Meet the Governors

Ex-Officio

Doug Stitcher (DS) (Headteacher)

(Term begins 01/01/2021)

(Term end N/A)

Ex-Officio

Reverend Sarah Gill (SG)

(Term began 18/11/2019)

(Term end N/A)

Foundation Governor

John Duckworth (JD) (Chair)

(Term began 21/09/2017)

(Term end 21/09/2021)

I was headteacher of St Silas C. E. Primary School for twenty-eight years; after I retired I decided that I should like to try to give something back to our education system as a school governor. I have been Chair at St James’ for the last two years and Chair at St Stephen’s Primary School since 2011. It is a role which I have thoroughly enjoyed, enabling me to continue being involved with both children and teaching staff. I have always enjoyed both watching and playing a variety of different sports although my days on the football and cricket pitches are long gone; now I am restricted to a few frames on the snooker table. My wife and I love travelling and I’m very much an amateur bird watcher. Our son works as a solicitor in Leicester but our daughter has followed the family tradition by teaching in a Blackburn school.

Foundation Governor

Carol Coombes (CC)

(Term began 03/09/2015)

(Term end  03/09/2023)

My name is Carol Coombes and I am a Foundation governor at the school. I was elected two years ago. I have worked in Local Government for many years in the Education department so have a wide experience in education. I enjoy being a governor at the school especially when I meet the children and staff at events held at the school.

Foundation Governor

Janet Chester (JC)

(Term began 22/09/2016)

(Term end 31/08/2024)

My name is Janet Chester. I am a Foundation Governor and member of St James Church. I am the Safeguarding, RE and Link Governor. I visit the school on a regular basis and I am always impressed with the attitude and behaviour of the children that I meet. I love welcoming the children into the church for the special services that we have. It is a pleasure to be a Governor of such a happy and caring school.

Foundation Governor

Alison Spencer (AS)

(Term began 29/10/2018)

(Term end 29/10/2022)

With being an Assistant Head Teacher at a primary school in Accrington and serving on its governing body for over 14 years, I feel my knowledge and experience helps me to play a positive role on the governing body of St James’ School. I and my two daughters attend St James’ Church and have done for the past 12 years; I truly value the Christian ethos the school promotes.  I’m passionate about education, ensuring every child is happy and achieves their ultimate best in everything they do.

Foundation Governor

Mike Duckworth (MD)

(Term began 30/09/2016)

(Term end  04/07/2023)

I have been a Governor at St. James School since September 2012 as well as governing at St. Mary's RC School in Langho. I have many years’ experience both as a teacher and a headteacher. These have given me a deep understanding of education and the needs of children. I am fully committed to supporting the children, staff and parents to achieve the highest standards possible. I am married with three children and five grandchildren and believe that family is at the heart of every school. I am proud to be a governor and enjoy working in school alongside the children, whenever possible.

Foundation Governor

Sadiq Patel (SP)

(Term began 17/03/2017)

(Term end 26/11/2023)

I joined St. James Primary School in February 2017 as a Foundation Governor from the Diocese of St. James Church. I am also a member of the BwD Interfaith Forum. In our Forum we try to help, support and make many positive contributions to our communities and are fully committed to bringing communities together regardless of faith, creed, colour or culture. I am keen to share my experience and knowledge of interfaith work with all pupils, staff and parents of St. James’s School. Community cohesion and community integration is very close to my heart and my life. I love the school’s ethos of “COURAGE, LOVE AND RESPECT” as that is truly fundamental and very strong foundation for pupil’s learning and education. I am also very keen in supporting the school fund raise/charity work to help and support disadvantaged communities and schools nationally and internationally.