White's Wood Academy Governing Body

Having spent several years in the classroom in primary settings, I made the move to Headship in 2016 when I was initially appointed at White’s Wood Academy. I have since become Head at Mercer’s Wood Academy too and bring a drive for continuous improvement, built on consistency and a relentless work ethic to the schools and trust.

Prior to embarking on a teaching career, I was a tennis coach in Sheffield. This not only helped me to develop my teaching skills, but also gave me a wealth of experience in various settings, including numerous schools, and the opportunity to work with people of all ages. I will continue to apply myself fully in my current roles for the benefit of the children and families that we serve. I have also served as a Governor at East Markham Primary School. This role gave me further insight into the workings of other schools, particularly in a different Local Authority, and has helped me to develop my skills and offer support to a less experienced Head & Leadership team.

Away from work, I have been married to Sarah for several years and we have two kind, inquisitive and fun-loving children. Spending time watching them grow and develop is the way that most of my time away from work is spent and there is no alternative I would prefer! We take family holidays when possible, enjoying everything the world has to offer. I have always loved sport, with football, swimming, tennis and, in more recent years, golf being my main interests.

Responsible for Safeguarding

I worked as a logistics and planning manager within the telecoms industry for the best part of twenty years prior to training to become an English teacher. I have been in the teaching profession for seventeen years and I am the English Lead at The Gainsborough Academy where I have worked for six years. I consider myself very fortunate that I love my job.
In order to broaden my horizons in education, as well as serve the community where I work, I became a governor at The Whites Wood Academy a little over a year ago. It has been a pleasure participating in the school’s ‘chatter groups’ and working alongside Mr. Fitzpatrick and the governance team.
Outside of work, I am married with one grown up daughter. I enjoy spending time with family, friends and pets. I enjoy outdoor pursuits -although as I have got older these have become more leisurely and include walking and horse riding.
My daughter is a keen equestrian and works locally, splitting her time between a racing yard and helping a professional show jumper exercise his horses.

I am thrilled to be part of the Governance Team at White’s Wood Academy. As a dedicated staff member, I have experienced first-hand the school’s unwavering commitment to its pupils. While my current role has been deeply fulfilling, I am eager to expand my contributions by serving as a Governor. Over the past eight years, I have worked at the school as both a trainee and teacher, gaining valuable experience across all year groups.
Previously, I successfully led the PE curriculum, working closely with the Headteacher to manage Sports Premium funding, enhance curriculum offerings, and create a culture that supports pupils’ health and wellbeing, while engaging the local community. My success in leading subjects has recently allowed me to take on the leadership of mathematics within the school, while continuing my role as computing lead. Within this role, I have developed a clearer understanding for what is needed to develop a core subject.
I have always shown a deep commitment to developing my own practice and that is why I have recently started to apply the knowledge gathered during an NPQ in Behaviour and Culture, into the school setting. This is through the shadowing of our current Behaviour lead. In addition, I have also recently embarked on the pursuit of another NPQ, this time in Leading Primary Mathematics, in order to ensure that I am fully equipped within my role as maths lead.
As a Governor, I am committed to supporting the ongoing development of the school, maintaining the high standards our children deserve, and further solidifying its role within the wider community. I look forward to contributing to the school’s vision and ensuring the best outcomes for all pupils.

Responsible for oversight of Local Governing Bodies

Responsible for Curriculum & Standards

My name is Karen and I have been married to Richy, a retired train driver for over 21 years. We have a 21 year old daughter who also attended what was then called White’s Wood Lane school. She still has fond memories of the school and was there at the time the school transitioned from a Local Authority school to an Academy. In my spare time I love to be in my craft room creating handmade birthday cards, journals and paper crafted gifts. My favourite place to be is near the sea and my husband and I are looking forward to our first cruise later this year. My life at White’s Wood Academy began in 1975 when I started in what was then called Year One, with my teacher Miss Ogden. It was at this time that my love and loyalty to the school began.

I began working at White’s Wood in 2009 in the kitchen serving food to the children at lunchtime. I soon found that I enjoyed working with the children so much that I decided to become an MSA (dinner lady) and, in time, the Senior MSA. It was while I was Senior MSA that I was asked to work one to one with a child who was struggling with their emotions. I was there to give them extra support emotionally so that they could feel happier and safer within school. I enjoyed this role so much and felt I had made a real difference to the child so I jumped at the chance to train as an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. I began my role as an ELSA in the year before lockdown and I continued to work with children that were struggling emotionally and socially until October 2024. This was a job I truly loved and one in which I got to see children become more settled and able to thrive within school and their personal life.

Unfortunately, my time as an ELSA came to end in October 2024 when I took early retirement due to ill health. My passion and love for White’s Wood Academy meant I needed to keep a connection to the school so I changed my role from Staff Governor to Community Governor so I could continue to offer support and challenge to the school team, and also be able to see the children continue to be the best that they can be.

I believe no matter how good a school is, it should always strive to be better and it is this ethos that will keep us always moving forward at White’s Wood Academy. We believe that our children will leave White’s Wood Academy as positive, healthy children who are well prepared for their future.

Responsible for Finance and Sports & Pupil Premium Funding

I have worked in the food industry for the past 25 years, predominantly in Technical but more recently as a Regional Sales Manager. I have lived in Gainsborough for my whole life and have 3 previous years' experience on the Governing team at a local infant's school. My son is currently attending Whites Wood Lane in his second year and is flourishing at this wonderful and friendly school. The school prides itself in providing an inclusive, safe and engaging environment for their children and this is something I am proud to be a part of. As a parent governor, I look forward to continuing my support of the school and providing healthy challenge and guidance to the best of my ability.

Responsible for SEND

I have two children aged 11 and 13, both of whom have attended White’s Wood Academy and thrived while they were there. White’s Wood Academy has always been a warm and welcoming environment that champions inclusion and encourages acceptance.
For the last four years, I have been employed by a primary specialist academy as a SEND Administration Officer. This role has given me the opportunity to develop my knowledge and experience in the areas of SEND and safeguarding. I have been a staff governor for the last two years and have enjoyed learning more about the strategic decisions that are made ‘behind the scenes’.
I recently joined the White’s Wood Academy Local Governing Body as a parent governor with responsibility for SEND and hope to use my experience and knowledge to support this wonderful school, it’s staff and pupils.

Responsible for Behaviour & Attendance

I am a Police Response Officer for Lincolnshire Police. Prior to this, I was a PCSO for 5 years covering the Gainsborough up-hills area and it was during this time that I worked closely with White’s Wood Academy. I have lived in Gainsborough most of my life and like to get involved with local community projects. I see my role as providing assistance and support where possible to the staff and help them where possible to continue to provide the best possible education for the pupils.

Telephone: 0345 548 7000 (Option 1, then 6)