Governor Information
If you wish to get in touch with the governors to compliment the work of the school or pass on a concern or criticism, please pass this through the school office. If the message is confidential, please ensure it is in an envelope marked as such and include your contact details so that the governors can address you directly without needing to ask the school to provide contact details.
Mr Tristan Marini - Chair of Governors
Parent governor – appointed by parents
Date of appointment: February 2019
Attendance 2019/2020: 100%
Term of office: 4 years
Responsibility: Church & Living Well Subject Team
Mrs Gill Wright
Co-opted governor – appointed by the governing body
Date of appointment: March 2014
Attendance 2019/2020: 100%
Term of office: 4 years
Responsibility: Educational Visits coordinator
Communication Subject Team
I have been a governor at Sutton upon Derwent school since March 2014.
I am a retired teacher, having worked in Primary, Secondary and prison education.
I decided to become a governor because I was keen to become involved in the local community. I am a volunteer in the Star reading project in the school and look forward to my Wednesday mornings with the children, I have two other volunteering jobs working with York Cats’ Protection and as a receptionist at St. Leonards Hospice.
Mrs Susannah Baines
Co-opted governor, appointed by the governing body.
Date of appointment: Oct 2010
Attendance 2019/2020: 88.9%
Term of office: 4 years
Responsibility: EYFS & Phonics
I have been a governor of Sutton upon Derwent school since 2010. After graduating in English and Drama from University I worked in recruitment in London until leaving to start a family.
I moved to Yorkshire as my husband, from Malton, was headhunted in 2005 by a company in York. I live in Sutton upon Derwent and have two sons, one completing University and one already graduated and in his first full time job.
Throughout my sons' time at school I was involved in fundraising and have been Chairman of Parents' Associations.
I am a trained singer, heavily involved with local theatre, performing regularly with Pick me up Theatre in York but it's on a Thursday that I am a real STAR for Sutton School, hearing readers of all ages, a role I love.
Mr Bracken Holtby
Executive Headteacher – Voting ability
Mr Nathan Edwards - Vice Chair
Parent governor – appointed by parents
Date of appointment:
Attendance 2019/2020: N/A
Term of office: 4 years
Responsibility: STEM Subject Team
Aside from being a Parent Governor, I work at Leeds City College as Head of SEND and Vulnerable Students. I am proud to be in a position where I can ensure the college is an inclusive place of study for all students irrespective of their personal barriers, educational attainment, and previous experiences. Since becoming a qualified teacher and later through studying a BA (Hons) in Education, I developed a strong sense that the quality and creativity of the delivery of education is a cornerstone of the success of what we hope to be achieved, no matter the age of learners involved.
To relax, I enjoy reading historical fiction which is a genre that captivates my interest and links to my pursuit of appreciating the importance learning from those that have gone before us. I enjoy the outdoors and value living in the countryside along side the local community.
Miss Rachel Earnshaw
Parent governor – appointed by parents
Date of appointment: Feb 2015
Attendance 2019/2020: 100%
Term of office: 4 years
Responsibility: Child Protection & Safeguarding,
SEN, Pupil Premium & LAC
Our World Subject Team
I have been a governor since February 2015 and enjoy contributing to our school community.
I work for the TCV a national environmental charity. Based in York I am the Senior Youth and Community project officer. My role is split into supporting community groups in developing and funding their projects and working with young people and families to encourage environmental awareness and responsibility.
I have qualifications in zoology and fundraising. I love nature and run the local music group for toddlers.
Mrs Zoe Jones
Staff Governor– appointed by staff
Date of appointment: April 2018
Attendance 2019/2020: 100%
Term of office: 4 years
Responsibility: Health & Safety
I have been a staff governor at Sutton upon Derwent School since 2018. I hold the position of Teaching Assistant in Class 4, however my background lies within engineering (I was a consultant engineer working in the water industry prior to having my third child), so I have a particular interest in the STEM aspects of the curriculum.
In addition to being a member of staff, I am also in the rather unique position of having two of my children currently attending the school, something which I feel brings a slightly different perspective, and a more holistic approach to the role of governor.
Previous Governors
Mrs Anna Hastie - Vice Chair
Parent governor – appointed by parents
Date of appointment: April 2016 until 2020
Attendance 2019/2020: 83%
Term of office: 4 years
Responsibility: SEND and Pupil Premium governor
Mrs Debbie Braithwaite-Hall
Foundation governor – appointed by the Church authorities.
Date of appointment: Jan 2015 to August 2020
Attendance 2019/2020: 83%
Term of office: 4 years
Responsibility: Religious Education & Sport
How our governing body is structured
Governors are organised into two committees; ‘Curriculum Standards & Spiritual Awareness’ and ‘Leadership & Management’. These two committees meet separately every term and jointly for Full Governor’s meetings with Bugthorpe School, the other school in the collaboration. Committees with delegated responsibilities allow governors to work on key areas of school improvement in detail, developing expertise and then reporting back to the joint meeting. The membership of the committees are as follows;