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Our Governing Body

The governors, in conjunction with the headteacher, are appointed as strategic leaders of the school. This includes the appointment of all members of staff, teaching and non-teaching, monitoring the school budget share and the overall responsibility for the aims, ethos and implementation of policies of the school.

The governors are there to support the learning journey of every child and to ensure safeguarding measures are in place and adhered to.

All our governors are volunteers and have been appointed as community governors, elected by parents, the local authority or by staff members.

All governing body meetings are attended by a representative of the proprietor.

Our governors receive relevant training on all aspects of school life and expectations to build their skills to allow them to make informed decisions and challenge the leadership team.

Our governors are supported by LCC Governor Support Service and the National Governors Association, and have access to information from GEL e-learning.

Chair of Governors: Sarah Craven

Governor vacancy

We currently have a vacancy for a parent governor. Please contact office@reachprimary.co.uk for more information.

Sarah Craven - Chair

I am a dedicated mum of two young children, both of whom are adopted, and I bring 26 years of experience from my career in banking, where I honed a diverse set of skills.

I am passionate about advocating for Looked After Children, ensuring they have equal opportunities and feel safe and supported at school. Currently working as a lunchtime assistant at my local school, I am eager to use my knowledge and personal experience to contribute to initiatives that promote inclusion and well-being for all children.

In my free time, I enjoy watching sports—especially football—travelling, listening to podcasts, and spending quality time with friends and family. My enthusiasm for creating positive change drives my commitment to making schools a welcoming place for every child, no matter their background.

Ali Quinn

I have been the headteacher of Reach for nine years and love working with our pupils, their families, staff team and community.

I am passionate about ensuring every child is able to access education so after five years in a mainstream school in Bradford, I moved into specialist provision where I have now worked for twenty two years. Reach is a fabulous school and a place I am proud to say I work in!

Kath d'Avoine

I have always loved working with children and have previously run a Resource Provision, taught in a Special Education School in Australia and finally here at Reach. I enjoy supporting the pupils achieve both academically and personally.

My approach is very hands-on and focuses on building strong relationships with the pupils and families. Out of school I have 2 daughters who keep me very busy. I am looking forward to being part of the next steps for Reach.

Sarah Tissiman

My name is Sarah Tissiman and I am the Headteacher at Middleton Primary School.

I have worked in South Leeds for over 12 years, and I am committed to the children and the community. I also believe strongly in collaboration and teamwork, and I am excited about working closely with Cockburn Reach Academy on their journey.

Jo Frost

I’m passionate about thriving families, improving social emotional well being within communities and offering space for people to be heard, seen and valued.

Following my Psychology degree at Leeds University I trained as an Art Psychotherapist. For 16 years, I worked therapeutically within South Leeds education provisions. I enjoyed supporting families and staff to see change, to enhance knowledge and build in capacity through a trauma informed lens.

I’m currently employed by the South West Yorkshire NHS Trust Perinatal team as a Parent Infant Psychotherapist. I enjoy green spaces, cake, creativity and connecting with people.

Lauren Hutchinson

I currently work at Beeston Primary School and my area of specialism is Early Years. I thoroughly enjoy working with young children providing them with ample opportunities to further their knowledge and skills in a safe and thriving environment, which celebrates them and their wider community.

I support Leeds Area Riding for the Disabled Association and have done for 20 years in a voluntary capacity, fueling my motivation to ensure all children have inclusive opportunities during their education experience. I look forward to working collaboratively with the wider governing body to achieve the best possible outcomes for the pupils.

Teacher at Beeston Primary School.

Sean Nicholson

I have worked at Beeston Primary School for 15 years now. When I first arrived, I taught Year 6 for several years and have since taught across school, in both Key Stages 1 & 2.

I have played an instrumental part in leading Curriculum, Computing and English across the school and have worked closely with many key advisors across the Local Authority.

I am currently in my sixth year as Deputy Headteacher and was Assistant Headteacher in KS1 and KS2 for a number of years prior to this. I have recently become Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and believe it is imperative that all pupils feel happy and safe in their educational setting. I am excited to join the Governing Board at Cockburn Reach Academy and supporting their pupils through my Governor role.