Governors
The Sea View Trust – Board of Trustees
Devonshire Primary Academy is a member of The Sea View Trust, alongside Anchorsholme Academy, Park Community Academy, Revoe Learning Academy, Tor View Specialist Learning Community and Valley College.
Each Academy retains their own Local Governing Committee which is responsible for the development of their own community.
The Board of Trustees for The Sea View Trust remains independent of the Governing Committee for Devonshire Primary Academy, although both work closely to ensure that Academies are supported across the Trust. Whilst the Trustees are responsible for raising and maintaining standards Trust-wide, they recognise that Governing Committees are much better placed to manage these within their own Academies on a day-to-day basis. A Scheme of Delegation (which can be found on The Sea View Trust website) has therefore been agreed so that effective governance can take place at a local level, with the Chairs of Governors and Headteachers regularly feeding back valuable information to the Trustees so that informed decisions can be made.
Annual Statement of Governance
Our Mission is to make a positive difference by putting children, families and the community at the heart of everything we do.
We were pleased to see that during our previous inspection Ofsted recognised our strengths in ‘Behaviour and Safety’ and ‘Leadership and Management’, with both categories receiving a ‘good’ grade. We have continued to build on this foundation. Ofsted also identified areas for continued focus, including guaranteeing consistency in ‘Teaching and Learning’, which continues to be a priority for us. Therefore, we ensure that all our staff have access to high quality professional development in order to develop their skills at all levels, enabling maximum impact for our pupils.
Our Role as Governors is to: “Conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement.” Education Act 2002
Our core purpose is to inspire, expect and ensure exceptional standards, school improvement and service by:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the academy and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
We endeavour to instil our core values in every aspect of school life. These are:
- Resilience
- Respect
- Pride
- Integrity
- Co-operation
- Honesty
We recognise that a child’s life does not just fall within the parameters of the school building itself. Building positive relationships with families and members of our local community therefore continues to be a crucial aspect of the work of our school as we educate the whole child.
As governors we recognise that reading is of fundamental importance in that it opens doors to lifelong learning and opportunities. Therefore, we have invested heavily in training and resources including high quality reading books for all children.
Governors continue to be proud to be associated with Devonshire Primary Academy and continue to admire the dedication and tireless commitment made by the staff to enable our children to begin their lifelong love of learning.
Meet Our Governors
Mr David O'Brien
Chair of Governors
I have been a Church of England Minister since 2004 and held posts in Blackpool and Shrewsbury before returning to Blackpool in July 2019. Prior to becoming a Vicar I lived in Blackpool with my family in Marton, Bispham, South Shore and worked in central Blackpool, so I know the town very well!
I have been involved as a governor across different schools since 2006. From 2006-2008 I was a Governor at Kincraig Primary School, Blackpool.; between 2008-10 I was the Chaplain at Arnold School, Blackpool; from 2010 to July 2019 I was a Foundation Governor of Oxon CE School where I was chair of Standards and Curriculum.
I have always enjoyed taking assemblies, being involved in schools and working with the local community. I am very much looking forward to serving as Chair Of Governors of Devonshire Primary Academy and serving our community. If you would like to contact the Chair of Governors, please email admin@devonshire.svt.org.uk or telephone 01253 478271.
Start: 01/01/21 End: 31/12/28
Appointed by: LGC
Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 3/3
Ms Victoria Heaney
Vice Chair of Governors
Appointed by LGC
Start: 09/03/22 End: 08/03/26
Appointed by: LGC
Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 0/3
Mr Simon Clark
Co-Opted Governor
Hello my name is Simon Clark and I became a Community Governor for Devonshire Primary Academy in 2020, so I am very new to the role. I have been involved in the locality around the school for the last 35 years through the local church and my work in Environmental Health.
My aim as a Governor is to: support the work of the school team to deliver the best education for our young people in safe and caring setting, challenge the school’s processes and procedures, so that the school operates in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
My hope is that all children who attend Devonshire Primary Academy will reach their full potential while they are with us and will look back with pride at what they have been able to achieve.
Start: 15/03/20 End: 14/03/28
Appointed by: LGC
Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 3/3
Mrs Margaret Jowett
Community Governor
Hello, my name is Margaret Jowett and I’m excited about becoming a Community Governor for Devonshire Primary Academy in 2024/25.
As well as working as a School Business Manager at a north-west high school and sixth form, I am also a member of the Senior Leadership Team and am the Data Protection Officer. With more than 27 years of experience, I like to think I know the ins and outs of how schools run and how to make schools run well – for everyone.
