Key Information
Governance
Our Governance Structure
Within Yorkshire Trust, each school has a Local Governing Committee (LGC) that supports the work of the school and the Trust. The LGC has certain delegated authority to oversee the running of the school under the Scheme of Delegation as defined by our Board of Trustees.
Further information about our governance structure, including details of our Trustees and Members, is available via the Yorkshire Learning Trust (YLT) website
Diversity statement
At YLT we believe that diversity and inclusion are integral to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
We actively seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We celebrate the unique contributions of each team member and are dedicated to fostering a culture of equality, where differences are not only embraced but are seen as a source of strength.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our policies, practices, and the way we do business. We strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are fair, unbiased, and inclusive, and we are continuously working to improve them.
We understand that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we are dedicated to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve.
Yorkshire Learning Trust – additional governance and financial information
Details of our Trustees and Members are on the YLT website.
There are statutory obligations for Trusts to publish additional governance and financial information online. This includes our Articles of Association; Annual Reports and Accounts; funding agreements Executive Pay reports; and Gender Pay Gap reports. This information is published on our Trust website.
Our Local Governing Committee
Our Local Governing Committee (sometimes called our Local Governing Board or Local Governing Body) is responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a high-quality education and safe environment for all our children. Together with the Headteacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management of the school, the Governors set the school’s aims and some school specific policies.
Governors are people who volunteer their time to work together as part of the LGC team and who wish to make a positive contribution to their communities. Governors do not need an education background; they have an interest in the role of schools in society and have enquiring minds which contribute to the effective running of the school and the educational achievements and wellbeing of its pupils.
Main aims of our Governing Board
The purpose of governance is to provide:
- Strategic leadership
- Accountability and assurance
- Strategic engagement.
LGCs carry out a number of important duties alongside the Trust, which include:
- Ensuring our children are safe.
- Working with school staff to ensure inclusion and equality for all.
- Reviewing policy on the school’s curriculum and collective worship.
- Setting standards for pupils’ behaviour.
- Making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe.
- Setting and monitoring the school’s aims and policies.
- Agreeing the school’s development plan and monitoring progress against clear objectives.
- Determining how the school’s budget is spent.
- Understanding the views of our stakeholders, including children, parents and staff.
- Hearing appeals and grievances.
Our meetings and membership
Our LGC usually meets six times a year. Minutes of the LGC meetings are available on request from the School Office or via clerktogovs@ylt.org.uk.
Attendance at LGC meetings is recorded and published annually on the YLT website
Governors are expected to declare any relevant business and financial interests they may have. This Register of Business Interests is available via the YLT website
Our LGC consists the Headteacher, elected Parent Governors, elected Staff Governor, Foundation Governors, and Trust-Appointed Governors. The Register of Business Interests includes a list of our current and recent governors, how they were appointed to the LGC, and their term of office.
Our Chair of Governors is Mr Dave Carpenter who can be contacted by writing to the school address, or emailing dcarpenter@wheldrakewiththorganbyschool.co.uk.
Historic Information
- Local Governing Committee Registers of Interest
- LGC Attendance
Meet the Governors
School governors play a vital role in promoting high standards of educational achievement. Our governors are committed to serving the best interests of Wheldrake with Thorganby CE Primary School. As unpaid voluntary public servants, they help to sustain the school’s identity and provide a link with the local community. The members of the governing body include:
- school staff
- parents of pupils
- representative of the church
- members of the public from all walks of life
Here at Wheldrake with Thorganby we are extremely proud of the way in which the governors are fully involved in the life of the school, and are grateful for their time, enthusiasm and dedication.
Dave Carpenter – Chair of Governors, Trust Appointed Governor
I am an elected parent governor and am excited to be a part of our wonderful village school. I am passionate about the role of the arts in helping children express themselves and gain confidence.
At work, I manage the commercial aspect of large rail civil engineering and asset management programmes. This has given me a wealth of experience in budget management which I look to bring to my role as governor. Working in a safety critical industry, I am used to putting safety first in everything we do, which is why I volunteered to be the link governor in this area.
Paul Botting – Foundation Governor, Ex-officio
I have lived in Wheldrake village for over 50 years. I am the Diocesan appointed ex-officio Foundation Governor for the Church.
Over the 32 years that I have been a Governor at Wheldrake with Thorganby CE Primary School, I have held all the offices at various points.
