Governors

I am the Executive Headteacher at Middleham VA and Spennithorne VC CE Primary Schools and was appointed from September 2021.  Both schools are in truly are beautiful locations and I feel blessed to have the privilege to help shape the future of our federation.  

I live in Richmond with my husband and two teenage-boys and our dog, Shadow.

I have been teaching for over 20 years, working in a range of primary school settings and have I have had experience of leading in small rural schools for several years.

As a Headteacher Governor I report to the Governing Body on the progress the schools are 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 our federation.

It is a pleasure to work alongside a highly talented staff team who strive to make the school the best learning environment they can for all our amazing 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.

I have been a governor of the Federation for a few years.  I was initially co-opted as a governor working with Mrs Evans (previous headteacher) as a result of my background in safeguarding and skills in digital technologies and leadership.

I recently succeeded Lesley Sweeting as the Chair of Governors for the Federation of Middleham and Spennithorne Schools.  Following on from Lesley’s hard work, I have been pleased to work closely with Mrs Mann to implement a programme of school and governance improvement measures with a view to delivering what these children deserve: the best possible experience of primary education.

As a former student of Spennithorne school, a lifelong resident of the area and a parent of two children in the federation, I feel a deep responsibility to the children registered at our schools.  As such, I’m always open to suggestions for improvements, wherever they come from.  I’m very approachable and usually do the school run to both sites at least a couple of times a week, so if you see me in the playground, feel free to come over and say hello as I’d love to get to know more of the parents.

I’m Liz Moody, an associate governor, and with my husband, Jeff Payne, co-rector of the local parish.

I was a school teacher before I was ordained – in primary schools to begin with, but eventually in a high school in Wembley where I was in the Learning Support department but also taught RE.

As a governor, my focus is on the vision, Collective Worship and RE. I have also recently completed the Safer Recruitment training.

In my spare time I like to potter in the garden and try to grow veg in my veg plot, spend time with family and friends, and walk our dog in the beautiful Dales countryside.

I am delighted to have been appointed as the Local Authority Governor for the Federation of Middleham and Spennithorne Schools in December 2022. I am a qualified teacher and have worked at The Wensleydale School & Sixth Form for the past 5 years. My current role at The Wensleydale School & Sixth Form is as the Music and Hospitality & Catering Teacher, Key Stage 3 Progress Leader & Key Stage 3 Designated Safeguard Lead.

I am originally from the Peak District, Derbyshire and move up here when I started my job at The Wensleydale School & Sixth Form. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the picturesque local area on my mountain bike, playing squash and spending time with my family and friends.

I have been appointed Link Governor for Safeguarding and the Chair for the Curriculum Committee. I am really passionate about ensuring all students receive a well rounded education and are prepared for success in future learning, future careers and active citizenship in a dynamic and diverse global environment. In the short time I have been the Local Authority Governor, I have really enjoyed contributing to the strategic direction of the school and I look forward to my continued work as part of the Middleham and Spennithorne Federation community.

To be written

I take great pride to have been elected as the Parent Govenor for the Federation of Middleham and Spennithorne School in December 24.

Some of you may or may not recognize me as I spent my formative years in Wensleydale but I left the area to attend a Manufacturing Engineering Degree. Having successfully obtained my degree I pursued a career in the automotive industry. From my work experience of working for several large international corporations over 2 decades I had progressed from an engineer to a senior leadership role. 

During covid and following the birth of our son Ruben, we decided to bring up our family in a nice environments whilst being closer to family and opted to return to live in Wensleydale in 2020. 

As a family we love holidays / travelling, walking our goofy labrador Barney, playing and watching football. 

I am approachable and a good listener so please feel free to express any concerns and / or positive feedback so I can ensure the parents voice is represented in the school governing body.  

I currently try to do the Friday afternoon pickups at Spennithorne so if you see me, do feel free to come and have a chat.