Mowbray's School Governors

What is a school governor?
 
School governors are volunteers who help run the school.  Most schools work with a group of school governors - together called 'the governing body', who represent groups such as parents, community, staff and the Local Authority.
 
Our governors help Mowbray Primary School to set high standards by planning for the school's future and setting targets for school improvement, as well as being a 'critical friend' to the school, offering support, challenge and advice.
 
Governors attend full-governing body meetings, half termly committee meetings, they visit the school to scrutinise its work and curriculum and take part in training, both as a group and with school staff.
 

Who are our school governors?

 

Tony Railton

Local Authority Governor – Vice Chair of Governors

Chair of the Policy and Resources committee 

I joined the Governing Body, firstly as a Parent Governor, in 1999 when my now grown-up children were pupils at Mowbray and my wife was very actively involved with the Parents Association. I have been a committed member of the Governing Body these past 17 years, serving on a variety of Committees and project groups, and representing the school at County Council and public events.

My interest and support for the welfare and development of young people also includes work with two others local organisations: I have been the Group Scout Leader of Stakeford Scout Group for several years, having been involved as an adult member of the Scout Movement for over two decades, and I am honoured to serve as a Trustee to Choysez; a fantastic charitable organisation based in Barrington.

Professionally, I made a career change last year and now work as a Leadership Coach, having served the NHS in a variety of nursing, management and senior leadership roles for over 38 years.

 

Chris Sharp

Co-opted Governor

Vice Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee 

I have been a member of the Governing Body since March 2015, having initially got involved through my son’s attendance at the school.

Being a member of the Governing Body allows me to work in close partnership with the school to ensure the children’s best interests are first and foremost, and that every child has the opportunity to learn, whilst having fun.

My background involves over 20 years’ experience working in Information Technology, with over half of this spent in Healthcare. I manage a team of customer support personnel, and I am responsible for service management and project delivery within a large NHS Trust.

As a member of the Policy and Resources Committee I am able to draw on my professional experience to help ensure the school’s various resources are being effectively managed. I also bring to the role a limitless enthusiasm, and have great ambition to work with like minded individuals in further developing the school.

Volunteering as a school governor is a wonderful and unique opportunity, and I feel very privileged to make a positive contribution to the future of so many talented children.

 

Debbie Bullimore

Parent Governor

Chair of the Pupils, Curriculum and Standards Committee

SEND link Governor

I have been a member of the Governing Body since October 2013. After talking about the role of a Governor with a friend I thought it sounded interesting and good to see a different side to school life. Since I have had two children previously attending Mowbray First School and currently have two children in Mowbray Primary School I decided it was a good time to volunteer and become more involved in the future of our school.

As a member of the Pupils, Curriculum and Standards Committee I attend meetings to discuss things like: the curriculum, school visits, Ofsted visits, school data and the school improvement plan. There is a great deal of data/figures to look at but seeing the progress of all our children is something that makes it all worthwhile.

Over the past 17 years I have worked for DWP starting as an Admin Assistant, progressing to Admin Officer then to Team Leader, a role which I have been in for the last 13 years. I have managed teams that process State Pension claims, Quality Assurance teams and currently work on a Security Team.

Being a Governor is very involved but also very rewarding, seeing our children happy, safe and achieving their best.

 

Alison Dodds

Co-Opted Governor

Member of the Pupils, Curriculum and Standards Committee

I retired from Mowbray Primary School in 2023, after enjoying more than ......

 

Maureen Leslie

Co-Opted Governor

Member of the Pupils, Curriculum and Standards Committee

I retired from work in 2018, after enjoying more than 25 years working in schools within the Newcastle Education Authority.  My work was primarily in Key Stage 2. 

I am married with two children, both of whom are teachers.  I have two grandchildren and five step grandchildren.  

My main interests are my family, reading, and a range of crafts using textiles and wool.  I have the dubious honour of being a Newcastle United season ticket holder.

 

Daniel Younger

Parent Governor

Member of the Pupils, Curriculum and Standards Committee

I have been a member of the governing body as a parent governor since November 2020. I became interested in the role as I am passionate about the education of our young people and believe every child deserves the best education to fulfil their potential and lifelong aspirations.

I have previously worked as a Primary School teacher for five years and continue to visit many schools as a supply teacher. During my time as a teacher, I have been responsible for planning and developing areas of the curriculum and implementing these across a network of three schools. Due to my previous experience, I am also a member of the Curriculum and Standards Committee. I am also familiar with scrutinising data and ensuring we are working towards achieving as many of our targets as is possible.

Mowbray Primary School has played an important part in my career in education as I completed part of my teacher training at this school. I now currently have a daughter in Reception and a son who will be joining the school over the next few years, meaning I will have an interest in the development of the school for a long time to come.

 

Andrew Miller

Headteacher

Member of the Pupils, Curriculum and Standards Committee

Member of the Policy and Resources Committee

I have been Headteacher at Mowbray Primary School since September 2015. Previous to working at Mowbray I worked in Blyth as a Deputy Headteacher in a Primary School as well as in a range of roles within a Middle School.

As a Headteacher Governor I report to the Governing Body on the progress the school is making in all areas of our development plan and advise the Chair and other Governors on a range of matters in relation to the strategic development of Mowbray Primary School.

It is a pleasure to work at Mowbray alongside a highly talented staff team who strive to make the school the best learning environment they can for all children. I am very proud of their efforts in developing the school into what it is today.

I look forward to working with everyone in the future on the next stage of our development.

 

Laura Thompson

Parent Governor

Member of the Policy and Resources Committee

I have been a member of the Governing Body since November 2020, as a parent governor and have two children in the school.  I am passionate about supporting the welfare and development of young children as well as ensuring all children are given the opportunity to fulfil their potential.  It is a privilege to be able to volunteer my time to become more involved in the future of our school.

I have worked for the Witness Service for the past 12 years starting off as a volunteer.  I then progressed onto a paid role.  I have spent my time there working in various roles for the organisation.  I currently recruit volunteers for 13 courts across the North East.

As a member of the policy and resources committee I am able to use my professional experiences to ensure the schools policies and resources are up to date and well managed.  As a new governor I am keen to learn and develop myself to ensure I do the best job for the children, staff and the school as a whole.

The role is very rewarding and I feel very privileged to have been elected as a parent governor.

 
 
 
Our governors can be contacted through the main office.