Laura Mason – Chair of Governors

I have been part of the Barwic governing body for a number of years, as Vice Chair of Governors and Chair of the Finance and Premises subcommittee. I am thrilled to be part of a school with dedicated teachers who have a genuine drive to support every young person and the wider community. 

As a Chief Executive of a not-for-profit Education Business Partnership, I am passionate about ensuring that young people are supported to achieve their best next steps, introduced to a rich and broad school experience, which provides them with opportunities to try new things, explore, and develop their interests.

Peter Gorbert  - Co- Chair- Co-Opted Governor

I am the manager of the York, Harrogate & District Branch of the RSPCA and have worked in the charity sector for the last 15 years. When I moved to Selby, I knew I wanted to get involved in the local community and becoming a school governor seemed like the perfect opportunity. I have a passion for education, having studied Education Studies at university and was impressed by the child centred approach at Barwic and the way the team go above and beyond to support every child at the school.

Elaine Exley - Co-opted Governor

I have been a Co-opted Governor of Barwic Parade since 2020 when I heard about the opportunity from my volunteering role at Selby Abbey. More recently I became the Safeguarding Governor. Having raised two children in Selby, I understand the need for all children to have a well-rounded and nurturing education, where they can thrive to their full potential. I am a retired teacher, with over 30 years of varied experience within primary education, so know the importance of a high standard of education for all. I am eager to support the school and its wider community in any way possible.

Daniel Pledger – Co-opted Governor

I have been a co-opted governor at Barwic Parade since May 2022 and have chaired the Curriculum and Outcomes Committee since November 2023.

Away from Barwic Parade, I work as an evaluator in the not-for-profit and charitable sector, supporting these organisations to maximise the impact of their work. For four of these years, I worked for a not-for-profit that worked to improve the quality of STEM education across the UK and prior to this, I worked within a further education college for two year. I am particularly passionate about improving social mobility of disadvantaged young people.

Judith Wardell - Co-Opted Governor

I am semi-retired having worked in the motor trade for over 40 years in the accounts department where I took on various roles eventually working my way up to the position of accounts department supervisor.

I now work as a school crossing patroller five days a week and midday supervisor two days a week at a school in Selby, which is different to the school where I am a Governor.

I have been a Governor for around 5 years at Barwic Parade School in Selby, I find it very rewarding being able to support the school which is so passionate about creating opportunities for the children and ensuring they receive an excellent education along with any support they can give the children.

The school are always looking at ways to enrich the education they can offer the children, which will make their time in the school a happy and enjoyable experience whilst supporting them passionately in their education.

I am passionate about supporting the school and its community in any way I can.

Natalie Weldon - Staff governor

I have worked at Barwic for 11 years as a teaching assistant mainly working in year 5 and 6. I now work across the whole school covering leadership and management time. Working at Barwic is an absolute pleasure, the children and their families and the staff are truly amazing. I love being a member of team Barwic supporting our children in their learning journey so that they can reach their full potential. I am enjoying the role of staff governor working alongside others to best support the outcomes and progress of our children.

John Dickinson – Parent Governor

I’m a father of two girls who attend Barwic Parade.  I am passionate about providing opportunities for children in our community to receive outstanding education, pastoral support, and comprehensive care. My goal is to ensure that their school experience creates cherished memories, fosters lifelong friendships, and equips them with the best foundation for success in adulthood, including a healthy mindset.

I am formerly the Director of Emergency Management in the Australian Department of Human Services and have been working in the UK for almost a decade, and am currently responsible in my job for training and exercising of Category 1 Incident Responders. I hope that the skills I have developed in my career will help me to apply an analytical and passionate voice to my role as Parent Governor.