The Board of Governors have responsibility for the oversight of the school. The Chair of Governors can be contacted via the school. Policy on School Governance available on request.
Governors at BCS act in line with established global best practice identifying their key roles as being:
- To appoint, support, and keep accountable, the headteacher.
- To develop, and keep themselves accountable to, governance policies.
- To be the keepers of the school mission and vision statements.
- To approve and monitor annual budgets.
- To be the final appeal for cases where the following of operational policy is questioned.
Headteacher: Jane Prothero
Bradford Christian School
Bolton Woods
Bradford
BD21BT
Email: head@bxs.org.uk
Tel: 01274532649
School DSL: Jane Prothero - dsl@bxs.org.uk
Deputy DSL: Steph Hoskins, Hannah Pickles
School Proprietor: The Governing Body
Bradford Christian School
Bolton Woods
Bradford
BD21BT
Email: office@bxs.org.uk
Tel: 01274532649
Our Current Governors are:
Richard Shackleton
Current role served: Chair of governors
Current term of office: July 2022-2024
Appointment: By invitation of the governors (July 2015)
I have had the honour and privilege of being the chair of governors here at Bradford Christian School. I have been a member of the governing body since July 2015, during which time I served as vice chair from March 2016 to September 2020, following which I stepped into the role of chair of governors.
I joined the governing body as a parent of two boys at the school, keen to offer my support and professional experience to help the school to strengthen and grow. I now work with a dedicated team of faith-filled governors who share the same passion and desire to serve and support our school community in a wide variety of ways.
I live in Shipley with my wife and two children, both of whom are students at Bradford Christian School. Away from the school, I work in Human Resources and I lead a team of Employee Relations specialists for a national firm. On a weekend, I can usually be found reflecting on why I remain a Bradford City season ticket holder, which remains far more stressful than it should be!
Contact email: chair@bxs.org.uk
Contact address: Bradford Christian School, Livingstone Road, Bolton Woods, BD2 1BT.
Neil Iceton
Current role served: Co-opted governor
Current term of office: July 2023-2025
Appointment: By invitation of the governors (April 2023)
When Mrs Prothero approached me with regard to becoming a governor at Bradford Christian School, I was a little unsure, not least as I live two hours away, but after a hastily arranged visit to the school just before last Easter, I was captivated by many of the children I met and the inclusion I witnessed, not least within the autistic provision. It was a simple decision after that.
My background is in education, having taught for 33 years in the primary sector, leading Key Stage 2 and with responsibility for maths, although very much part time for the last three years. I have also served as a teacher governor so hope to be able to add something to BCS in my role.
I live in Gateshead with my wife and youngest child, the eldest two having flown the nest. And this is the link to Mrs Prothero, as we first met on a Scripture Union holiday club before completing our teacher training together.
Contact email: neil.iceton@bxs.org.uk
Contact address: Bradford Christian School, Livingstone Road, Bolton Woods, BD2 1BT.
Adetola Ayenitaju
Current role served: Parent Governor
Current term of office: Sept 2023 - Sep 2025
Appointment: Responded to Chair’s Invite (Jan 2023)
Bradford Christian School has played a significant role in the care and education of my children since we became part of this community in 2014. I have the privilege of dropping off and picking up my boys most days and I’ve always thought of ways of giving back to a community that has given and keeps giving my family so much. So when the Chair of Governors launched a volunteer’s campaign looking for volunteers with some of the skills I have, I was quick to come forward.
I haven’t been a governor for too long, but it has been long enough for me to have an eye opening experience into the hard work, commitment and dedication of the BCS team to provide holistic faith based education built on Christian ethos to the children in this school. This in itself is quite rewarding and increases the desire in me to contribute in any way I can to the success that BCS is, especially on days when I am wondering how I got here.
I wear other hats apart from being a governor and a mom. I love tech and data, especially data analytics and data architecture, I have recently added portfolio management into the mix. I also love African food and a quiet weekend with nothing planned! I live locally and attend church within my local community.
Contact email: adetola.ayenitaju@bxs.org.uk
Contact address: Bradford Christian School, Livingstone Road, Bolton Woods, BD2 1BT.
