The school is part of the Diocese of Coventry Multi Academy Trust and the Academy Governance Committee (AGC) is part of the governance structure of the Trust which is responsible for overseeing strategic decisions of the school. The governance structure for the trust as a whole is outlined in the governance structure documents here. As an Academy Governance Committee we work in close partnership with the Headteacher and senior leadership team to ensure the best quality education is provided to every child. It is our responsibility to support, challenge, ask questions and ultimately represent the school community. The Academy Governance Committee acts as a ‘critical friend’ to the senior leadership team, questioning and challenging decisions in a constructive and professional way.

Academy Governance Committees have key roles in relation to: providing support, monitoring and challenge around educational experience and performance; church, community and stakeholder engagement and supporting alignment with Trust strategy, approach, ethos and values. The AGC Members meet regularly, visit the school when possible and during special events.  As a team, we are able to support the school to function well and strive to provide a high standard of education.

As a Church of England Academy (part of the Diocese of Coventry Multi-Academy Trust) all the AGC Members support the school in being a place of inclusive welcome and education for everyone.

Meet the Governors

Rev Chris Routledge- Foundation Governor

I’m Rev Chris Routledge and I have been the Vicar at St Nicolas Church since 2022 and became a foundation governor at St Nicolas Academy as part of this role. Prior to moving to Nuneaton, I was a vicar in Plymouth for 10 years and was a governor at 3 schools there. Before I was ordained, I was a primary school teacher and local church youth worker for 4 years. I have always found it a privilege to work in and with schools whether as a youth worker, vicar, teacher or governor to serve the children and families of the local community with one of the greatest gifts: education. 

Dawn Beasley - Foundation Governor

Chair of the AGC

Helen Allred- Foundation Governor

I have been a Governor at St Nicolas since 2000. I was originally a Parent Governor- both my sons attended St Nicolas and, as they had such an excellent start to their education and life at St Nicolas, I was keen to give something back to the school as a Governor. I am now a Foundation (Church) Governor. Also, as Reader (Licensed Lay Minister) in Coventry Diocese, I am keen to help uphold the Christian Distinctiveness of the school. My background is Teaching and Careers work. I help in school every Friday afternoon, mainly hearing Year 6 read. 

Nicola Hoare- Foundation Governor

I have been a Governor at St Nicolas for nearly 8 years, initially in the capacity as Community Governor but now as a Foundation Governor.  Both my children have attended St Nicolas, my daughter leaving in 2024 and my son currently in year 5. I  work for a private University that delivers tuition courses for Professional Qualifications and my role includes delivering Accountancy tuition, resource scheduling and management of the Birmingham Campus. I bring a mixture of skills to the Governor Committee such as financial analysis, knowledge of adult education and people management.

I am proud to be a Governor at St Nicolas , I want the best for all of the children, and feel I can bring a parent's perspective to the meetings as well as a business financial view. I regularly go into school as well as dropping off and collecting my son each day.

Ekta Porter- Parent Governor

I am a practising solicitor and parent of three children at St Nicolas, and I’m proud to serve as a Parent Governor. I bring a strong understanding of legal and regulatory matters, along with a practical, problem-solving approach. My professional background helps me support the governing body in ensuring good governance, safeguarding, and strategic planning. I’m passionate about contributing to a positive, inclusive school environment where every child can thrive.

Sapna Dave- Parent Governor

I have been serving as a Parent Governor at St Nicolas CofE Academy since 2023. It is a great honour to bring a parental perspective to the strategic discussions and decision-making that underpin our school's direction and development. With a professional background as a Science Teacher, and leadership experience in both pastoral care and teaching and learning, I am deeply committed to fostering students' emotional, mental, and social wellbeing within a learning environment where high-quality teaching drives positive educational outcomes.

My current role as a qualified Coach in the higher education sector allows me to continue this commitment, channelling my passion for education and its power to shape individuals and society. I am proud to contribute to a school community that values both academic achievement and the holistic development of every child.

Dr Chris Jordan- Associate Governor

I was delighted become an associate governor in the spring of 2025. St. Nicolas Academy has been a big part of our family life since 2013 when our eldest child began her education there, and our youngest is currently ending his Reception year.

I have worked in the education sector for twenty years, currently as an educational psychologist and previously as a secondary school teacher. I hope to bring relevant perspectives to the associate governor role having worked in a diverse range of schools to support young people, staff, and  parents. I am passionate about supporting positive change in education and would like to help St Nicolas Academy move forward by supporting wherever I can and in whatever capacity is most helpful.

Away from my job the day-to-day experiences of a being parent of school-aged children, and all the wonderful surprises this brings, have hopefully further equipped me to make useful contributions to the governing body.