My three children all went to the school and from September 2022 I will have a Granddaughter in Reception class.
Alan Crowe – Foundation Governor
Jill Patrick – Foundation Governor
I was born in Wheldrake and moved to Thorganby when I was six months old. After working at the school, as a teaching assistant, a midday supervisory assistant and an emotional literacy support assistant, I retired in 2019. I have been a foundation governor (appointed by the Parochial church council) since November 2013 and am keen to give our children the best possible learning experience in a safe, happy caring and friendly environment. Both my daughters attended Wheldrake with Thorganby CE primary school.
I play the church organ, enjoy various crafts including sewing and love a night at the Theatre.
Rebecca Rumblelow – Foundation Governor
Like a good cup of Yorkshire Tea, I’ve been born & bred in God’s County! My husband (Alan) & I moved to the village of Wheldrake during April 2022, and we have established supportive relationships through the Local Church and strive to serve our village community. Professionally, I am employed in the Rail Sector and currently support the Human Resources department with Project Management skills, to bring positive change and ensure our resources are enabled to perform to the best of their abilities.
I am an advocate of STEM & supporting the Mental Health of our children, which I firmly believe is influenced by the caring environment we create. I’m passionate about equal opportunities for our children, allowing each of them to reach their full potential.
I’m really looking forward to using all the skills and experience I have, to help support the school going forward.
Sarah Greatorex – Parent Governor
I was appointed a parent governor in October 2021 and have two children at Wheldrake with Thorganby school. I am a qualified governance professional with over 18 years’ experience of governance and compliance in public listed companies. I am looking forward to using my skills and experience to support the development of my local primary school for the benefit of all the children and the wider school community.
Nicola Clark – Staff Governor
I have worked at Wheldrake with Thorganby CE Primary School for 15 years. Currently, I teach Year 1 but I have also taught Year 2, Year 3 and Year 5 while I have worked here. I am the RE subject lead now having also been the subject lead for English and Computing in the past. While my son was growing up I have helped out in my local community as Chair of the Committee for his pre-school and out of school club and more recently as Group Secretary for our local scout group. I am looking forward to helping my school community now as a Staff Governor. In my free time I enjoy reading and cross stitch.
Chloe Patrick – Trust Appointed Governor
I am a chartered accountant, with experience in auditing and assisting schools to ensure they comply with the financial reporting requirements.
Having grown up in Thorganby and attended Wheldrake with Thorganby school in the 2000s, I welcome the opportunity to give something back to the school and make a positive impact for the current and prospective children who attend.
I am keen to ensure the school is a safe and happy learning environment for all children.
Claire Goodman – Foundation Governor
I moved to Thorganby in 2013 with my husband James and then on to Wheldrake in 2021. We have 2 children at Wheldrake with Thorganby school and I became a Foundation Governor in September 2024. I am so excited to be a governor in our wonderful community and passionate about the importance of our primary school in our children’s education and in enriching the life of our villages.
I have worked my entire career in hospital management, working in York and the Leeds Hospitals and have extensive experience in running hospital departments and the delicate balance between finance, and trying to provide the best possible quality service for patients. I hope my experience will be helpful to the school.
Shirley Hodgson – Foundation Governor (no longer serving as of September 2024)
I was born in Wheldrake and went to school in what is now White Rose House. My two sons went to the school we have now but it has been extended since then.
I am disabled and limited with things I’m able to do physically but like to be involved with school’s connection with church it is very important to me.
I like reading and listening to music, spending time with family and friends. Theatre, Cinema, love motorbikes.
Bronwyn Urwin – Foundation Governor (no longer serving as of September 2024)
I have lived in the village now for over 30 years and my youngest child attended Wheldrake with Thorganby School in the 1990’s. I am a Foundation Governor and have special responsibility for Special Educational Needs in the school.
Prior to retirement I worked as a speech and language therapist/teacher and latterly a child and adolescent mental health therapist. I was, and still am, passionate about inclusivity with justice and fairness for all. Although I am close to edging out of my 7th decade, I believe I still have the energy and commitment to support the work of the school and to see the children grow and develop in a happy, caring community.
Emma Mawer – Foundation Governor (no longer serving as of September 2024)
I have been a Foundation Governor at Wheldrake with Thorganby CE Primary School for 3 years and am a parent of a pupil who left the school last year. I originally trained as a primary teacher and taught for 11 years in the U.K., so am passionate about providing excellent education for all children.