Mr Akpo Onduku
Current role served: Parent Governor
Current term of office: July 2023 – July 2025
Appointment: By invitation of the governors (July 2014)
I pastor Chapel of Grace Bradford and currently serve as a National Ecumenical Officer (NEO) to the Churches Together in England; Coordinating Chair of the local Churches Together forum in the BD5/7 area of Bradford; and a member of the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) that regulates collective worship in schools in the Bradford District. I have academic training in International Human Rights Law, Public Administration, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, theology and recently a Senior Leaders Executive MBA. I serve as a Trustee on the Board and Governor here in BCS. Two of my children have passed through BCS and I currently have a son here.
Contact email: mronduku@bxs.org.uk
Contact address: Bradford Christian School, Livingstone Road, Bolton Woods, BD2 1BT.
Heather Thomson
Current Role: Governor
Term of office Jan 2024 - Jan 2026
Appointment: By invitation of the governors Jan 2024
Bradford Christian School has always held a special place in my heart right from its inception in 1993.
Our 3 children attended the school which gave us a close link for many years and then soon after our youngest left BCS and moved to 6th form I took up a role in the school office which continued until July 2023. When I was approached to become a member of the governing body it felt the right thing to do to keep my long-standing connection with, and give my continuing support to the school. I hope and pray that I can be a useful, effective governor who, as part of a team, can uphold the school’s mission and values.
I love the way that the 'whole child' is nurtured at BCS. Life skills, social skills, spiritual and moral values are all developed alongside academic subjects and my own children definitely benefited from this ethos.
I live and worship locally and besides being busy with our 6 grandchildren, I love walking and the outdoors.
Contact: mrsthomson@bxs.org.uk
Contact address: Bradford Christian School, Livingstone Road, Bolton Woods, BD2 1BT.
Zeilah Chadwick
Current role served: Deputy Chair and Safeguarding Governor
Current term of office: January 2024 – January 2026
Appointment: By invitation of the governors (January 2024)
Whilst working for the school as safeguarding lead and a member of SLT, I worked closely alongside the governing body in ensuring that the school was compliant in all areas of safeguarding. When I was considering retirement, it seemed a natural progression to talk to the chair of governors about becoming a member of the governing body and continuing to support the school.
My background started in the civil service working in the court system, immigration, HR and DWP. I have had 3 children who have attended Bradford Christian School and I volunteered with the school whilst also working in the civil service. I helped with office duties and also taught some life skill lessons. About 9 years ago I was seeking God for a change of pace in my working life and was grateful to receive a call about an opportunity to work at BCS. I started in a support role and quickly moved into the Safeguarding role and SLT. I served the school for 8 years before deciding with my husband David it was time to retire.
It is now a privilege to serve on the governing body as Safeguarding Governor and Deputy Chair.
Contact email: mrschadwick@bxs.org.uk
Contact address: Bradford Christian School, Livingstone Road, Bolton Woods, BD2 1BT.
David Chadwick
Current role served: Health and Safety Governor
Current term of office: January 2024 – January 2026
Appointment: By invitation of the governors (January 2024)
I worked at the school for about 9 years covering a number of roles, Health and Safety, Lab tech and lunchtime supervisor. My wife Zeilah also worked for the school and when we were considering retirement, it seemed a natural progression to talk to the chair of governors about becoming a member of the governing body and continuing to support the school.
My background started in the civil service working in the Ministry of Defence, The Court Service, Vat and Duties Tribunal, Immigration, Accommodation and finally in Health and Safety. My daughter attended the school as did my 2 step children.
I attend Church on the Way regularly and have previously been an Elder there and am now one of the Trustees.
It is now a privilege to serve on the governing body as Health and Safety Governor.
Contact email: mrchadwick@bxs.org.uk
Contact address: Bradford Christian School, Livingstone Road, Bolton Woods, BD2 1BT.
Mr Simon Mackenzie
Term of office: Two years to run from July 2021 to July 2025.
Mr Mackenzie is a Parent Governor.
Appointed by invitation of the Governors.
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Our mission: is to provide a holistic Christian education for all and to inspire discipleship
Our vision: is to be a Christian community in which everyone grows in character, faith, knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
Bradford Christian School, Livingstone Road,
Bolton Woods,
Bradford, BD2 1BT
Main office Tel: 01274532649
Email: office@bxs.org.uk
Text: 07520649649
Reg charity no. 1027573
