Our Academy Governance Committee (AGC)

Welcome to the Governor section of Dunchurch Boughton Junior Academy. The role of the AGC is to work with the multi-academy trust and the school staff to ensure that every child in the school achieves their full potential.

The AGC has 3 main roles:

1. To provide a strategic direction for the work and improvement of the school

2. To support, monitor and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the school

3. To ensure accountability for the standards achieved and the quality of education

We have an excellent and committed group of governors from a range of backgrounds, each of us offering a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Mrs Darragh and the Senior Leadership Team manage the school on a day-to-day basis and the AGC meet regularly, as necessary, to look at specific projects, developments and to monitor the work of the school.

We support and challenge the staff to make sure that all the children are making good progress, that everyone is safe in school and that all legal requirements are adhered to.

We celebrate the achievements of children and staff, and do our best to make sure that the school nurtures lifelong learners.

We are always happy to hear from parents and other members of the local community – both in terms of what we are doing well, and also about things we could do better. Please contact us via the School Office (office.juniors@dunchurch.covmat.org) 

Mike Nokes Chair of AGC 

Please address any correspondence to the school, FAO M Nokes

Our Academy Governance Committee

Mike Nokes 

Chair and Foundation AGC Member

Mike is a retired Chartered Accountant and has lived in Dunchurch since 1986. Mike’s two daughters attended the two Dunchurch Schools and he now has Granddaughter in Year 3 in the Junior Academy and a younger granddaughter in the Nursey. Mike was previously a Governor of the then Dunchurch First School many years ago.

Emma Darragh - Ex-Officio Staff AGC Member, Headteacher, Juniors

Ian Sweeney - Ex -Officio AGC Member

I'm privileged to be the vicar of St Peter's, Dunchurch, and St Edmund's, Thurlaston. I love Jesus, my family, a good walk, and Coventry City! It's a joy to serve two fantastic schools.

 

 

 

Sue Keffler  - Foundation AGC Member

Having worked as a biochemist for many years, I trained as a teacher and after being in two other schools, joined Dunchurch in 2017 teaching in years 3, 4 and 5. I became the Federation staff governor in 2018 and have enjoyed being part of the governing body, which has given me a wider insight into how both schools operate and all the work involved behind the scenes in making them such special places for children to learn and grow in, such as finance and safeguarding. Following my retirement, I am now a Foundation Governor. 

Kerry Hudson - Foundation AGC Member

Lauren Binczik - Staff AGC Member

I am the Nursery Manager at Dunchurch Boughton CofE Infant Academy and Nursery and also serve as a Staff Governor for both the Infant and Junior Schools. I have over 15 years of experience in Early Years education, having worked across both private and state nursery settings. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong passion for ensuring that every child receives the very best start in life. I am committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where all children have access to high-quality learning experiences that support their development, curiosity, and love of learning. In my role as a governor, I value the opportunity to contribute to the wider school community and to support positive outcomes for all pupils.

Selina Robinson - Parent AGC Member

I’m honoured to serve as a parent governor and to support the school in helping every child thrive. In my professional role, I work at a senior level in the NHS, leading national programmes focused on staff experience, inclusion and improvement. As a governor, I bring strategic insight, a strong commitment to equality and opportunity, and a genuine passion for supporting children, families and the wider school community.

Sarah Armstrong - Parent AGC Member.

Sarah has a professional background in international higher education, with experience in strategic planning, stakeholder relationships, business development and working with people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. She has more recently completed an MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health at King’s College London, alongside training in autism and mental health advocacy. She now uses these combined skills to develop creative, neuroscience-informed workshops to support wellbeing, reflection, communication and emotional expression.

Sarah brings a calm, thoughtful and practical approach, with a particular interest in young people’s mental health, emotional wellbeing, creativity and SEND. As a parent and school community member, she is keen to support the school in creating an inclusive environment where children feel understood, supported and able to thrive

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Emily Wheller - Associate AGC Member

I’m honoured to serve as a governor and to support the school community in helping every child thrive. My professional role as a local Secondary School Principal, means I have a wealth of experience in education with specialist knowledge in SEND, safeguarding, behaviour, and teaching and learning. As a governor, I combine this strategic educational insight with a passionate belief in developing the whole child and cultivating a love for learning. I am dedicated to providing support to the wider school community to ensure every child, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to achieve success . 

Minutes of Governors meetings are available on request from info@covmat.org