Governors

Local Governing Body Information

Click the links below to download the following statutory information regarding our Governing Body:

For information regarding The Education Partnership Trust financial reports, please click here .

Chair of Governors Contact Details

Name: Mark Cocker
Address: Education Partnership Trust, Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 8QA

Governors Roles & Responsibilities at Coal Clough Academy

Governors work as a team. They are responsible for making sure the school provides a good quality education for all pupils. Raising educational standards in school is a key priority. This has the best chance of happening when there are high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Governors promote effective ways of teaching and learning when setting the school aims and policies. They do this together with the head teacher, who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school.

The governing board’s main role is to help raise pupils’ standards of achievement. The school’s vision is that we support in creating: Happy and Healthy pupils who make progress in their journey within education. Governors will support the school in promoting and challenging this vision.

The Governing Board:

Is accountable for the performance of the school to parents and the wider community
Plans the school’s future direction
Makes decisions on the school’s budget and staffing including the performance – management policy
Makes sure the agreed Curriculum is well taught
Decides how the school can encourage pupils’ spiritual, moral and cultural development
Makes sure the school provides for all pupils including those with special needs

Governors support and challenge head teachers by gathering views, asking questions and discussing what’s best for the school. They are not there to rubber stamp decisions.

Local Governing Body

Mark Cocker – Chair of Governors

Mark is a qualified teacher and holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship and National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership. Mark was Headteacher for seven years at a Trust secondary school, successfully leading the school from Requires Improvement to Outstanding in all areas. Prior to becoming EPT CEO, Mark was the Trust Director of Education and Deputy CEO. Mark gained extensive senior management experience as an Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher in a range of comprehensive schools across four local authorities in the North West. Mark has significant experience of leading on quality assurance, learning and assessment, curriculum design, safeguarding, behaviour and attendance and leadership. He is also an experienced Ofsted inspector across multiple phases.

Fazila Karolia – Staff Governor and Lead Governor for Health and Safety

Fazila is the Head of Science at Coal Clough Academy and is passionate about improving the life chances for all pupils. She has 30 years teaching experience and has held many roles during this time. Fazila is looking forward to beginning her journey as Staff Governor and using her knowledge and experience to support Coal Clough Academy.

Daniel Jones – Vice-Chair and Lead Governor for Finance, SEND and Wellbeing

Daniel is a School Business Manager for Eden School, Blackburn and he has responsibility for the school’s finance, health and safety, procurement, site operations and HR. Daniel has a strong belief that all children deserve the best education, to be happy, confident and have the opportunity to be the best version of themselves. Daniel has worked in different business sectors including Education and brings a wealth of knowledge which will support the young people throughout their time at Coal Clough.

David Fisher – Lead Governor for Careers

David is the Assistant Headteacher at The Heights Burnley and is responsible for Quality of Education. Previously, David spent seven years’ working in a diverse range of mainstream settings, including areas of high deprivation with a primary focus on curriculum development. He is currently studying for his NPQSL qualification and is keen to support Coal Clough Academy for the benefit of their pupils.

Rebecca Thompson – Lead Governor for Behaviour and Attitudes

Rebecca is a Lead Science Teacher at The Heights Blackburn and brings six years of dedicated teaching experience. She proudly serves as the Regional Representative for PRUsAP. Rebecca is passionate about teaching and learning to empower pupils with knowledge that will act as a springboard to overcome barriers and us currently pursuing a PGDip in Senior Leadership through the National College for Education. Rebecca is committed to fostering collaboration and sharing best practices to create supportive learning environments for all and envisions a future where every student can thrive.

Mark Townsend – Governor

Mark is retired, having built a varied career across the mining, aerospace, software, and local government sectors. Mark previously served as a school governor for around five years at a Burnley secondary school and has been an elected representative on Burnley Council for the past 19 years. Mark is also a former Leader of Burnley Council and served as Mayor of the Borough of Burnley. Through his wide-ranging professional experience, he has developed strong expertise in budget setting and management, as well as in recruitment, retention, and organisational communication strategies. Mark is keen to serve as a governor at Coal Clough Academy to contribute to strong governance, support school improvement, and help ensure pupils have the best possible opportunities to succeed.

Saba Khalid – Governor

Saba brings a strong combination of creativity, analytical thinking, and international experience to the school governing body. Having worked across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, she has developed strong skills in problem-solving, project management, and engaging effectively with diverse communities. Passionate about helping young people reach their potential, Saba is committed to supporting the school’s ongoing development by contributing fresh ideas and practical, well-considered solutions. Curious, resilient, and approachable, she values collaboration and enjoys working with others to make a positive and lasting difference. Saba brings both professionalism and a sense of humour to her work, along with a creative approach that supports thoughtful and effective decision-making.