Meet the Governors

I am originally from Ireland and moved to Tadcaster in the early 70s. I attended Tadcaster Grammar School, followed by three years studying English Literature at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. After a year’s postgraduate course in Bradford, I became a teacher in a primary school in inner city Leeds. I loved my job and the local community that I served, dedicating 37 years to the role. During this time, I taught most year groups and was part of the senior leadership team for many years. I retired in July 2022 but continued to do some consultancy work linked to Early Years, as well as volunteering at a primary school in Leeds.

During my career, I was fortunate enough to work with Ofqual, Early Excellence and a range of well respected Early Years consultants. Having a special interest in early years education, I co-wrote two books about the creative and responsive approach to learning that we had developed. All proceeds from the books were given to charity; it was a lovely and satisfying way to end my long career in education.

After retiring, I missed being part of a school community. When I saw there was an opportunity to become a governor at Tadcaster Primary Academy, I immediately felt drawn to the role. My children attended the school when it was Tadcaster East, so there was a connection already. I am very grateful for being accepted onto the Governing Body and will try my best to support the whole school community in any way that I can. I am also happy to say that I have a shared responsibility for Early Years within the governing body.

Term of office 4th February 2025 – 4th February 2029

I am a dedicated Further Education teacher with a passion for inclusive learning and community engagement. Originally from South Africa, I moved to England in 2002 and lived in Tadcaster since 2008. I attended Tadcaster Grammar School and have been part of the local community ever since. I currently teach Esports, Games Development and Access to HE courses, supporting young people to achieve both academically and personally. Alongside teaching, I work with Blossom Training and Development, delivering self-defence and empowerment sessions that build confidence and resilience in people of all ages. I am also a strong advocate for SEND learners, committed to creating accessible, supportive environments that allow every young person to thrive. I bring a strong background in digital education, leadership, and safeguarding, as well as a keen interest in promoting equality, especially in underrepresented areas like esports. As a governor, I am committed to helping the school maintain high standards, supporting staff and pupils, and strengthen links with the wider community. 

Term of office 4th February 2025 – 4th February 2029

I am originally from Norton (Malton) and lived in York for around 8 years before moving to the countryside near Tadcaster just over three years ago. I left university in 2000 with degrees in Social Sciences and Criminology.

My first ‘proper’ jobs were with adult learning but I eventually settled to working as a residential social worker in children’s homes in York. I then spent about 13 years with the Play Team at City of York Council, helping to provide activities and play opportunities for families and producing magazines for children and young people. More recently I have been involved in the development of youth services and community work in York, ranging from work with refugees, food banks and all kinds of community support projects.

After nearly 24 years with City of York Council I seem to have become the ‘go-to’ person for any projects involving children and families that aren’t covered by the usual teams. It’s a role I’ve come to love and hope to bring all my experience to being a parent/community governor at TPA. I am also involved with TPAC the school’s fundraising charity and between the roles I’m on a mission to bring as much resources and opportunities to our school as we can.

We chose TPA for our child because of the fantastic resources and staff and the sense of nurturing community that has been created by everyone involved with the school. We’re early in our time here but have made lots of friends already and we look forward to the years
ahead.

Term of office 4th February 2025 – 4th February 2029

I have lived in Tadcaster for over 10 years and have served as a Governor at Tadcaster Primary Academy since 2015.  I have been Chair of Governors from September 2021 having previously acted as Vice Chair.  I have over 20 years’ experience of working in the Early Years and Childcare sector and currently work for City of York Council as a Quality Improvement Adviser supporting childcare settings and schools to ensure they are offering the best quality provision to children and their families.

What I enjoy about the Governor role is the chance to make a difference and use my experience and knowledge to contribute to the success of Tadcaster Primary Academy.

Term of office 1st September 2015 – 18th September 2027

I have been fortunate to have lived in Tadcaster for almost 10 years. I was born in South Yorkshire but moved to the North to complete my Secondary Teacher Training in Ripon.  After several years  I decided that I needed another challenge and applied to complete my General Nurse Training in Northallerton which is where I stayed after qualification for 15 years. My attention returned to education when I became responsible for student nurse’s practical knowledge and skills training on the ward. After several more years of chasing qualifications I precured a position at York University where, for almost 30 years I prepared registered general nurses on the wards of North Yorkshire’s hospitals and in the classrooms of the university.

My experience within the educational sector has been predominantly with 11 to 59 years old, I am therefore looking forward to the next step of working and learning from the younger generation and their educators.

I am very new to the role of school governor but am so willing to learn and grow into an effective member. My main objective being to employ my experience and past knowledge to assist Tadcaster Primary Academy to continue to be a successful learning environment.

Term of Office 6^th November 2023 to 5^th November 2026