Our Governing Body

Term of office:
21.01.2016 – 31.08.2027

Register of Interests:
Member of The Cockburn
Multi-academy Trust.

Peter Nuttall: Chair of Governors / Foundation Governor

Monitoring Duties:
Safeguarding , Pupil Premium, Equalities.

I have worked in education since 1971. From 1999 I worked at Cockburn School and was a member of the Senior Leadership Team until my retirement. As well as chairing the Local Governing Body at Cockburn School, I chair the Board of Trustees of the Cockburn MAT and I am also the chair of the Local Governing Bodies at Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy. I am also a member of the Highfield Academy LGB in Blackpool.

Term of office:
13.01.2021-11.01.2029

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.

Shamim Miah: Vice Chairperson / Community Governor

Monitoring Duties: Careers / Training 

As a former student at Cockburn four years ago, I feel passionate about the standard of teaching and learning at Cockburn. I am currently a law student, who enjoys representing the youth in the political sphere and getting more young people engaged in politics.

My previous role as a Member of Youth Parliament for Leeds, where I represented the young people of Leeds in the House of Commons gave me the ambition and determination to improve the education of young people. Being in the position of a community governor provides a unique and exciting experience to be involved with the school’s ‘Transformation to Excellence’.

As a former student who has succeeded through Cockburn’s vision, I have seen the progress the school has made and wish to help the next generation of students on the journey to greatness.

Term of office:
01.04.2018 – 31.03.2030

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.

Akwal Ryatt: Community Governor

Monitoring Duties: English / Mathematics

I became a School Governor in March 2014. I am qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive and have been practising law for over 20 years. I have always wanted to volunteer my services as a school governor, and give something back to the community.

I believe firmly in State Education and that it should be available to all children. If a child is going to be a high achiever they will do so in a State School and, they do not necessarily have to go to a Public School for this. I have personally seen the transformation in the school as my elder daughter was at the school before Mr Gurney was Headteacher. She has now gone on to Leeds Trinity University and wishes to train as a teacher. My younger daughter is currently at Cockburn in Year 8. I am very pleased in the way she is progressing and this is due to the excellent teaching and leadership within the school. She has been challenged and put in appropriate groups to further progress and achieve higher grades.

Cockburn School has flourished under the leadership of Mr Gurney and I am sure that it will transform to an outstanding school due to the dedication of the teachers within a short time.

Term of office:
22.09.26 to 21.09.30

Register of Interests:
No interests to declare.

Jack Bozson: Staff Governor

I am entering my fifth year as Subject Leader of History at Cockburn School and continue to be inspired by the school, its staff, and its students.

Throughout my time at Cockburn, I have had the privilege of working with colleagues and students from across the school on a range of projects, as well as delivering assemblies that promote causes, individuals, and values about which I am passionate.

Alongside my teaching and leadership role, I have been actively involved in staff and student voice and representation for the past ten years. At my previous school, I established a Staff Wellbeing Forum, and I strongly believe in the importance of representing others and ensuring that their views contribute to meaningful and positive change.

As a Staff Governor, I am pleased to bring a staff perspective to discussions about the school's current work and future development. I am committed to supporting the continued success of Cockburn School and helping to foster a positive, professional, and inclusive environment for both staff and students.

Term of office:
28.10.2024 – 27.10.2028

Register of Interests:

Beeston Primary  - Chair of Governors

Mosaic Church - Trustee
LCC - Elected Councillor

Cllr Andrew Scopes -  Governor

Monitoring Duty: SEND

I’m passionate about education and encouraging young people to love learning and be life-long learners. The right schooling environment can help set children up for life and I hope to help Cockburn continue to be that place. While I’m not a parent governor, all three of my children either attend or have attended the school.

I’ve been a School Governor for a large local primary school since 2012, I’m an elected Councillor for the area and prior to that I worked as an actuary in the finance sector. The skills and experience I’ve gained in these roles will help the Board of Governors provide the Senior Leaders effective challenge and support.

Term of office:
19.05.2026 – 20.01.2029

Register of Interests:

None declared.

Ghulam Murtaza Bhutto - Parent Governor

Monitoring Duties: TBC

I am a Chartered Civil Engineer with over 20 years' experience working in the engineering and business sectors. I currently serve as a Director and have extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, finance, and managing complex projects and teams. I also sit as a Magistrate in West Yorkshire. The latter role has strengthened my understanding of the importance of opportunity, fairness, and early support in shaping outcomes.

I became a Parent Governor because I believe schools play a vital role in shaping futures, creating opportunities for young people, and helping them realise their potential. I wanted to use both my professional experience and parental perspective to contribute positively to the school community, support the best outcomes for all students, and help the school continue to build on its success.