Our Governors play a crucial role in providing strategic direction, whilst challenging and supporting school leaders in equal measure. They are dedicated to continual school improvement and to our school vision … “Small School, Big Dreams. Learning, Caring, Succeeding…Together”.
Governors always welcome feedback from parents. Please contact them by letter, or by emailing enquiries@wolviston.org.uk. Please mark your correspondence: For the Attention of Governors.
Further information including details of Trust Board structure, Committees, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Scheme of Delegation are available to read on The Prince Regent Street Trust website.
Register of Governing Body 2023 – 2024
Chair of Governors: Ms M. Foot – Parent Governor
I’ve been a parent governor for two years at Wolviston and chose to participate primarily to be more closely involved in the education my son is receiving but also, as an education professional, to offer my support to the school in that capacity.
I grew up in Marske-by-Sea and moved to the Wolviston area in 2012. The people of Billingham have been wonderfully welcoming, I’ve made great friends and I’m proud to be part of the community.
I work as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sunderland where I teach and research Education and specialise in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages. I was previously a secondary school Art teacher in Middlesbrough for twelve years after which I spent some time travelling and re-training in Barcelona before entering the world of higher education. My interests are in art, travel and culture but being ‘Mum’ is the best.
Being a parent governor has given me a profound insight into the complexities and delights of running a small school like Wolviston that is striving to and succeeding in being a fantastic place to learn.
Vice-Chair of Governors: Mr. C. Earl
I’ve recently been made a governor at Wolviston Primary School. I’m really inquisitive, always looking at ways to improve and I hope to bring challenge, accountability, creativeness and curiosity to this role.
I’ve worked in finance and technology for more than 15 years, and am currently a Project Manager for a bank. I’ve got lots of experience in managing projects, analytics, strategic planning and governance. I’m also qualified in Photography and Graphic Design, so I’ve got a very creative side too.
My daughter goes to Wolviston Primary, so I care a lot about the quality of education and the experience that our children have at the school. I look forward to working with the team to improve the school and help it to achieve its goals.
Mr. G Thirlaway – Co-opted Governor
I have lived in Billingham since 1969 and currently reside on Wolviston Court Estate. I grew up in a County Durham pit village during the 1950s and 60s in a home where education was seen as a way out of a life spent facing the dangers of working underground. A lifelong affection for Sunderland AFC also made its way into my DNA around this time. I qualified as a teacher in 1969 and retired in 2005.My 36 years of teaching experience was gained in primary schools in the Stockton and Billingham area and included eighteen years as a deputy head teacher and almost two years as an acting head teacher.
I am a co-opted governor at Wolviston but I have a close affinity with the school as two of my six grandchildren have attended the school and as grandparents my wife and I have done our best to support the school in whatever way we can. It’s probably this family connection that makes being a governor at Wolviston seem so special-there is a definite feeling of wanting to do something to repay all the hard work and excellent teaching that has been focused on our grandchildren. I like to think that there is more to it than this however and I glean a great deal of satisfaction from being a member of a really good team comprised of hard working, diligent staff and really committed governors whose aim is to make the school the best it can be for the people who really count-the children!
The role of a governor is not particularly easy as our current education system is very much focused on results and this can exert considerable pressure on both staff and children. At Wolviston I feel that the staff and governors want the children to achieve their full potential but not just with regard to test scores. They also want them to enjoy school and to be the recipients of a fully rounded education. Towards this end I find it particularly pleasing to note the way in which the school engages with outside agencies in order to broaden the range of learning experiences available to the children.
I also feel that I am aided in my role as a governor by the insight I am given into the workings of the local community by being a communicant member of the congregation of St Peter’s Church, Wolviston where I am involved in reaching out to family groups through our Praise & Play Friday Services and our monthly child friendly Second Sunday Services. I also represent St Peter’s on The Billingham Team Parish Church Council and at meetings of the Stockton Deanery Synod. I have found the skills needed to fulfil these roles to be invaluable in complementing and supporting my efforts to fulfil my duties as a governor of Wolviston Primary School.
I consider it to be an honour and a privilege to be a governor at Wolviston-it is so rewarding to be in the company of people who are determined to ensure that the school is a place that celebrates the positive joy of education for its own sake and influences children to become lifelong learners!
Mrs. G. Thirlaway – Co-opted Governor
I have been a Governor at Wolviston Primary School for over seven years. I have a close affinity with the school as my eldest grandson was a pupil until 2011and Head Boy in his Y6 year. My eldest granddaughter attended Wolviston School from Nursery until Y5 before moving on to her new school.
As grandparents my husband and I attended numerous events held at the school and have marvelled at the professionalism of the staff and the enthusiasm of the children. Being a governor is hugely rewarding especially during the transition from a Local Authority school to Academy status but it has also provided me with the opportunity see the hard work of the excellent staff who have given all of the children who attend the school a well- grounded, focused education and have continued to do so during the exceptionally hard times of the last 18 months.
I started my working career in the late 60’s with County Durham Library Service where I was given the opportunity to continue gaining my qualifications. I continued through the reorganisation of county boundaries from Co Durham to Teesside, Teesside to Cleveland and finally Cleveland to Stockton Library Service from where I retired almost eight years ago.
