Francis Atkin

Acting Chair of the Academy Council

Appointed by Leeds Diocese

05/09/2023 - 05/09/2027

I have been involved in Catholic education for over 13 years as a secondary school teacher. My current role as lay chaplain in a Catholic secondary school allows me to support the ethos and spiritual life of the school community. As a parent of children at Sacred Heart, I am committed to ensuring all children feel valued as a member of our school community and are able to achieve their potential.

Register of interests: none

Richard Bott

Parent Governor

Elected by parents

29/04/2021 - 29/04/2029

My background is corporate banking ICT infrastructure. I am lead delivery consultant and subject matter expert for one of the UK's largest banks, consolidating their estate across the UK and Europe. I have two children at Sacred Heart. My goal is to use my skills to help the school be the best it can be in offering an outstanding education in all areas. I am the safeguarding lead governor.

Register of interests: none

Nathalie Bethesda

Foundation Governor

Appointed by Leeds Diocese

01/09/2025 - 01/09/2029

I have a wealth of experience in education, having taught and led in various capacities in high school settings in Leeds and Sheffield. I gained a Masters’ Degree in Education (Steiner Philosophy) and was an Academic Tutor on SENDCO Diploma (Masters’ Accreditation) as well as a cover lecturer on courses including undergraduate Child Development and third year undergraduate electives for Men and Early Childhood and Autism at Leeds Beckett University. I hope to be able to contribute to the continued flourishing of Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School.

Register of interests: none

Fr. Christopher Butler

Foundation Governor

Appointed by Leeds Diocese

01/09/2024 - 31/08/2028

Father Christopher Butler is the parish priest of St Jeanne Jugan with its two churches, Our Lady of Lourdes and St Urban’s. Prior to this Father Chris was an assistant priest in Wakefield. Before training for the priesthood in Rome Fr Chris worked in the NHS for many years.

Register of interests: none

Tom Clements

Foundation Governor

Appointed by Leeds Diocese

19/09/2023 - 19/09/2027

I am the assistant headteacher in a secondary school, leading on key stage 3 and personal development. I hope to share my expertise from a secondary setting to support and challenge the school leadership. I had an excellent education within the diocese and I want to support Sacred Heart in giving its children the best possible start in life.

Register of interests: none

Ben Macfarlane

Staff Governor

Elected by staff

06/09/2023 - 06/09/2027

I graduated as a teacher in 2022, after previously working in schools across York and Leeds. Since a young age, teaching has been my vocation and the Sacred Heart community has been brilliant in helping me settle into my first position. I aim to bring a staff perspective to the discussion as staff governor, with the children's needs at the forefront of every decision made. I have such a passion for Sacred Heart and believe we always strive for excellence across all areas of education and wellbeing.

Register of interests: none

Andrea Miscia

Foundation Governor

Appointed by Leeds Diocese

01/09/2025 - 01/09/2029

I graduated in 2002 from Nottingham Trent University and received an MBA in 2017 from the University of Bradford. I speak four languages (English, French, Italian, Portuguese) fluently, and work within the energy and mining industry. I would like to bring my experience to stimulate children's minds by linking academia with industry.

Register of interests: none

Megan Nichol

Headteacher

Ex-officio by virtue of office

I was honoured to be appointed as the headteacher at Sacred Heart in 2024. I have been a teacher all my working life, having previously worked at Holy Rosary and St Anne's Catholic Primary School in Chapeltown, Leeds, another of our Trust schools.

Register of interests: none

Anna Sampson

Parent Governor

Elected by parents

30/03/2025 - 30/03/2029

It is a privilege to have been elected as one of the parent governors.  I am a Principal Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead in the NHS, and lecturer at the University of Leeds. I previously trained as an Educational Psychologist and have a deep concern for the welfare of young people including their academic, social and emotional needs. I hope to draw on my professional skills, combined with my passion for making a difference to the lives of children to help our school to continue to offer an outstanding education. I have a special interest in Special Education Needs.

Register of interests: none

Clerk to Governors
Leeds City Council Governor Service