Mr John Barrett (Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor)

I am a co-opted governor and was delighted to be asked to be involved with Sir John Barrow School.

Before retirement I was a headteacher for seven years and then worked for the Local Authority for a further ten years. I have particular interests in the areas of special educational needs and safeguarding.

As I governor I hope to support the school to develop and ensure that every child enjoys the best opportunity to thrive.

Captain Matthew Lister (Vice Chair of Governors, Elected Parent Governor)

I was born and raised in Ulverston and now have a family of my own here, with three children all attending SJB.  I currently serve as a Senior Officer in the Royal Navy, having spent 16 years predominantly in the Submarine Service as a Marine Engineering Officer.

A grateful beneficiary of state and sponsored education (I’ve gained Engineering, Science and an Arts Degrees through Military Scholarship), I’m a firm believer in the power of high-quality education to unlock opportunity – and am keen to empower SJB in giving its pupils the best possible start in life.

Mrs Helen Pearson (Headteacher)

I am the Headteacher here at Sir John Barrow School. It is a real privilege to lead such an amazing team of people, including our wonderful children. I have been a headteacher since 2006, in two different schools, joining SJB in January 2012. I have been in teaching for 31 years, predominantly in Cumbria, across 6 different schools including a year teaching in Australia. Currently I am also involved in school improvement work within a local collaborative of schools and through work as an Associate General Advisor for the Local Authority.

Miss Ayasha Gardiner (Staff Governor)

I am the Year 2 teacher and leader of KS1 at Sir John Barrow School. I have been a part of the wonderful team at SJB for 3 years and previously taught at another school in Cumbria. I have a keen interest in Literacy and reading and I am also privileged to work as a Literacy specialist for Orgill English Hub.

Mr Andrew Allan (Elected Parent Governor)

I have lived in Ulverston for all of my life. Two of my children currently attend SJB, with another one following suit in a couple of years time. I currently work for GSK in Ulverston as the Early Talent Lead overseeing the apprentice and graduate programme – I am really passionate about creating bright futures for young people. Building up good relationships with different schools, colleges, and local companies helps me to gain a broad understanding of what ‘good’ looks like for education providers.

I also have passion for health and wellbeing which I hope to be involved with in my new role as school governor.

Miss Charlotte Wraith (Local Authority Governor)

I’m delighted to take on my first governor position at Sir John Barrow Primary School. I am a previous Secondary school teacher and currently work as a Programme Support Manager for Teach First. In this role, I am responsible for a team who deliver initial teacher training, early career development and middle and senior leadership programmes in schools across the North West.

I’m very passionate about education and the power it has to improve equality and access to life opportunities. Young people are our future and they deserve the highest quality provision to build a healthy and happy lives. I enjoy living in Ulverston and making the most of the beautiful countryside on our doorstep and searching out the best places to eat!

Ms Liz Bolt (Co-opted Governor)

I am a retired NHS Consultant Clinical Psychologist, and Clinical Director. I worked in South Cumbria with adults with mental health problems for most of my professional life. I also managed services, developed strategies for change, and delivered training to staff and families. I am keen to work with SJB to think about what else could be done in school to support children with their emotional well-being.

My current hobbies include: dog walking; learning Spanish (just started); spending time with family and friends; walking in high mountains and swimming in warm waters. In the past I was a keen fell runner, and have also taught ballet to young children!

Mrs Rebecca Williamson (Elected Parent Governor)

I have two children in school. SJB is a terrific school – supportive, inclusive and friendly. I’m keen to work as a governor to ensure every child is given the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Part of my day job is data analysis which will help in the discussion of the attainment gaps between the different pupil cohorts. I look forward to contributing to the improvement of an already great school.

I have lived in Ulverston for 13 years and have played for multiple sports teams; I am now encouraging my children to do the same. I love where we live; we spend many weekends up mountains or out on a lake.

Mr Craig Lavery (Parent Governor)

As an employee of BAE systems for over 20 years, I have worked in a range of different teams. I have been a mental health well-being champion for the workforce for the last 5 years and offer a supportive, listening ear.

I was born and raised in Ulverston and have 2 children at SJB and appreciate the support and hard work of the school. I am keen to offer my support in any way I can for the benefit of my own children and others’.

In my spare time I enjoy cycling and running in and around the Lake District.

Mrs Louise Potts (Co-opted Governor)

I am really excited to be invited back to SJB as a co-opted Governor. I have lived in Ulverston all my life and my eldest son thrived during his time at this fabulous school. My youngest son is currently in Reception and I am looking forward to seeing him experience everything that this school has to offer.

Following a 15-year career in the NHS, where I undertook various senior roles including contracts and service management, I now manage our local family business.

I am keen to contribute my skills and experience to the ongoing development of the school and in ensuring all our children are given everything they need to allow them to thrive and succeed.

Cllr Mark Wilson (Associate Member)

Happy to have served two full terms of office as a governor – now I am very pleased to work with the SJB community as an Associate Member.

Mrs Karen Little (Clerk)

I am very proud to work with the outstanding Governing Body at Sir John Barrow School. Governors are very passionate that the highest education standards are provided, and go that extra mile to ensure that all pupils can achieve the best possible outcome. They are also a great pleasure to work with.