executive Headteacher to ensure that our children have the best education possible, within the safest environment and achieve the best that they possibly can.

Should it be necessary the Local Governing Board can be contacted via reception at the school.

The Governing Body:-

Mr Craig Battrick
Executive Headteacher, Ex-Officio

After a successful career in retail management, I entered the teaching profession in 2009 with a PGCE from Manchester Metropolitan University, gaining a Post Grasuate Diploma two years later. My teaching career began in Staffordshire and Stoke Local Authorities and since then I have taught in all year groups throughout KS1 and 2. I have been part of a Senior Leadership Team for over twelve years now and with a background in English, I am also an associate practitioner for the Royal Shakespeare Company and hold SSAT, NPQH, NPQEHCO accreditations. I have recruited student teachers for the University of Derby and I am currently studying for my NPQEL. 

Having gained great experience as a curriculum lead within a large Multi-Academy Trust, in 2021 I joined a dedicated team within the Tibberton and St. Lawrence Primary School Federation as Head of School at Tibberton. Since then, I have been appointed as Headteacher of both schools in 2023 and Executive Headteacher in 2025 with us joining St Bart’s in 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with a group of practitioners, parents and governors committed to ensure that our pupils can strive to achieve the very best and know that ‘With God, anything is possible’.

Mr Amandeep Johal
Parent Governor 
Appointed: 13.09.22
Term of Office End Date: 13.09.26

I put myself forward to being a parent governor as I have an immense passion for education.  I have been in education for 20 years with various roles from support, teaching to management.  I am hoping to bring that experience and knowledge to the school and effectively help the school to go forward.

I am sure I can speak for most parents that we want our children to have a safe environment, enriched education and to enjoy school life. I want all parents/guardians to be able to approach me and have our voices heard. I look forward to working with the staff and wider community.”

Caroline Sands

Co-Chair & Co-opted
Appointed: 13-Sep-2021
Term of Office End Date: 12-Sep-2025

Hi I’m Caroline Sands, a retired qualified Accountant. I retired in 2020 after working in Industry for 39 years. My strengths are in finance and related subjects, and people skills, having managed large and small teams over my years in industry.

I’m a keen gardener and animal lover, and enjoy walking my three dogs. I’m keen to utilise the skills I have further, to help the development of the two schools.

Marie Matthews

Foundation

Appointed: 14.11.2023
Term of Office End Date: 13.11.2027

After beginning my career working in credit management, I moved into the teaching profession in 1991 with a B.Ed. from Manchester Metropolitan University. I spent the remainder of my career in Berkshire & Buckinghamshire secondary schools where I taught ICT, Business Studies, Economics & Careers up to middle leadership, gaining much experience as a curriculum leader and associate SLT member.

Having recently retired to Shropshire, I remain interested in the development of schoolchildren and I look forward to applying skills gained in over 30 years as a teacher as I join the governing board of Tibberton CE Primary School & St Lawrence CE Primary Schools.

Mr Timothy Goode

Co-Chair & Foundation Governor

Appointed: 01.05.2024

Term of Office end date: 01.05.2028

The following governors have resigned or left their post within the past 12 months:

Mrs Amy Skilton-Yates

Staff Governor

2025-26 Committee Groups

Finance and General Purposes:
Caroline Sands (Chair)

Amandeep Johal

Luke Tellis-James

Curriculum and Standards:

Timothy Goode (Chair)

Marie Matthews

Emma Rowe-Bland

Grievance, Complaints & Pupil Discipline
This committee is formed if and when necessary from members of the Governing Body.