I have been working in education for a number of years; in my role I am responsible for finances, HR, estates, health & safety, data protection, policies and procedures, marketing, administration, IT, operations and more.
I care deeply about, and work hard to ensure, any school is the best it can be for the children, staff and the whole school community.
I’ve been integral in successful school improvement including: ensuring robust financial management; securing additional funding and grants; enhancing school facilities and making infrastructure improvements; implementing energy efficient measures; and executing effective home-school communication strategies. I’m ready to bring that same energy and success to both Devonshire and The Sea View Trust.
I really enjoy working alongside others and believe that together, we can achieve great things. I pride myself on my effective communication skills. I’m confident, approachable, empathetic and an active listener. I believe in empowerment and the importance of ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. For a number of years I have been closely following the school’s journey to address areas for improvement to provide the very best education for all its pupils. It’s clear to see that the staff and governors work incredibly hard to ensure the highest standards of education, care and experiences for the pupils.
I endeavour to work closely with the school community to continue to make Devonshire Primary Academy the best it can be!
Start: 25/02/24 End: 24/02/29
Appointed by: LGC
Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 2/2
Mrs Giuliana Hornby
Teaching Staff Governor
I joined the Devonshire staff team in 2015 and I am currently the Preschool Teacher, Geography Subject Lead and Eco Lead through the school.
As a staff governor, I am dedicated to upholding the values and standards of Devonshire to ensure that we make a positive impact on the educational journey of our students and the well-being of our school community. I believe that happy and healthy staff members are better equipped to provide the best possible education for our students and I am committed to overseeing the wellbeing of our staff, which is essential to the success of our school.
I actively engage with parents, students, staff and fellow governors to ensure that our school remains an open and welcoming learning environment which nurtures the well-being of our staff and pupils. I believe in fostering not only academic excellence but also social, emotional and environmental responsibility.
I am passionate about instilling eco-consciousness in our pupils and I strive to create a greener, more sustainable future for our school and the wider community.
Start: 15/11/22 End: 14/11/26
Appointed by: LGC
Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 3/3
Miss Charley-Jean Cuthbert
Non-Teaching Staff Governor
I have been employed as a Teaching Assistant at Devonshire since 2022 and I have a rich background of many years supporting children and young people.
Opting to become a Governor stems from my desire to provide support, not only to the pupils at our school, but also to their families and my colleagues. I am committed to actively listening to the needs of our pupils, staff and wider community, whilst also contributing my own thoughts and insights. I am dedicated to identifying what works well in our school, areas for improvement and envisioning our future needs.
Start: 14/11/23 End: 13/11/27
Appointed by: LGC
Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 2/3
Mrs Kayleigh Wynn
Parent Governor
Hi, my name is Kayleigh and I am a newly appointed Parent Governor at Devonshire Primary Academy.
I am a Mum of five girls and our journey at Devonshire began in 2012 when my eldest daughter started at their Preschool. I have watched two of my daughters go though school at Devonshire; the third is about to leave Year 6 and the fourth has just started Preschool.
Over the years I have volunteered at Devonshire as a reader with Year 1 pupils, a supporting adult during school trips, a helping hand at Christmas events and a member of the Parents Forum.
I am looking forward to working alongside other governors on the Local Governing Committee and hope to support the school by bringing new and amazing ideas to help Devonshire be the best it can be.
Start: 09/02/24 End: 08/02/28
Appointed by: Parent Election
Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 3/3
Mr Chris Brambles (Resigned)
Co-Opted Governor
Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Chris stepped down from his role as Community Governor 31/08/2024.
Start: 01/09/20 End: 31/08/24
Appointed by: LGC
Meetings Attended in 2023-24 – 3/3
Miss Nicola Hitchon (Resigned)
Parent Governor
Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Nicola stepped down from her role as Parent Governor 06/03/2025.
Start: 09/03/22 End: 06/03/25
Appointed by: Parent Election
Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 0/2
Pecuniary & Business Interests
All minutes from the Governors meetings are available on request to the school office.
Interested in joining our Local Governing Committee?
*Currently, there is one vacancy for a Parent Governor.*
The governing committee, alongside the Headteacher, has overall responsibility for the running of the academy. Governing committees have two core strategic functions:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the academy and its pupils
No special qualifications are needed to stand as a Governor and the most important thing is to have a keen interest in the academy and be prepared to play an active part in the governing committee’s work.
If you are considering standing for election, please request further details from the Business Lead.
Contact Devonshire Primary Academy Local Governing Committee
If you wish to contact the Chair of Devonshire Primary Academy’s Governing Committee, please address post to:
Mr David O’ Brien
Devonshire Primary Academy
Devonshire Road
Blackpool
FY3 8AF