Our Governors

Stephen Brown

Chair of Governors, MSc, DMS, BSc

Responsibilities and Links: Curriculum, Communications, Community, Attendance, Head Teacher Appraisal, HR, Safeguarding

I was born and raised in York and have enjoyed an extensive career in the NHS, where I worked with several NHS organisations in helping them understand their governance needs, service issues and how to improve services for patients, carers and families. I have recently taken a step back from a full-time role to enable our family to enjoy a better quality of life as well as relocating to be part of the Boroughbridge community in 2021. As a parent to 4 children, 2 of whom who are at the school and 2 older boys, one currently at University and one who has just graduated, I believe that I have a wide range of insights and experience that I hope will enable me to work with the school and wider partners in supporting children and preparing them for their educational journey and building their wider life skills.

Tim Collin

Governor, B.Sc (Hons) Land Management

Responsibilities and Links: Computing curriculum, ICT and Website

My family have lived in Roecliffe for three generations and I have a strong knowledge and affinity for Boroughbridge and the local area. My mother was a co-founder of Boroughbridge Community Care and a governor of Roecliffe Primary school and my father a parish councillor for 30 years. I am member of the Boroughbridge British Legion and Roecliffe Parish Church Council.

After a three-year spell in the army as a commissioned office I have spent 33 years working for US technologies companies in a variety of commercial and business leadership roles including working and living in the US and extensive international travel. This includes seven years working for one of the leading e-learning software companies, Blackboard Inc which gave me a valuable insight into the world of education.

I am married to Carolyn and we have two grown up children, a daughter who is a newly qualified secondary school teacher in Acton, West London, and a son who on a Graduate Engineer Program for Sony Electronics. I am a keen sportsman including cycling, running (ran the Boroughbridge Half Marathon on 1985!) and a member of Boroughbridge Tennis Club. I am now keen to contribute and put some time, and hopefully some perspectives from experience, back into the Boroughbridge community.

Sally Farrell

Governor, BA (Hons) English

Callum Ivel

Governor, BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS, NPQH

Responsibilities and Links: Assessment, Maths, Headteacher Appraisal, SEND

Having worked in Education for the last 7 years as a Primary School Teacher and a Deputy Head teacher my knowledge and understanding of the Primary school agenda is strong and current. Having taught in a range of schools in North Yorkshire, Kirklees and Leeds, I have been able to gain a better understanding of the importance of having a strong vision and identity for a school. I have always taken an interest in the development of children at this early stage in their lives and have worked with colleagues over the years to create bespoke curriculums and ensured schools are places where children can reach their full potential on their unique journeys. Having taken the plunge and launched my own business of a new Sweet shop in Boroughbridge this year, I felt it was important to give something back to the community that supports my shop and am thrilled to be joining the governing body of the school at such a positive time to help the community move it forward to even greater achievements.

Stuart Martin

Governor, BSc Microbiology and Biotechnology, PhD

Responsibilities and Links: STEM, Mathematics, Buildings, inc Health and Safety

Having moved to the area last year, and seeing what a vital part of the town the school represents, I would welcome the opportunity to serve as a parent governor and support both the school and the wonderful community it serves. As a parent I want to support the school to ensure it remains a fun, happy, safe space where our children can learn and grow together. As a Scientist I have a particular interest in supporting the school policies on, and teaching of, Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects and working with the school to ensure the highest standards are maintained. I would particularly like to work with the school to ensure STEM subjects are encouraged with the female students as I know from my daily working life that women remain fundamentally under-represented in STEM fields and engagement with these subjects is vital from day one of schooling.

Emma Ryan

Governor, Headteacher, SENCO, BA (Hons) Design Technology with Management Studies, PGCE, NaSENCO

Since qualifying as a teacher in 2004 I have taught in schools in York and North Yorkshire across the primary age range, having taught at Boroughbridge Primary School and Nursery since 2016. I have a particular interest in SEND and Maths and have been involved in Maths teacher research groups supporting other teachers across North Yorkshire. I am passionate about making a difference by enhancing teaching and learning, enriching the personal development of our young people and ensuring that all staff, governors and students work together to achieve and become a central part of the community. Being a teacher and now a school leader has always been a privilege; I am passionate about securing the best outcomes for children. I am a firm believer that education is transformative and that we absolutely make a difference to children’s lives and future opportunities.

Gillian Virden

Governor, Teacher, SLT, BA(Hons) Economic and Social History. PGCE, NPQLBA, NPQH

Neil Ryder

Associate Member, Deputy Headteacher, SLT

Caron-Leigh van Schalkwyk

Associate Member, School Business Manager

Hollie White

Parent Governor

I’m Hollie, a proud mum of two girls and a Parent Governor at the school. I have several years of experience working in Special Educational Needs (SEN) education and a personal understanding of the challenges and joys of raising a child with additional needs. I am passionate about ensuring every child feels valued, supported and given the opportunity to reach their full potential. As a Parent Governor, I hope to bring both my professional experience and a parent’s perspective to help make a positive difference to the school community.