Our Local Governing Committee
Our Local Governing Committee (sometimes called our Local Governing Board or Local Governing Body) is responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a high-quality education and safe environment for all our children.
Together with the Headteacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management of the school, the Governors set the school’s aims and some school-specific policies.
Governors volunteer their time to work together as part of the LGC team and make a positive contribution to their communities. Governors do not need an education background; they bring different skills, experience and enquiring minds to support the effective running of the school and the educational achievements and wellbeing of its pupils.
Our LGC
Meetings & Membership
Our LGC usually meets six times a year. Minutes of LGC meetings are available on request from the School Office or via clerktogovs@ylt.org.uk.
Our LGC consists of 7 governors: the Headteacher, elected Parent Governors, elected Staff Governor and Trust-Appointed Governors.
Attendance, terms of office and the Register of Business Interests are published on the YLT website.
Our LGC Structure
Within Yorkshire Learning Trust, each school has a Local Governing Committee that supports the work of the school and the Trust.
The LGC has certain delegated authority to oversee the running of the school under the Scheme of Delegation as defined by the Board of Trustees.
LGC Structure:
Quorum: 50% current membership = 4 governors.
Purpose of Governance
The purpose of governance is to provide:
- Strategic leadership
- Accountability and assurance
- Strategic engagement
LGCs work alongside the Trust to ensure children are safe, support inclusion and equality, monitor school improvement, understand stakeholder views and provide effective oversight of the school.
Become a Governor
Governors bring a wide range of experience and perspectives to school life and play an important role in supporting and challenging school leadership.
If you are interested in volunteering for the school or Trust as a school governor, current vacancies and application information are available on the YLT website.
Our Local Governing Committee
Dr Claire Wensley
Trust Governor
I am delighted to be the Chair of Governors, a role I have held for the past year after several years as a governor. I also have two children at the school, giving me a personal connection to our community and a strong commitment to excellence, ensuring that every child can thrive.
I am a general paediatrician working within a teaching trust. My clinical role has given me expertise in safeguarding, as well as experience in clinical leadership, partnership working and improving systems so that children and families receive safe, compassionate and high-quality care.
During my time as a governor, I have helped guide the school through its Ofsted inspection and the appointment of a new senior leadership team. I am proud to work alongside our staff and governing body, providing support and challenge as the school continues to develop.
I believe strongly that every child is an individual, with their own strengths, talents and ambitions. Every child should have the opportunity, encouragement and support they need to achieve their potential.
Mr David Boyes-Watson
Trust Governor
I have been a Governor at Appleton since 2022 and am currently Vice Chair, supporting the Chair with strategic decision making of the committee.
I am also Chair of the Finance Working Group for Appleton, responsible for ensuring the school’s finances are in good order and that the school remains financially strong in the medium to long term.
My professional experience is in the Housing Sector with a focus on affordable housing and sustainability. I am committed to supporting the school team to make informed decisions regarding sustainability that promote greener running of the school as well as financially sound decisions.
Ms Lucy Robertson
I am delighted to be able to give something back to our local community by serving as a School Governor. We live locally in Colton and both of our children attended Appleton Roebuck School in their early years.
I recently stepped down from my last executive role after a career of more than 35 years leading complex organisations across logistics, healthcare, retail and supply chain. During my career, I have held senior executive and Board-level positions and have also gained experience as a Charity Trustee.
My professional experience includes strategy, governance, finance, risk management, health and safety, organisational change, property and asset management.
As a Governor, my particular areas of focus are Health and Safety, facilities and estates, and supporting the Finance Working Group.
Mrs Georgia Wainwright
I have been a Parent Governor at Appleton Primary School for just over a year and feel very fortunate to be able to contribute to the school community and support its continued development. My focus area of responsibility on the governing board is SEND, a role I am particularly passionate about.
My professional career is in education, with 14 years’ experience as an Early Years Lead Teacher, alongside being a member of Senior Leadership Team (SLT). This has given me a strong understanding of teaching and learning, leadership, safeguarding and the importance of providing an inclusive and supportive environment where every child can thrive.
As a parent governor I bring my professional knowledge and experience, alongside my perspective as a parent, to support the school and help ensure that all children are given the opportunity to achieve their very best.
Samantha Horlsey
I am a parent governor, having an insight into the experiences of families within our school community. I am committed to being approachable, supportive and focused on ensuring every member of our community — children, parents and carers, teachers and support staff — feels known, heard and valued.
I help provide constructive challenge to the school’s leadership team to monitor school performance, safeguarding, teaching and learning and the curriculum, to make sure decisions allow our children to feel and be successful.
My experience as an educational leader in York and a practising maths teacher brings a strong understanding of data-informed decision making, classroom practice and a passion for every child achieving their very best.
Mrs Gillian Wiles
Governor profile information coming soon.
Ms Caroline Mitchell
My name is Caroline Mitchell and I am the Governance Support Officer. My role includes preparing agendas, documentation and recording the minutes of meetings. I am also here to answer any questions and keep records of all governance requirements.
In my day job, I am an administrator and receptionist at Tadcaster Grammar School. Give me a wave if you see me.
Charlotte Sanderson
Staff Governor
Class Teacher & Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Co-ordinator
Additional Governance & Finance Information
Details of our Trustees and Members are available on the Yorkshire Learning Trust website.
There are statutory obligations for Trusts to publish additional governance and financial information online. This includes Articles of Association, Annual Reports and Accounts, funding agreements, Executive Pay reports and Gender Pay Gap reports.
View statutory and company documentation on the YLT website →
Diversity Statement
At YLT we believe that diversity and inclusion are integral to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
We actively seek to recruit, develop, and retain talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We celebrate the unique contributions of each team member and are dedicated to fostering a culture of equality, where differences are embraced and seen as a source of strength.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our policies, practices, and the way we do business. We strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are fair, unbiased, and inclusive, and we are continuously working to improve them.
We understand that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we are dedicated to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve.