School governors work with the Headteacher to make sure the school provides a high-quality education and runs effectively. They focus on strategic leadership rather than day-to-day management. Their key responsibilities include:

• Setting the school’s vision, aims and policies

• Holding school leaders to account for pupils’ progress and staff performance

• Deciding how the school’s budget is spent and ensuring money is used wisely

• Appointing and dismissing staff, and hearing appeals or grievances

• Forming policies on the curriculum and collective worship

• Setting standards for behaviour and discipline

• Ensuring buildings and resources are safe, welcoming and fit for purpose

• Admissions and appeal processes 

The governing board meets 5 times per year.

Clare Smith (Headteacher) -

Having taught in secondary schools for over twenty years I did not expect to find myself as the headteacher of a primary school. Having made the move from BGN School in January 2014, I consider being the Headteacher of St Joseph's Catholic Primary School a huge privilege.

I am also a mother to two teenagers.

Brian Blanchfield - Having worked in the automotive industry for 34 years and shorter engagements in the Civil Service and other organisations I am now retired.  I have lived in Banbury since 1992 and my three children were all educated in local Catholic schools.  I am honoured and privileged to serve as the Chair of Governor at St. Joseph’s. 

Ann-Marie Wortley - I studied Archaeology at university and after graduating, worked in a series of jobs from community development projects in Peru, as a logistics officer for an international development agency, to a finance officer for a lettings company.  I finally got into teaching, completing my PGCE in 2008.  I have been a teacher for 14 years, working in schools in Oxford for 9 years, teaching in both KS1 and 2, leading subjects and working as an Assistant head for 3 years, before coming to St Joseph's as a Year 4 teacher.   I am now Deputy Head and incredibly proud to serve our wonderful school community. 

The following governors have left in the previous 12 months.

John Mayombo, Parent Governor 1.10.24-27.9.25

Rachel Nutt, Foundation Governor 21.9.21-23.9.25

Fr Sean Gough, Foundation Governor 5.2.24-4.4.25

Every situation is unique, so please don’t hesitate to speak directly with Mrs Smith 

You can find out more information about the role at Click here to discover more

Please contact the school - click here

Should you wish to contact the School Governors, you can email Chair of Governors in the first instance.

Our school is part of The Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Company (PFMAC), the family of Catholic schools in Oxfordshire, who work together to promote the teaching of Christ and the Catholic faith.  

We believe each person is uniquely created by God with gifts to share, and we work to nurture these talents as a beacon of Catholic education in Oxfordshire.

The Local Governing Body is entrusted, by the Board of Directors, with delegated authority within our school. Please see below for the current Scheme of Delegation.

The Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Company is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity registered in England and Wales with company number 9113542 and registered address Addison Road, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 9DG.

Our school is part of The Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Company (PFMAC), the family of Catholic schools in Oxfordshire, who work together to promote the teaching of Christ and the Catholic faith.  

If you wish to know more about PFMAC Governance, including Members and Directors and their pecuniary interests please see link below.