Oakwell Rise Primary Academy is part of the Barnsley Primary Partnership, which came into being in the autumn of 2016. It brings together the three primary schools: The Forest Academy, Oakhill Primary Academy and Oakwell Rise Primary Academy, which are all members of the Wellspring Academy Trust.
The Trust has put in place a single governing body for the Partnership, replacing the three former governing bodies. Our role has three key parts:
- in consultation with the Trust, we decide the vision, ethos and strategic direction of each of the three schools;
- we hold the Executive Principal and her senior staff to account for the educational performance of the schools and their pupils;
- we oversee the financial performance of each of the three schools and make sure that money is well spent.
Details of our current governors are set out below. They have a wide range of backgrounds, skills and experience which they bring to this important role, and meet at least every half term to look at all aspects of the life and work of the schools. Many of the Governors are linked with specific aspects of the life of the schools and make regular reports to the governing body.
All our work as governors has one simple aim: to make sure that our schools provide the highest standard of education and care for all our pupils, so that they have the best possible life chances.
Meet the Team
Revd Mick Neal
Trust Appointed and Chair
Revd Michael A Neal (Mick) – Mick is a retired Methodist Minister and has been a school governor for 35years and has served on a number of governing bodies in Lancashire and Yorkshire. “Being able to engage with school leadership and development and see how pupils can thrive in a positive learning environment is the main reason that I am committed to this work”. Mick has chaired a number of governing bodies through the challenges of amalgamation, schools that are in deprived communities and some of which have achieved “Outstanding” from OFSTED.
Mrs Jessica Jenkins
Our Executive Principal of Oakwell Rise Primary Academy and Victoria Primary Academy, has served on the governing body since her employment as Principal (and previously Head of School).
Mrs Claire Faxon and Mrs Katie Pierce
Our collective Principals have served on the governing body since their employment as Principals (and previously Heads of Schools) of their respective sites. They represent: Oakwell Rise Primary Academy, Oakhill Primary Academy and The Forest Primary Academy.
Craig Aubrey
Parent Governor and Vice Chair
Craig is one of the Parent Governors for Barnsley Primary Partnership and his two daughters attend The Forest Academy. He was born and raised in Barnsley and works for Barnsley Council as the Community Development Officer for the Central Area Team, where he leads on projects and initiatives that build stronger, safer and healthier communities. Craig’s link responsibility on the Governing Body is Community and Stakeholder Engagement.
Ella Copping
Staff Governor
Ella has over 8 years of experience working within the education sector, and is a teacher at The Forest Academy. She was born and raised in the local area of Barnsley and has good understanding of the area. Ella loves to spend her time outdoors and enjoys sharing her passion for the Arts in her teaching.
Ken Mosley
Trust Appointed
Ken is a retired Chartered Health & Safety Practitioner, having worked 40 years in the construction industry in UK and China in various engineering and management roles and has several years experience in corporate governance. Post retirement Ken worked for Barnsley Football Club in an advisory capacity on management procedures. Ken’s link responsibility on the Governing Body is Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Attendance.
Natalie Hardman
Ex-Officio Governor, Trust Representative
Natalie has eight years experience in the MAT sector with a further six years experience within education management. She was one of the founding officers at Wellspring and led the development of the infrastructure,systems and processes throughout the growth of the Trust.
She is a member of the Executive Team responsible for the business support function encompassing leadership of; Governance, Marketing & Communications, Data & Information and Academy Conversions. Natalie has extensive experience as a values-driven leader who champions an inclusive community culture.
Michala Wild
Trust Appointed
Michala is from Barnsley and has a background in sports development, community fundraising and currently works for a national charity that supports looked after children. Previously Michala worked for a charity that supported a number of Wellspring schools across Barnsley and Leeds with their breakfast clubs.
Jane Kirkham
Parent Governor
Jane is one of the parent governors for Barnsley Primary Partnership. Jane lives and works locally. She is part of a team of ladies who help support parents/caregivers of Oakhill school and the local community at the ‘wellbeing hub’. Jane’s link responsibility on the governing is community.
Mrs Laura Barraclough
School Governor
Laura is a LKS2 teacher based at Oakwell Rise primary school in Barnsley with previous experience in both KS1/LKS2. For the last 5 years Laura has led the Art curriculum for the school and more recently, the BLPP in designing an engaging and creative curriculum for all learners .This is complimented by her being the network lead for Art for Wellspring.
Mr Dayo Oladiti
Trust Appointed Governor
Dayo works within Professional Services in a Higher Education Institution. His experience spans across journalism, marketing, public relations, process improvement, strategy, planning, and stakeholder management. He was recently a Governor on Sheffield Hallam University’s BoG, and a Trustee of Hallam Student Union.
Rebecca Barham
Trust Appointed Governor
Rebecca brings a wealth of educational experience to her role as governor. As a Positive Regard Consultant since 2024, she supports schools in developing strong relational practices, drawing on her expertise in Autism and complex needs. Holding a PGCE in primary education, Rebecca possesses a deep understanding of the educational landscape. Her commitment to effective governance is demonstrated by her previous five-year tenure on a local governing body for a 3-19 special school. Her passion lies in fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments for all children
Eileen Sanderson
Trust Appointed Governor
She is a retired Methodist Minister who has wide experience in education as a Primary School Teacher, Adult Educator, and in Youth Work management and training. She has been involved in school governance in both Primary and Secondary spheres for many years, and, more recently, in Special Education. She is passionate about social justice and the need to address the glaring inequalities, including those in education, across our country and our world.
Other recent governors have included: Helen Handley, Lindsey Groom, Mitch Stringer, Richard Whitfield and Sam Bailey.
If you are looking for information regarding joining the Governing Body or for Local Governing Body minutes, please contact the Clerk to the Governing Body:
Megan Cotney – m.cotney@wellspringacademies.org.uk
Please address all correspondence to the Chair of Governors:
Revd Mick Neal
Wellspring Academy Trust
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County Way, Barnsley
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