Over the past 8 years I have set up and run community projects, which has given me leadership and management experience.
I am a Christian and am actively involved in the local church. So, I am also keen to support the school in immersing children in Christian beliefs and practice, as it strives to be the best that it can.
Admissions
In September 2025 we became part of the Yorkshire Learning Trust family of schools, and YLT becomes the admissions authority. You can read more about YLT on the Trust website. Up to 2027/28, when we will adopt the Yorkshire Learning Trust policies for admissions, Wheldrake with Thorganby CE Primary School will continue to use the SYMAT admissions and oversubscription criteria.
Our PAN (Proposed Admission Number) for both September 2025 and September 2026 is 30.
Starting School for the First Time?
All children can start school in the September before their 5th birthday. You should apply for your child to start primary or infant school by the 15th of January in the school year your child turns 4. For entry in the September 2026 school year, children will have been born between 1st September 2021 and 31st August 2022. Later start dates are possible and can be discussed with the headteacher.
Applications for children who were born between 1st September 2022 and 31st August 2023, who will start school in September 2027, can be made only from the Autumn of 2026.
For any queries about the admissions process you can email education@york.gov.uk or call 01904 551554. Further details are available on their website, and details of the admissions policies for all York schools can be found here.
- Click here for the Admissions Policy for the current academic year – 2025-2026
- Click here for the next year’s Admissions Policy, for entry into Reception in September 2026
Will your child start reception in September 2026?
Applications for a place in Reception starting in September 2026 open on 12th September 2025. The deadline for applications is 15th January 2026 although late applications can be made after this date. National Offer Day is the 16th April 2026, or the next working day.
Applications for entry into reception can be made by using the parent portal to apply for a school place.
If you can’t apply online you can request a paper Primary Application Form by calling 01904 551554. Forms are also distributed to primary schools and nurseries in the York area.
Please read the guide for parents applying for a school place, as it contains key information on school admissions. You can also find the Guide to School Catchment Areas online. We also advise you to keep checking on the City of York Council Admissions site to keep updated with key dates throughout the year.
What if you are not a City of York resident?
When applying to start primary school, your application must be made to the local authority in which you live, that you currently pay your council tax to, even if your school of preference is not in that area.
You apply through your own local council, even if you’re applying for schools in another council area. They will then forward your application to the relevant local authority – in our case, the City of York.
Key Dates for the City of York Council Admissions Process for Reception 2026
- 12th September 2025 – Opening date for applications
- 15th January 2026 – Deadline for applications
- 16th April 2026 (or the next working day) – National Offer Day
- 15th May 2026 – Appeal forms to be returned
- June – July 2026 – Admission appeals heard
- September 2026 – Start of the school year
- September 2026 – Applications for the 2027 entry into Reception expected to open
Applications for children who were born between 1st September 2022 and 31st August 2023 can be made only from the Autumn of 2026.
In-Year Applications
In-year applications are made when a child has already started school, when a move is required during the school year and for year groups other than those allocated during the national admissions round. In-year applications are made via City of York Council, for more information on in-year applications, please visit the City of York website.
If your child has an Education Health and Care Plan, please email SENdept@york.gov.uk regarding your request to move schools. There is a separate admissions process – see the City of York Local Offer for SEND for details.
Admission Consultations
Consultation on Yorkshire Learning Trust (City of York) schools’ admission arrangements 2027/28
Schools have a statutory duty to consult on admission arrangements every 7 years or when making changes to their admission arrangements.
Yorkshire Learning Trust (YLT) carried out a consultation on the admission arrangements for its schools in the City of York local authority area for the 2027-28 school year which was open between 20th October 2025 and 3rd December 2025. During this period, the views of parents/carers, schools, staff, neighbouring authorities and other interested parties were sought.
Following this period of consultation, the admission arrangements will be considered by the YLT Trust Board alongside any comments made. The admission arrangements will be formally set or “determined” by 28th February 2026.
Determined policies will be published on the YLT website by 15th March 2026.
CYC Coordinated School Admissions Consultation 2027 to 2028
In line with the School Admissions Code 2021, City of York Council hold a coordinated admission consultation on behalf of schools within York and the School Admission Authorities. Where a school is part of a Multi Academy Trust, the Trust is the Admission Authority and not City of York Council.
