PRIMARY pupils are celebrating the appointment of one of their school governors as a national leader in education.
Jackie Murray, a governor Benedict Biscop Church of England Academy, Sunderland, has been selected as a National Leader of Governance (NLG) by the National College for Teaching and Leadership.
The role is part of the Government’s plan to use the skills of highly effective school governors to support and improve the performance of other schools and academies.
Retired NHS public health specialist Jackie, of Durham, has been dedicated to supporting and improving schools within the Durham Diocese for over 15 years.
“When I took early retirement my vicar suggested that I might like to help out as a governor at a local school,” said Jackie.
“My husband was still working so I wanted something to fill my days and I found that volunteering as a governor offered me a fulfilling challenge.
“Within 18 months I had become chair of governors and was approached to become a member of the Board of Education for the Durham Diocese, of which I am vice chair.”
Jackie was then asked to offer her support and expertise in leadership and management to a school in South Tyneside, which had been put into special measures, the result of which saw her awarded regional governor of the year at the National Teaching Awards in 2007.
Currently working with four school governing bodies, as chair, vice chair and a governor, Jackie is also a member of the Prince Bishop Teaching School Alliance Strategic Board.
The Alliance, a partnership between Benedict Biscop C of E Academy, Whitburn Academy and three strategic partner schools, works together across the Durham Diocese allowing outstanding schools to share knowledge and expertise to raise standards through school-to-school support.
“I was fortunate enough to go to a wonderful C of E school which gave me the building blocks to succeed in life,” said Jackie.
“Now I am in a position to be able to help other schools by sharing my knowledge of support, leadership and management so that they can give their children the same life values to move on from school as aspiring, confident young people.”
Paula Thompson, principal of Benedict Biscop CE Academy, one of the lead schools in the Prince Bishop Teaching School Alliance, nominated Jackie for the role of NLG.
“We are absolutely delighted that Jackie's dedication and commitment to the education of so many children across the North of England has been recognised at a national level.
“Jackie’s focus on school strategic development and developing a sustainable model of governance has influenced the improvement of several schools which has been recognised through the achievement of awards and by Ofsted.
“We are very proud of her achievements and wish her every success as she continues to secure excellent outcomes for all of our children in church schools across the northern region.”
