Introduction from our Chair of Governors
It is a real privilege to take on the role of Chair of Governors at The Farnley Academy. Having worked within The GORSE Academies Trust for over a decade, I have had the privilege of working across a number of high-performing secondary academies and I currently serve as Vice Principal at The Ruth Gorse Academy. The Farnley Academy is defined by its energy, ambition and commitment to ensuring that every young person is given the chance to succeed. Staff work tirelessly to provide the very best education, helping students to achieve academically while also developing confidence, character and resilience.
As governors, we strive to make sure the academy not only delivers excellence in education but also serves the community with pride. A key part of our role is to ensure that all students are supported to reach their full potential, with a strong focus on removing barriers so that every young person can flourish. We firmly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter their starting point.
Our Governing Body is made up of a wide range of professionals who bring a complementary blend of skills and experience. This diversity allows us to provide the right balance of support and challenge, ensuring that the Academy continues to maintain the highest standards and strives for further excellence.
I would encourage anyone considering joining our school community to come and see the Academy in action. Walking through the corridors and classrooms, you quickly see the enthusiasm of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the wide range of opportunities on offer.
The Farnley Academy is a place where young people are inspired and supported to be the very best they can be, and I am proud to play a part in helping the school go from strength to strength.
Jack Smith
Chair of Governors
If you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, please contact [email protected]
Please mark your email ‘FAO Chair of Governors’.
Please find the link to the Complaints Policy here
About our Local Governing Body
Together with the Principal, the Local Governing Body is responsible for the internal operation, management and control of The Farnley Academy to ensure that it is highly effective in delivering the best outcomes for young people.
Under the excellent leadership of Chair of Governors, Andy James, the Local Governing Body makes decisions about:
Priorities for academy improvement;
- The Academy’s budget;
- Teaching and learning strategies;
- Policy-making;
- The appointment of senior staff;
- Student behaviour and attendance;
- The Academy’s aims, ethos and vision.
Members of the Local Governing Body bring skills from a wide range of professions and experiences. This experience is crucial to effective decision-making in the Academy.
Our Governors
| Name | Category | Date of Appointment | End of Term of Office | Area of responsibility | Voting Rights | Business Interests | Other establishments they govern | Any relations within the academy | 2023/24 Attendance | 2024/25 Attendance | 2025/26 Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karen Lawson | GORSE Appointed | 06/07/2026 | 05/07/2030 | Safeguarding | Yes | None | Chair of The Morley Academy LGB | Faye Hinchliffe – Step Daughter – Teaching Assistant The Farnley Academy – September 2018 | 3/3 | 2/3 | 3/3 |
| Rebecca Gurney | Community | 25/02/2026 | 24/02/2030 | Health & Safety | Yes | None | None | None | – | 2/3 | 3/3 |
| Wayne Little | Principal | N/A | N/A | Yes | None | None | None | – | 3/3 | 3/3 | |
| Sharon Knott (Vice Chair) |
Parent | 07/02/2024 | 06/02/2028 | Policy Committee SEND PPMs |
Yes | None | Cobden Primary School, Community Governor since 20 March 2023 until 20 March 2027 | My Husband Thomas Knott is a casual invigilator at LMaS 24 February 2025 Husband Thomas Knott is employed by GORSE as a Governance Support Assistant |
2/2 | 2/3 | 2/3 |
| Nikki Hawcroft | Parent | 01/07/2025 | 30/06/2029 | CEIAG Attendance |
Yes | None | None | None | – | 1/1 | 2/3 |
| Jack Smith (Chair) |
GORSE Appointed | 01/09/2025 | 31/08/2029 | Finance PPMs |
Yes | None | None | None | – | – | 3/3 |
| Lisa Whittaker | Staff | 25/02/2026 | 24/02/2030 | Yes | None | None | My husband Neil Whittaker works at The Farnley Academy as Assistant Site Manager. 7th Jun 2025 | – | – | 2/2 | |
| Shahadat Shahadat | Community | 06/07/2026 | 05/07/2030 | Yes | None | None | None | – | – | 0/1 |
The following Governors have left the Governing Body in the last twelve months
| Name | Date Left | Governed At |
|---|---|---|
| Emma Cawthray | May 2026 | TFA |
Become a Governor
Becoming a governor is one of the most important ways to help your local academy.
Being an academy governor can be very rewarding and a good way of helping your local community, as well as having a positive influence on the quality of children’s education. The Farnley Academy’s Local Governing Body welcomes people from all walks of life as each person brings their unique experience and talents to the work of running an academy.
Company Documentation
All company documentation relating to The GORSE Academies Trust, including the scheme of delegation, can be found on our trust website at www.tgat.org.uk/company-documentation.
