The Role of the Local CAST Board
From 1st April 2014 all the Catholic Schools in the Plymouth Diocese became part of the Catholic Multi Academy Trust, known as ‘Plymouth CAST’.
Who are Governors?
School Governors are people from the school’s local community who wish to make a positive contribution to children’s education. They must be over eighteen years at the date of their appointment, but there is no upper age limit. Each term of office lasts for four years.
Governors are the largest volunteer force in the country!
They have a very important part to play in upholding school standards through three key roles:
1. Setting Strategic Direction
This is over the short, medium and long term. It involves setting aims, objectives, policies and targets for achieving those aims and objectives. There must be clarity of vision, ethos and direction for every school.
2. Ensuring Accountability
Governors contribute to the school self-evaluation, understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school and report to stakeholders (young people, parents and staff). We also communicate with Plymouth CAST as their local representatives who have close knowledge of our school.
3. Monitoring and Evaluating School Performance
Governors measure progress and review School Improvement Plans by holding the Headteacher and Leadership Team to account for improving the quality of teaching, achievement and behaviour and safety. Governors are there to support and challenge the Headteacher and Leadership Team to ensure every child is being offered the very best possible educational experience.
What do Governors do?
Our Local CAST Board meets twice each term. All Governors participate in the meetings, but each Governors also has an additional area or two which they have a special interest in. Governors also come into school regularly to meet with staff, Senior Leaders and pupils and to monitor their special area of interest.

Our Local CAST Board
spiritual, moral and social development.
special needs.
The Headteacher is responsible for the overall management of the school and for day-to-day management. Governors are at the heart of how a school operates and it is vital that we get things right.
Who are our Governors?
Our Local CAST Board is small but mighty! It is currently made up of 4 Foundation Governors who are appointed by the Diocese; 1 parent governor who was elected by the parents of children at the school; 1 Co-opted Governor; 1 Headteacher, 1 Staff Governor and a fantastic Clerk, who keeps us all in order.
The Local CAST Board may be contacted through the Clerk to Governors, Mrs Claire Silverlock, via the school address or email clerk@olcs.uk
Plymouth CAST Information
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School is part of the Plymouth CAST Multi Academy Trust.
CAST Board Structure and Meeting Attendance:
Plymouth CAST Financial Statements and Policies:
Trust Policies and Information
Chair of Governors (Foundation Governor)
Responsibility - Safeguarding, RE& Catholic Life
Attendance 2022/23 : 6/6
Term of office from 4 Apr 2023 to 3 Apr 2027
Registered Interests: Director of Platinum Student Services Ltd since August 2016
I am delighted to be Chair of Governors and represent and support our wonderful school.
Having lived overseas for a number of years, I have a law and finance background. I am open minded and progressive, but I do enjoy and appreciate the many school traditions.
I am a staunch supporter of Holy Cross and will enjoy being able to help shape the way forward for the school.
Vice Chair (Foundation Governor)
Responsibility - SEND & Statutory Grants (Pupil Premium & Sports Premium)
Attendance 2022/23 : 5/6
Term of office from 15 May 2023 to 14 May 2027
Registered Interests: Child at the school.
I'm from Plymouth. I have a background in languages and education and a lot of experience in English as an Additional Language (EAL).
Youngest daughter is at Holy Cross at the moment. I'm very happy to be a governor and look forward to working with the school.
Foundation Governor
Responsibility - Curriculum
Attendance 2022/23: 6/6
Term of office from 10 Mar 2022 to 9 Mar 2026
Registered Interests: University of Plymouth
Robert Brown is Professor of Architecture at the University of Plymouth and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has served on the Royal Institute of British Architects Education Committee and continues as a member of its Validation Panel. He has run and written on collaborative projects between primary schools and university students. His son and daughter attend Holy Cross.
Co-opted Governor
Responsibility - Safeguarding, Admissions
Attendance 2022/23 : 4/6
Term of office from 22 May 2023 to 21 May 2027
Registered Interests: Child at the school.
I am a proud parent to a son currently in Y4 at Holy Cross Primary. I have witnessed him thrive throughout his first years of education and this is due to high standards of teaching and a caring, nurturing environment.
I am a teacher myself and this, I believe, is going to contribute tremendously in my role. As a governor, I am responsible for ensuring that the children are provided a broad and balanced curriculum. I am dedicated to ensuring that the best interests of our children are at the heart of every decision that has to be made and providing support and guidance to help the school maintain its high standards.
I passionately support and believe in the aims and vision of Holy Cross Catholic Primary School.
Staff Governor
Responsibility - Staff Governor
Attendance at Meetings 2022/23: 6/6
Term of office from 26 Oct 2022 to 25 Oct 2026
Registered Interests:
Foundation Governor - Headteacher
Responsibility - Foundation Governor - Headteacher
Attendance 2022/23: 6/6
Registered Interests: None
Having qualified in Dublin, Ireland as a primary school teacher, I took the exciting decision to teach abroad and spent three wonderful years studying and teaching in France and Switzerland. I then moved to London where I started my primary teaching career in a Catholic School in Hillingdon. In 2001 I moved to Plymouth with my young family and have taught in three other Catholic schools before arriving at Holy Cross. During my time in Plymouth, I supported other schools and colleagues first as a Lead Literacy Teacher with the Local Authority and then as a Senior Lead in Education with the Plymouth Teaching School Alliance. After a short period as Acting Headteacher of Keyham Barton Primary School, I became the Headteacher of St Margaret Clitherow in Brixham and successfully led the school out of Special Measures. I am passionate about learning and honoured and excited to be the Headteacher of this wonderful school.
| Date | Time | Venue |
| Wednesday 18th October 2023 | 5.30pm | Holy Cross School |
| Wednesday 13th December 2023 | 5.30pm | Holy Cross School |
| Wednesday 31st January 2024 | 5.30pm | Holy Cross School |
| Wednesday 27th March 2024 | 5.30pm | Holy Cross School |
| Wednesday 15th May 2024 | 5.30pm | Holy Cross School |
| Wednesday 3rd July 2024 | 5.30pm | Holy Cross School |