Meet our Governors

Chair of Governors

In 2019, after 43 years of peripatetic military service, my wife and I followed our children and grandchildren to Yorkshire; returning to my mother’s native territory. With a background in personnel, administration, finance, assurance and policy writing, and a desire to volunteer in the community, I joined the Barlby Bridge School (BBS) Governor’s Board in 2020, where my grandchildren were pupils; I was elected Chair of Governors in July 2023. I am also a member of the North Yorkshire [Schools Financial] Forum, which monitors the Council’s spending on education. 

Having retired into COVID-19 lockdown, my hobbies and interests (alongside my commitment to BBS) have so far been limited to grandparenting, sorting our new home, reading, current affairs and suitable retirement keep-fit. In the future, my wife and I hope to take a few more holidays and perhaps involve ourselves in other local activities.

Vice Chair of Governors

My name is Helen Dawson and I work in the Rail Industry as a Programme Manager.  I have spent most of my career in Human Resources until recently when I made a move into Operations.  Outside of work I like to spend time with friends and family, I also like gardening and travelling.  

I decided to apply for the role of school governor because I have some spare time and I wanted to use the skills that I have developed over my career to support others.  When I saw the advert for school governor at Barlby Bridge Primary School, I felt that this role would be perfect for me.  In addition to the role of school governor I also support young people writing a CV and developing their interview techniques to secure their first role.

My name is Helen Malt and I am a retired primary head teacher. Prior to teaching, I worked in the financial sector. I am a wife, mother and grandma, and love spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy travelling, reading and walking. I currently tutor for a couple of afternoons a week in a primary school in West Yorkshire and applied to be a governor at Barlby Bridge School so that I could continue to use my skill set to support others.

My name is Sarah Craggs, and I am delighted to be serving as a governor for our school. With 12 years of experience in education, teaching in both Key Stage One and Key Stage Two, along with my role as a private tutor, I hope to bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to this position. I have a passion for nurturing learning, ensuring opportunities for all pupils and observing children achieve their full potential. Having spent over a decade at Barlby Bridge in various capacities, I am thrilled to continue my engagement with the school community as a governor.

My name is Lucy Bentley and I am a staff governor for Barlby Bridge School. I work as a teacher at the school, as well as SENCO, designated safeguarding lead, mental health lead and take a lead on the school's PE curriculum. I enjoy working as part of the governing body to represent the school's views and work strategically to drive the school forward to achieve great things. The school has made significant amount of progress in the time I have worked here, and I am optimistic that with a strong governing body we are able to continue to grow.

My name is Andrew Twineham.  I was pleased to be invited to join the Board of Barlby Bridge Primary School in December 2024. I grew up in Selby where I attended Selby County Primary School followed by Selby High School.  After school I studied law at Birmingham University.   I then practised as a solicitor in the North-East for many years.  I  specialised in employment law and industrial relations. During this time I was a governor at a college of further education on Teesside. I returned to Selby in 2016.   I now work as a verger at Selby Abbey where I am also a member of the bellringing team. I look forward to giving something back to my local community by working with  everyone involved at Barlby Bridge Primary School to help secure a bright future for all our children.

My name is Louise Wigglesworth, I am a Parent Governor at Barlby Bridge School. 

My name is Katy Spinks, I am a Parent Governor at Barlby Bridge School.