I worked in a number of schools during my working life on numerous projects, some in partnership with Oasis and Surestart. I ran children’s and teenage Reading Groups, presented certificates at school assemblies, became a Storyteller and visited school on reading days, World Book Day and I have been a part of the team working at the National Children’s Book Festival whenever I have had the opportunity. I have also worked with dementia groups and a number of groups who work with vulnerable adults.
Since retirement I have become a member of Wolviston WI, renewed my enthusiasm for knitting by joining St Peter’s “In Stitches” group, become part of the team hosting a Praise and Play pre-school Christian service held at St Peter’s church each Friday and most recently I have become a Steering Committee member of the Tees Valley Village Halls Network Committee.
I still consider being a school governor at Wolviston an honour and a privilege as it is a truly outstanding and caring school which is very much at the heart of the village community. I will challenge decisions if I feel the need to and to support the staff as they endeavour to provide our children with the education, life skills and confidence to reach their full potential as they face up to today’s challenges. To be a Governor at Wolviston School is a challenge I am immensely proud to accept.
Mr. B. Bunn – Co-opted Governor
I have lived in Wolviston village since 1999, having grown up in Billingham through the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s, and as such I have a strong affinity with the area in general, and our beautiful village in particular, with our son previously attending the school.
I left school (Brunner in Billingham) at 16 years old, and have spent my full working life involved, in many different aspects of Engineering, both locally, nationally, and internationally, with the last 10 years spent establishing and growing a successful engineering design and project management company which employed over 90 local people at its peak.
In late 2022, and having recently retired, I was excited to accept the opportunity to take up a co-opted Governor role at our fantastic village school. I feel my management and business experience gained from over 40 years working in the private sector will allow me to support the school in many ways.
As governors, we will strive to help the school achieve its short, medium, and long term strategic goals, whilst providing the highest possible quality learning experience and life skills for its pupils.
Finally, I do consider it an honour and a privilege to be a governor at Wolviston Primary School.
Mrs. J. Whitehill – Staff Elected Governor
I have been a teacher in a variety of Primary Schools for 30 years. I love teaching and find it an immensely rewarding job. I am proud to teach at Wolviston Primary School where the staff work hard together to help our pupils grow into confident, caring and responsible young citizens.
I believe in child-centred learning enabling all children to succeed and develop their ability to think independently. I provide a safe environment where children are actively encouraged to make choices and take risks. I take the time to get to know my children so I can fully support their academic learning and their emotional resilience.
I enjoy working with governors who support and challenge us to ensure that our vision of ‘Small School, Big Dreams – Learning, Caring, Succeeding Together’ is achieved.
Mrs. J. Newton – Parent Elected Governor
I was delighted to join the governing body as a Parent-Governor in October 2022. I am passionate about my children’s education and I would like to have a positive impact on every child’s journey through Wolviston Primary School. I believe that all children should be given the opportunity to fulfil their potential in a positive and happy school setting and I believe we are so lucky to have a school where strong values are embedded into education. In particular, I love how our small school promotes strong friendships across all year groups. Children are taught to care for each other, and to show respect both in school and in the wider community. Most importantly the mental health and wellbeing of pupils has become a key part of teaching and learning. Wolviston Primary certainly delivers on its vision and I’m proud to be part of a proactive team that strive to maintain high standards throughout.
In the past, I have worked as a Textile Designer and Colourist, a Visiting Lecturer and an Additional Needs Support Worker. More recently, I am very proud to have been a stay-at-home parent for my three children. Now my family are a little older, I feel ready to give my time and skills to the future success of Wolviston Primary. I believe that my interpersonal skills and creative thinking are well suited to this role. My experience as a parent has given me complete faith in the school as a whole, however, I feel able to challenge any decisions that have an impact on our children’s education. I am keen to attend future training opportunities and I will endeavour to learn more about our amazing school.
Mrs. V. Morrow – Parent Elected Governor
I live in Wolviston village with my husband and 2 daughters and my eldest daughter is currently in Reception at Wolviston Primary.
I have been a primary school teacher for over 20 years and worked in a range of different settings. I have been deputy head teacher in my current school for over 10 years. I am deputy designated safeguarding lead in my current setting so constantly make sure I keep up-to-date with legislation around safeguarding and keeping children safe in education. As a governor it will allow me to share my experiences and expertise to support the school in providing the best opportunities for all children. I am willing to challenge and be a critical friend to allow for the best possible outcomes for all children. I believe that every child has the right to a rich and innovative curriculum where they are encouraged to be the best they can be and where their aspirations can become a reality.
Mrs. S. Hawes – Headteacher/Governor
As the Head Teacher of Wolviston Primary School, I am also a school governor. I really enjoy working as a teacher, and have worked in a variety of schools in the North East. Working in partnership with parents, I am determined to make a positive difference to the children and families I serve. I am very proud to be from Teesside, returning home after university to marry and raise my family. Being a parent enables me to fully understand the pressures of working full time and balancing the demands of a busy family life. I am privileged to be the Head Teacher at Wolviston Primary and thoroughly enjoy working closely with staff and governors, who are very supportive and offer their support and challenge, to ensure that our school vision and aims are achieved.
Governor Attendance 2023 – 2024
Governor Attendance 2022 – 2023
