Meet the Governors

Kerry Lee

Vice Chair of Governors, Safeguarding and SEND Governor

I have lived in Tadcaster for over 5 years and I am in my third term as a Governor at Tadcaster Primary Academy. I have worked in the childcare sector for over 14 years and for the past 4 years in my current role at City of York Council as lead officer for out of school provision, supporting clubs to ensure they offer high quality provision for children and their families. This work sees me supporting Voluntary Management Committees, Headteachers and Playwork staff. Working with such a range of professionals will support me significantly in my role as a governor.

I’m looking forward to working with the Governing body to support the school to achieve a Good or better Ofsted judgement.

Term of office 1st september 2015 – 17th September 2023

Prof. Stuart Lewis, B.Sc., Ph.D., AFBPS.

Chair of Governors

I was brought up in the Scottish educational system and attended 3 senior schools so am well aware of the potential problems of transitions for young people. Professionally I am a psychologist and worked in the medical schools of Edinburgh, Nottingham, Queen’s Belfast and York universities. I had a particular interest in student welfare.

Since retiring, I have been able to indulge in my other passions: cricket and golf! I qualified as an ECB coach and umpire and for 10 years coached junior cricket, the high point being when the U13s won the national CM Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award. I played up till a couple of years ago and could still score a few runs and take the odd wicket!

Education is not just about academic excellence: it is about maximising an individual’s potential – academically, socially and personally. As well as supporting teachers as they deliver the curriculum, Governors are concerned with the provision of sports, drama, music, volunteering and other community involvement opportunities, and ensuring access to ancillary services (remedial, psychological, etc.).

I have a son who recently finished a degree in politics 2 older children and 3 grandchildren at senior school in Northern Ireland.

Term of office 1st March 2016 – 29th February 2024

Will Harris

Health and Safety Governor

After 15 years away from the local area in first Newcastle and then London we returned to Yorkshire just over 10 years ago. My children go to Tadcaster Primary Academy and I am a Parent Governor and was appointed to the Governing Body in September 2019 initially for a 4 year term

Within my role at TPA I have special interests in Maths as I was formerly a maths teacher in primary schools, and also Health and Safety as I am IOSH qualified. In my day job i am a senior manager at an education training and skills provider working with apprenticeships, businesses and the community and thus I can bring experience of people and budget management, long and short term target setting and review and working with third parties such as OFSTED.

I’m honoured to be on the Governing Body of Tadcaster Primary Academy, a school where I believe great things are happening, and look forward to helping the school continue on its own learning journey.

Term of Office 1st October 2019 to 30th September 2023

Jen Offord-Middleton

Governor

With a project and support management background in an international FMCG company, I bring innovative thinking, constructive challenge and a continuous improvement mindset to the role of Parent Governor at Tadcaster Primary Academy.

I have a vested interest in TPA and its performance, where my son is currently enjoying his second year in EYFS. I also have a personal objective to share some of my time and ideas to make a positive contribution to the school and the wonderful work it does in developing children through their first years in education.

I thrive on challenges and learning new things and the Education sector is certainly new to me, I truly believe that every day’s a school day.

As a keen runner, you’re most likely to find me at the school gate in trainers and a sweatband! In my role as Parent Governor I am always open to listening to other parent’s views and sharing these with the board, please feel free to approach me at any time.

Term of Office 14th October 2020 to 13th October 2024

Derek De Vere RCIB, CEMAP, FPC

Governor

I grew up in Newcastle and was educated in Ponteland. My wife and I moved to live in York in 1987 and have lived there ever since. I have two grown up children who went through York’s educational establishments.

Professionally I worked in Financial Services for 39 years until I took early retirement at 57 years of age in 2017. I am currently enjoying my retirement and play golf on a regular basis and also take interest in Cricket and Football. On the Voluntary side, I was involved in the Charity sector with a local Charity for 21 years as Treasurer and for a further 8 years as Chair until March 2020. I was invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 1st June 2017 for my services to Charity.

I was asked by the Tadcaster Chair of Governor’s if I would be interested in joining the Primary Academy as a Governor on leaving my Charity role and was looking for a new challenge. My experience in risk roles, business and finance in Managerial roles and senior Charity roles will be used in helping the Academy to progress further in the future and as a parent I know how important the early years of a child’s education is.

Term of Office 16th July 2020 to 15th July 2024

Meet the Governors

BBC News – Education