Governors

St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Ulverston is one of two Catholic primary schools in the Parish of Saints Mary and Margaret; the other school is Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School in Dalton. Each school has its own Local Governing Body, containing three types of governor.  The Foundation Governors are appointed by the Bishop/Diocese of Lancaster, and serve on both Governing Bodies.  The Parent Governors and Staff Governors are specific to each school.

Both schools in our Parish are part of the Mater Christi Multi-Academy Trust [MAT], and each Governing Body is responsible, on behalf of the Trust Board, for: strategic oversight of the school, within the overall strategic context of the MAT; ensuring that the school operates in accordance with policies and procedures set out by the MAT; and carrying out duties that have been delegated by the MAT Board to Local Governing Bodies.

We are all very proud of the two schools in our Parish, both serving their communities as Mary, our patron saint, served the early Christian community around her son Jesus Christ.  Although our two schools have their own unique identity which reflects the needs of the families they serve, they share the same warm heart and care for everyone who is welcomed through their doors.

Local Governing Body.

Members of the Governing Body & terms of office. 

The Governing Body comprises of 11 members - 1 Headteacher, 7 Foundation Governors, 2 Parent Governors and 1 Staff Governor.  

Current members are as follows: - 

Mrs Laura Byrne - Headteacher, St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Ulverston.*

Mrs Adele Field - Assistant Headteacher, St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Ulverston.

 * Headteacher term of office ends when employment ceases.

Foundation Governors. (Appointed by Bishop/ Diocese of Lancaster).

Mr Neil McLaughlin Cook. (Chair of Governors). 09/09/2022 to 08/09/2026.

Mrs Jane Ellingham. (Vice Chair of Governors). 30/06/2023 to 29/06/2027.

Fr. James Burns. 21/10/2022 to 20/10/2026.

Mrs Donna Sewell. 09/09/2022 to 08/09/2026. 

Mrs Sheelagh Armistead. 16/02/2024 to 15/02/2028. 

Vacancy x 1 Foundation Governor.

Other Governors.

Mrs Sinead Dixon. Parent Governor. Elected by parents/ carers. 23/02/2024 to 22/02/2028. 

Mrs Leigh Baumber. Parent Governor. Elected by parents/ carers. 7/11/2025 to 6/11/2029.

Mrs Jelena Parker. Staff Governor. Elected by school staff. 19/11/2025 to 18/11/2029.

School Business Manager. 

Mr Paul Lewis. No voting rights. 

Clerk.

Mrs Rachel Jewell. No voting rights. 

Declaration of Personal and Pecuniary Interests 2025 - 2026.

Mrs Laura Byrne. None.

Mrs Adele Field. None.

Fr. James Burns. None. 

Mr Neil McLaughlin Cook. None.

Mrs Donna Sewell. None. 

Mrs  Jane Ellingham. Works for local educational publishing company./ Family member works as supply teacher in local area.  

Mrs Sheelagh Armistead. None.

Mrs Sinead Dixon. None. 

Mrs Leigh Baumber. None.

Mrs Jelena Parker. None.

Mr Paul Lewis. (School Business Manager). Family member employed by Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Barrow.

Mrs Rachel Jewell (Clerk). None. 

Resignations.

Mrs M Page. Term of office 24/02/2023 to 23/02/2027. Resigned 31/08/2025. Declaration of personal and pecuniary interests - Chair of Governors for Federation and St. Cuthbert's.