Chair of the governing board
My son attended Penny Acres from reception through to the end of year 6, and my daughter is currently Penny Acres and thoroughly enjoying her time there. I was co-opted on to the Penny Acres Primary School governing body in March 2018 and so was part of the governing body as we federated with Wigley Primary School, later being elected Chair at the end of 2019. The governing body is responsible for the oversight of the management of each of the schools, offering a critical ear to the Head Teacher and ensuring robust accountability, and it is a privilege to be part of this.
During the day, I work as an independent mortgage adviser, working with a wide variety of homeowners, to ensure they receive the best advice on the mortgage most suitable to their individual circumstances. Working within a highly regulated environment has given me a vast array of transferable skills to take in to my governor role.
I’m a big rugby fan, and in my spare time, I enjoy watching live games, and volunteer as a coach of a junior rugby team in Dronfield. I enjoy imparting some of my experience of the game to the new generation, and I’m currently working towards my England Rugby Coaching Award.
Parent Governor
I am a parent of two children at Wigley Primary School and Parent Governor (Vice Chair) for the Federation. I aim to bring my lifelong passion for learning and development, and experience of teaching to the role. I am enjoying getting to know both schools and gaining the knowledge and skills needed to support the Federation.
It is an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to support two wonderful rural schools in providing the best education for each and every child that attends.
I have dedicated the last few years to raising my three children and playing my part in the running of our family farm. My love for Wigley extends beyond governance to being Chair of the PTFA and finding any opportunity I can to come in and be part of school alongside these wonderful children. When I'm not in school you will find me enjoying music, nature, and learning about personal development on the farm I am blessed to call my home.
Executive Headteacher
I am very proud to be the Executive Headteacher of two wonderful, quintessentially rural, Derbyshire schools, having moved to the Federation in November 2018 after previously working in the Bolsover area for 15 years.
I am passionately committed to improving the outcomes for all of the pupils in our Federation in order that they can reach their full potential and be proud of their achievements. I do this through encouraging a strong sense of family, a respect and tolerance of others and through an unwavering belief that every pupil can achieve - a vison passionately shared by staff in both schools.
As Headteacher, I will continue to strive to maintain and raise the standards of both schools in the Federation, ensuring that both schools, pupils and parents make positive contributions to our fabulous communities.
I am married with two children (aged 10 and 13) and in what spare time I have, I enjoy Motorcycle Trials riding, fishing and walking with my family in the countryside we are very fortunate to have on our doorstep.
Parent Governor
As a parent governor at my daughter's school, I am committed to ensuring that all children receive the best possible education and a well-rounded school experience.
I chose to take on this role to learn more about the federation and assist where possible, and have been very impressed thus far with the insight that I have received as a governor.
In my day job, I work as a dentist and am heavily involved in the governance at my workplace. I have been surprised with the number of similarities in policies, protocols & requirements etc., which hopefully allows me to be well placed in this role.
I aim to bring a parental perspective to decision-making and hope that every child has access to opportunities that allow them to reach their full potential.
I look forward to working alongside the fantastic staff in the federation, fellow governors, and parents to help make a positive difference to the school community.