St Nicholas Catholic Primary School

The St Nicholas Local Governing Board currently comprises of 7 members - 5 Foundation Governors, 1 Parent Governor and 1 Staff Governor.

The Local Governing Board meets once per term and convenes working groups to look at items such as Standards, Admissions, Curriculum and the Catholic Life of the School.

We are supported as a Local Governing Board by our MAT Central Team at Plymouth CAST who provide advice and support for Governors as well as additional training and updates on legislation, Ofsted and other education areas.

The aim of the Local Governing Board of St Nicholas is to support the Senior Leadership Team in the strategic direction of the school and meet regularly with Teachers and Support Staff to offer support and guidance. Governors interact with Students and Staff to obtain a clear picture of the workings within school and help to ensure the progression of the school in accordance with the Mission Statement.

Governor's Strategic Vision

To be recognised as the School of Choice for children, parents and staff by:

providing outstanding learning for all children
celebrating the Catholic ethos of the School
providing innovative and diverse learning opportunities
enabling staff to help children reach their full potential

The Clerk to the Governors is Mrs Brocksom, who can be contacted by emailing clerk@stncs.uk.

If you are interested in becoming a governor and wish to find out more about the role and requirements please contact Mrs Brocksom.

Our Local Governing Board

Mr J Cookson

Chair of Governors / Plymouth CAST Foundation Governor / Curriculum and Standards Lead

Cllr Cookson is the Chair of the local CAST Board and has served as a Foundation Governor since 2019. A registered pharmacist by profession, he currently works at Torbay Hospital as a Capital Project Manager. In 2025, he was elected as a City Councillor for Exeter, a role that enables him to support families and advocate for the needs of the local community. He is a member of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, where both of his children were baptised. His eldest daughter attends the school, and together they enjoy taking part in GIFT sessions. Governor since 22/03/2019. This term of office ends on 30/06/2027

Mrs F Dennehy

Plymouth CAST Foundation Governor / Safeguarding Governor

I’m a foundation governor and have a son at the school currently in year 2. I’m a named governor for safeguarding and the Catholic life of the school. I am currently studying for a Diploma in Counselling having spent over a decade working in the NHS in the Fertility Clinic in Exeter. Governor since 06/12/2016. Current term of office expires 12/03/2029

Dr F Phillips

Plymouth CAST Foundation Governor / Catholic Life Co-Lead & Inclusion Lead

Dr Frankie Phillips has been a Foundation Governor since Summer 2013 and was vice-chair of Governors between 2016 - 2018. Frankie has four children and two are current pupils at St Nicholas school. Frankie is lead governor for the Catholic Life of the School and is actively involved in the' Drop in , Drop off' group welcoming parents and carers on Friday mornings. Frankie is a self-employed HCPC registered dietitian with expertise in child and public health nutrition and often comments on print and broadcast media stories related to nutrition. Governor since 22/05/2013. Expiry of 4 year term of office on 21/05/25.

Mrs A Hall

Vice Chair of Governors / Foundation Governor and Inclusion Lead

I spent the whole of my working life in education, mainly in Catholic primary schools where I held various roles, including that of headteacher. I have also previously served on the governing body of two schools and worked as an education welfare officer. Now retired, I enjoy having more time to spend with my 7 grandchildren and great grandson. One of my grandsons attends our school and another has recently left. I am one of 2 lead governors for Inclusion. Governor since 22/09/2023. This term of office ends on 22/09/2027.

Mr GJ Melendez-Torres

Foundation Governor

Professor G.J. Melendez-Torres is Professor of Clinical and Social Epidemiology at the University of Exeter, where he also directs the School for Public Health Environments Research at Exeter (SPHERE). A registered nurse by education and vocation, his research and teaching primarily focus on child and adolescent health and on the prevention of domestic violence. He is a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish. Govermor since 21/09/23. 4 year term of office ends on 21/09/27.

Dr J Pope

Parent Governor and Curriculum and Standards Lead

James is a parent governor beginning in the role in September 2023. James works as a senior climate scientist at the Met Office working with the UK Climate Projections. Away from work, James plays squash and has coached squash for over 20 years to children from age 5 to 18. He also plays a multi-racket sport, Racketlon and helps organise the sport in the UK and as a member of its World Governing Council. He has one child currently in the school and expects a second to start there in the near future. Governor since 07/09/2023. This term of office ends on 07/09/2027