School Governing Body

Governor Information

Welcome to the Governor Information page for The Oaks Secondary School. Our newly formed governing board plays a vital role in supporting the leadership team and ensuring the best outcomes for all of our students.

Governing Body Structure and Remit

Our governing body is responsible for:

  • Setting the strategic direction of the school
  • Overseeing financial performance
  • Holding school leaders to account

We currently have the following committees:

  • Curriculum & Standards Committee
  • Finance, Premises & Staffing Committee
  • Full Governing Body
  • Appeals Committee
  • First/Pay Review Committee
  • Headteachers Performance Committee

Each committee has a clear remit and terms of reference

Meet Our Governors

NameRoleDate of AppointmentTerm of OfficeCommittee MembershipResponsibilities
Martyn TweddleHeadteacher1st September 20254 YearsAppeals, Curriculum & Standards, Finance, Premises and Staffing, First/Pay Review      
Joan Nicholson  Chair of Governors   Co-opted Governor1st September 20254 YearsFinance, Premises and Staffing, First/Pay Review, Headteachers Performance 
Leslie Keen   Vice Chair     Co-opted Governor1st September 20254 YearsAppeals, Curriculum & Standards, Headteachers Performance Maths, SEND  
Kathleen Syvia Bain  Parent Governor  17th September 20254 YearsAppeals, Curriculum & Standards, Headteachers PerformanceCiC / PCiC, SMSC / PSHCE, SMSC RE  
Mary Ann Heads  Co-opted Governor  26th November 20244 YearsAppeals, Finance, Premises and Staffing      Safeguarding, Pupil & Staff Wellbeing
Amanda Lindsay Inman   Parent Governor  1st September 20254 YearsAppeals, Curriculum & Standards,Preparation for Adulthood  
Gary McCallum  Co-opted Governor  29th September 20254 YearsFinance, Premises and Staffing, First/Pay ReviewWebsite Compliance, Online Safety
Elizabeth Parker-Berry   Co-opted Governor  1st September 20254 YearsCurriculum & Standards, First/Pay ReviewEnglish, Science, Overview of Curriculum
Victoria Pitchford  Staff Governor  1st September 20254 YearsCurriculum & Standards   Governor Training & Development
Gemma Katherine SpenceCo-opted Governor  3rd September 20254 YearsFinance, Premises and Staffing CEIAG, Equalities
Valerie Dowson  Parent Governor  1st September 20254 YearsFinance, Premises and Staffing, First/Pay Review    Health & Safety, Post 16  

More profiles coming soon as our board continues to grow.

Business and Financial Interests

All governors are required to declare any relevant business or financial interests. This includes:

  • Governance roles in other schools
  • Relationships with school staff
  • Any other material interests

A full register of interests is available

Contacting the Governing Body

If you would like to contact the governing body, please email the school office at theoaks@durhamlearning.net and your message will be passed on to the Chair of Governors.

About Us

The Oaks Secondary School,
Rock Road, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 7DB

Tel: 01388 827380

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