This year’s Admissions Consultation was held by City of York Council and involved a number of Academy Trusts with schools within the city. The consultation ran between 8th October and 21st November 2025. The consultation included the admission policies and planned number of places available at each participating school/MAT in the year(s) of entry 2027-2028. Following the consultations, each admission authority will formally set (‘determine’) their admission arrangements for admission in 2027-2028 by 28th February 2026. Determined policies will be on the City of York Council website by 15th March 2026, after which objections can be raised. Click here for further information about the 2027-2028 CYC Coordinated Admissions Consultation.
Please be aware that if there are no proposed changes an admission authority may not be holding a consultation.
Determined policies for the 2026-27 can be found at https://www.york.gov.uk/SchoolAdmissionPolicies
Policies
A selection of our policies are available to view online below. All our policies are available to view at any time – just call in to the school office to enquire.
Trust Policies and Documents
In September 2025 we became part of the Yorkshire Learning Trust. Wheldrake with Thorganby Church of England School has adopted the following YLT policies and Privacy Notices which can be viewed on the YLT website.
- Policies
- Charging and Remissions Policy
- Complaints Policy
- Data Protection Policy
- Educational Visits Policy
- Equalities
- Health & Safety Policy
- First Aid
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Policy
- Stakeholder Behaviour and Parent Code of Conduct
- Supporting Children with Medical Conditions
- Suspensions and Permanent Exclusions
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Privacy Notices (please see under ‘Data Protection’ on the YLT website):
- Alumni
- Child Friendly
- General
- Governors, Trustees and Volunteers
- Pupils and Parents and Guardians
- Website
- Workforce
In additional to the information on our school website, please also see the YLT website for overarching policies in relation to:
- Accessibility
- Admissions arrangements
- Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
Additional policies and documents in relation to finance and HR matters are also available on the YLT website.
School Policies and Documents
- Accessibility Plan
- Anti Bullying Policy
- Attendance and Punctuality Policy 2024
- Behaviour Policy (September 2025)
- Charging and Remissions Policy – please see under ‘Finance Policies’ on the YLT website
- Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy – please see under ‘Key Policies’ on the YLT website
- Code of Conduct (Staff) (link to Yorkshire Learning Trust, Policies tab)
- Complaints Policy (link to Yorkshire Learning Trust, Policies tab)
- Curriculum Policy
- Equality & Diversity Policy
- Exclusion Policy
- Menopause Policy (link to Yorkshire Learning Trust, Policies tab)
- Parent and Carer Code of Conduct (link to Yorkshire Learning Trust, find under Key Policies Tab)
- PSHE Policy
- RE Policy 2024
- SEN Policy 2024-25
- Uniform Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy – please see under ‘Key Policies’ on the YLT website
GDPR & Privacy Notices
- All our privacy policies can be found on the YLT policies page, under data protection here
Climate Action Plan
The sustainability and climate change strategy for education states: “By 2025, all education settings will have nominated a sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan”.
A climate action plan is a detailed plan to enable schools and trusts to progress or commence sustainability initiatives.
Our climate action plan, which is a joint initiative between Wheldrake with Thorganby Church of England Primary School and Escrick Church of England Primary School, will help us to take a structured and strategic route toward ensuring we are acting toward, and educating about, sustainability.
Please see the link below for our Climate Action Plan.
Accounts and Financial Information
There are statutory obligations for Trusts to publish additional governance and financial information online.
This includes our Articles of Association; Annual Reports and Accounts; funding agreements Executive Pay reports; and Gender Pay Gap reports. This information is published on our Trust website.
- The financial statements are published on this page of the Yorkshire Learning Trust website.
- For information about the trustees, appointed senior staff and members of the board of the Yorkshire Learning Trust, please see the Governance area of the Trust website where you will also find records of meeting attendance and the register of interests for the Trust and Local Governing Committees.
- Information about our LGC can be found in this section of our school website.
Executive Pay
- There is now a requirement that schools must publish financial information on their website, including information regarding how many employees earn a salary over £100,000
- There are no employees of Wheldrake with Thorganby Church of England Primary school who are paid a gross annual salary of over £100,000
- For information about Executive Pay at the Yorkshire Learning Trust. please see the trust website