Mrs Rowena White (Chair of Governors): 

                                                                             

Hi, I’m Rowena. I have 2 children at Sandal Castle – in Year 4 and Year 2 and I’ve been privileged to serve on the Governing Body, for 3 years. I joined initially as a Parent Governor and was then elected as Chair of Governors.

I am the Commercial Director for a large Produce supplier, so am used to handling complex data, large budgets and strategic planning and decisions -all of which have come in very handy for being a governor!

What has surprised me the most about my governor experience, is the strategic element of the role and how much there has been to learn about policy, legislation etc. We do not get involved in the organisational / day to day running of the school -but provide oversight and governance around the financial planning and curriculum standards of the school, in line with the school development plan.

I find it very fulfilling knowing that the oversight and role we play now, has a long term impact for the school and future experience for Children, as much as it does for those attending now.

 

Alison Pridmore (Foundation Governor, and Vice Chair of the Governing Board):

I have been a member of the governing board of Sandal Castle since 2019. As a member of a local church, I was appointed as a foundation governor. However, I am also a parent of one child currently in the school and two other children who have previously been pupils at Sandal Castle. All my children have greatly benefitted from the educational and nurturing environment at Sandal Castle and it is now my privilege to be involved in the governance of the school in order to continue to develop this vision for other current and future students.

I have a background in science, obtaining a PhD in microbiology and immunology before working as a research scientist in the same field. For the last few years, I have been concentrating my efforts on raising my family and have been involved in many different volunteering activities both within my church and throughout the wider community; with a particular interest in roles supporting families and children.

I strongly believe that all children deserve a rich education and diverse opportunities so that they can develop to their full potential and discover their unique and special place in the world.

 

 

Louise Adams (Local Authority)

Hi, I’m Louise. I applied to become a Local Authority Governor in 2023. I have two children at Sandal Castle Primary so I'm happy to be able to support the school in delivering a high quality of education for all in a positive environment. Having an opportunity to improve standards and gain more knowledge about the policies driving the curriculum were my main reasons for applying for the role. I’m very much enjoying being part of the governing body and looking forwards to getting involved with schools' future initiatives.

 

Reverend Hannah Smith (Foundation)

 

Revd Hannah Smith is the Vicar of Sandal Magna, a parish in South Wakefield with two churches: St. Helen’s Sandal and St. Paul’s Walton.  Hannah moved to Sandal in September 2022 and was previously Vicar of two churches in East Leeds where she acted as Governor of All Saints Church of England Primary School in Richmond. 

 

  Natalie Jackson (Foundation)

 

 

Hi, I’m Natalie, and I am one of the Foundation Governors at Sandal Castle Primary School.

For many years, life in and out of work has led to many opportunities to work with children and families, both in schools and as part of St Helen’s Church community.

Being a Foundation Governor involves overseeing the school’s values, ethos, and long-term vision whilst ensuring that our school maintains its unique character and identity as a Church of England VA school.

For me, being a school governor is a rewarding way to use my skills and make a positive impact on education. It also provides an opportunity to support school’s leadership and ensure the best outcomes for children at this school.

 

Matthew Norman (Parent Governor) 

 

Hi, I’m Matt, one of the Parent Governors at Sandal Castle.  I have 2 children at the school and I’m pleased to be able to support the school to deliver a positive outcome and experience for all our children.  I’m a Chartered Accountant in the NHS, so I’m used to dealing with tight budgets and competing priorities whilst driving the best service possible.

I’m enjoying supporting (and challenging) the Senior Leadership Team with their plans for the school and working for the benefit of children now and in the future.  Feel free to stop me for a chat if you see me around school or out and about.

 

Marree Crossley (Foundation Governor) 

 

Hi, I'm Maree. 

I am delighted to have joined the Governing  Body  of Sandal Castle Primary School as a Foundation Governor. I am a retired teacher with over 30 years of experience in education, and I have always been passionate about helping children achieve their full potential.  

 

Education has been an important part of my life, and I hope to bring my experience and understanding of teaching and learning to support the school community. As a grandparent to four grandchildren, aged between 8 and 15, I have a continued interest in the education and wellbeing of young people.  

 

As a member of the local church, I value the strong link between faith and education and look forward to supporting the school in upholding its Christian ethos and values. I am excited to work alongside staff, pupils, parents, and fellow governors to help the school continue to thrive.

 

 

 

Our school's financial benchmarking data 

https://schools-financial-benchmarking.service.gov.uk/Search#:~:text=Compare%20a%20school%20or%20trust's,schools%20or%20multi%2Dacademy%20trusts.

Click below to read some of our Governor documents: 

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