Meet Our School Governors

The Governors at Applebee Wood School are people who want to make a positive contribution to the education of pupils at Applebee Wood

What are Governors?

Governors are one of the largest volunteer forces in the country and have an important part to play in raising Applebee Wood School standards. The role of the governing body at Applebee Wood is absolutely key to the effectiveness of the Academy. Time and time again Ofsted (the national inspection body for schools) has noted that the most effective Academies demonstrate effective leadership and management – including by the governing body.

They bring a wealth of experience, ask thoughtful questions and champion our values of Respect, Belonging, Trust, Resilience, Aspiration. Their commitment helps us create a nurturing, ambitious, and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

To Our Governors:

“Thank you for your exceptional service, leadership and unwavering support in our SEND provision.”

What do governors do?

School Governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in Academies. Governors appoint the head teacher and are involved in the appointment of other staff. It is governors who hold the main responsibility for finance in schools, and it is governors who work with the head teacher to make the tough decisions about balancing resources. Each individual governor is a member of a governing body, which is established in law as a corporate body. Decisions are the joint responsibility of the governing body.

The role of the governing body is a strategic one. Its key functions are to:

Set the aims and objectives for the school
Set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
Set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
Monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
Be a source of challenge and support to the head teacher (a critical friend)

The head teacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the Academy and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing body.

If you wish to contact the Chair of Applebee Woods Governing Committee, please address post to:

Mr M. Woods

Applebee Wood School

Far Croft,

Lostock Hall,

Preston,

PR5 5SS

Tel: 01772 336976

Email: office@applebeewood.co.uk - Please add: F.O.A Chair of Governors to email subject

Join Our Governing Committee!

Applebee Wood is looking for a new Governor to join our Local Governing Committee.

Are you passionate about education, community and making a difference in children’s lives? This is a fantastic opportunity to support our school’s strategic direction and help shape the future for our pupils.

✅ No prior experience needed – just enthusiasm, commitment, and a desire to contribute
✅ Full training and support provided
✅ A chance to develop new skills and give back to your community
✅ Termly meetings and flexible involvement

Whether you're a parent, local resident or someone with skills in education, leadership, HR finance or community work – we’d love to hear from you!

To find out more, please contact the Business Lead by email: jfindlay@applebeewood.co.uk or telephone: 01772 336976

Help us continue to make Applebee Wood School a happy, aspirational and productive place for all.

Document to be uploaded by March2026

Document to be uploaded by March 2026

Our Governors

Applebee Wood School Governors

Mr J Cockerill

Headteacher

Ex-Officio Governor

Term of Office: September 2025 - September 2029

jcockerill@applebeewood.co.uk

Mr M Woods

Chair of Governors & Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Coopted Governors

Term of Office: September 2025 - September 2026 You can reach Our Chair of Governors by contacting the school Office via phone: 01772 336976 Or send an email, FAO Chair of Governors: office@applebeewood.co.uk

Mr J Kewley

Curriculum/Teaching Quality

Coopted Governor

Term of Office: September 2025 - September 2029