The 3 core functions of our Governing Body are

1.  Setting the school vision. (agreed to remain simple as) 

"Learning Together, Growing Stronger."

2.  Holding the Headteacher to account for the school's educational

performance. (Governors look at data twice a year, visit school to see

children learning, discuss and challenge. This is evidenced in minutes

of our meetings.)

3.  Ensuring money is well spent. (Two governors meet three times a year

with our school finance team to a gain deeper understanding of

our budget and provide challenge.)

Financial Information

Here is a link to a website which provides financial information about Alwoodley Primary School - the schools financial benchmarking service:

https://schools-financial-benchmarking.service.gov.uk/school/detail?urn=107912

Please ask if you would like to know more about the role

of governors or are interested in being one.

Here is an introduction

from some of our Governors

Hi, I’m Chris, and I’m very pleased to be joining the board of governors at Alwoodley Primary School.

I have lived in the Leeds area all my life. As a child I lived in Otley, and went to secondary school in Leeds. I went to University in Manchester, where I studied English, returning to live in Leeds when my studies were complete.

I have spent most of my working life in the retail and wholesale clothing industry. I was a director of a Leeds based menswear retailer and wholesaler for many years. Most recently I was the Managing Director of a school uniform supplier. I also worked for three years in my family’s furniture retail business based in Otley. I have two grown up children who live and work in London.

I’m a keen sports fan and player. I enjoy watching most sports and I play tennis, cricket and golf as often as I can. I also like hill walking. I have a static caravan in the Lake District, and a touring caravan. My other big love is music. I play guitar, bass and keyboards and I’m in a 60s band and a rock and roll band. I have lots of guitars, a banjo and a double bass called Twiggy.

Hi my name is Rebecca Clarke and I am very proud of being a governor at Alwoodley Primary School.

I have been a governor for a number of years and have thoroughly enjoyed my role. I am currently Vice-Chair of Governors and also the link governor for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

Although my husband and I are from Manchester, we have lived in Leeds since graduating from the University of Leeds (many moons ago) and have lived in Alwoodley for 15 years.  I have two children Max, who is taking a year out before university and also Madeleine, who is in year 11 at Allerton High School. 

Both Max and Madeleine attended Alwoodley Primary School and loved it! It is a very special primary school.  The teaching, learning experiences and opportunities that the staff continue to provide year after year are second to none.  I am still a governor at Alwoodley Primary long after my children have left as I feel so proud to be part of such an amazing school community.

Although I worked as a UK Marketing Manager for a big European company for many years, I now work as a HLTA at another local primary school predominately teaching French.  I love both my roles as a HLTA and as a governor because I want to help children to achieve the very best that they can and love their time at school – just as I did!  I hope that as a governor at Alwoodley I can contribute to the success and happiness of the children and our school.

My hobbies include listening to music of all types (I play the piano and clarinet), reading and travel.   My favourite band is The Stone Roses.  We love to travel and go to the seaside and are very lucky because my family live on Anglesey.   I also run and have completed a number of 10K runs.

My name is Harvinder Sehmbey. I have been a Governor since January 2014. I love supporting the school and spending time with the children. I hope that as a Governor at Alwoodley I can contribute to the success and happiness of the children at our school.

I enjoy this role as it helps me to understand the school, and gives me an insight into the teaching and how I can contribute to the running of the school. 

I have two children who attend Alwoodley Primary School and the After School Club. They both love attending the school.

I am a Solicitor and have lived in Leeds and the Alwoodley area since 2004. Most of my family live in Leeds, although I originally was born and brought up in Derby.  

My hobbies include reading, experiencing new places and different types of food, cooking, travelling, going to the cinema, and clothes shopping!

I love visiting new places, and experiencing new things. The last daring thing I tried was paragliding, because I am afraid of heights. However, I loved this experience.

My name is Joanne Hopton. I have been a Governor since October 2017. I am a qualified primary school teacher and currently work in teacher education. Being a Governor will provide me with the opportunity to work closely with school to pass

on knowledge and experience gained from my role and share practice from other settings, helping the children of Alwoodley to be the best that they can be.

I’m Ian and I joined the governing body of Alwoodley Primary towards the end of 2019. Alwoodley is a wonderful school and I’m so happy to be able to contribute to and be part of the school community. My two children love attending the school and I have been so impressed with how all staff really get to know them so well.

I moved to Leeds from Ireland in the early 2000’s and after completing a masters degree in film music, I embarked on a teaching career that has seen me work in many different types of schools in West Yorkshire. I currently teach music in a local school where I am also the lead for teaching and learning.

I am particularly interested in academic motivation, mindset and resilience. I also have an interest in SEN and LGBT issues.

Outside of education, I love hiking, reading, playing the piano and any outdoor adventures with the kids (except camping!)

I am delighted to be part of the governing body at Alwoodley Primary School.  I currently work as a Senior Educational and Child Psychologist.  Supporting all pupils to access a positive inclusive school experience is a long standing professional interest of mine. I am also a strong advocate for effective mental health support in schools and the vital role teachers and school staff can play in developing resilience in their pupils. I have a specialism in supporting children in the care system, which is of huge importance to me.  

I am proud mum to two children who attend Alwoodley Primary School. Outside of work my interests are fairly simple and involve having fun with my family! My husband and I are keen travellers and some of my favourite places I have been lucky enough to visit are Macchu Picchu in Peru, Petra in Jordan and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. I like to set myself personal challenges which in the past have included doing skydives and Total Warrior.  I am a big fan of the arts, particularly theatre, and when time allows I like to bury my head in a good book. 

I really value the role Governors play in supporting schools and am really keen to work alongside school staff to build on the schools strengths.

My name is Claire and I am  a part time working mum currently employed by Platform Housing Group managing the quality assurance of Projects. Prior to this I worked for First Direct bank for over 20 years where I managed customer service standards.

I am delighted to be part of the schools board of governors, being able to help shape and support the future of education for all our children. I have 2 gorgeous, funny, strong willed little girls who attend Alwoodley Primary school and so have first hand experience of how the school works in practise.

Out of work I enjoy spending time with my family, going out and about exploring new places and also taking time out for me where I can very easily get lost in a good tv series.

I believe all our children deserve the best we can give them and I am passionate about helping the school achieve this.

Hi, I'm Sophie and I am really pleased to be joining the governing body at Alwoodley Primary School. I am a mother of three young children and my daughter has just begun her journey at Alwoodley and is having a wonderful time. I am a primary school teacher but as I'm not currently teaching I'm looking forward to being involved in education in a different way now as a Parent Governor and assisting with Alwoodley’s future progression and continued outstanding achievements.