Our Governing Board
The school is supported and overseen by a Governing Board. The Board consists of members of our two charitable foundations, several co-optative governors, an Alumni Governor, and parent governors.
The purpose of the Governing Board is to support and challenge the Senior Leadership Team, consult on areas of shared expertise, and oversee the longer-term management and financial health of the school.
The Undershaw Governing Board members are committed to the school’s vision and passionate about its future.
The Board of Governors reports to both of our funding foundations on the overall work and development of the school and welcome members of each onto the board. The main role is to hold the leadership of the school to account acting as a ‘critical friend’.
- Nicky Birchwood
- Leilah Sheridan
- Will Karlsen
- Ollie Jones
- Claire Cookson
- Jon Robards
- Philippa Charles
- Clare Chesworth
- Jo Franklin
- Karen Heath
- Emma Killington
- Sue Bennett
Co-optative Governor (Parent)
Roles
Teaching and Learning Committee
Current term
01.09.25 – 31.08.28
Register of Interests
Undershaw Parent
Co-optative Governor (staff)
Roles
Teaching and Learning Committee
Current term
05.12.2024 – 01.09.2026
Register of Interests
Employee of the school
Co-optative Governor (Parent)
Roles
Teaching and Learning Committee
Current term
01.08.25 – 31.07.26
Register of Interests
Undershaw Parent
Co-optative Governor
Roles
Well-being Committee, Alumni and School Council link
Current term
01.09.23 – 31.07.27
Register of Interests
Alumnus of the school
Leo Lion Foundation Nominee
Roles
Chair of Well-Being Committee, Safeguarding and LAC Link
Current term
21.01.2026 – 30.01.2027
Register of Interests
Employee of Pathways Education, Governor of Stratford-upon-Avon Primary School, Trustee DFN Foundation
DFN Foundation Nominee
Roles
Leadership and Finance & Staffing Committee
Current term
10.10.2025 – 09.10.2026
Register of Interests
Employee of the DFN Foundation
DFN nominative Governor
Roles
Leadership and Finance & Staffing Committee
Current term
05.01.2026 – 04.01.2027
Register of Interests
CEO of the DFN Foundation
Previous Staff Member Governor and Now Regular Trustee
Roles
Wellbeing Committee
Current term
29.08.21 – 31.07.27
Register of Interests
Chair of Governors and Finance Committee Chair
Current term
10.07.2024 – 09.07.2027
Register of Interests
Leo Lion Foundation
Co-optative Governor
Roles
Teaching and Learning Committee, Careers link
Current Term
01.09.25 – 31.08.28
Register of Interests
N/A
Clerk to Governors
Roles
TBC
Current Term
TBC
Register of Interests
N/A
Health and Safety Governor
Current Term
1st September 2026 to 31st August 2029
Register of Interests
N/A
Parent Testimonials
Eliminating the impossible






