Governors

Our Governors

Thomas Hinderwell Primary Academy is governed by an Academy Scrutiny Committee.

Our governors are:

• Chloe Webster
  Principal
  Chloe Webster

  Prior to becoming the Principal at Thomas Hinderwell in May 2022, I was teacher within the school from for 4 years. I went to work within another DRET school before coming back. It is very important to me that the school gets recognised for the excellent work it is doing to improve the outcomes for our students and I knew becoming a governor would give me a chance to develop from a wider view. I enjoy going to watch Scarborough Athletic and my weekends mainly consist of taking my 2 children to their events!

• Emma Foxley
  DRET Appointed Governor (Chair)
  Emma Foxley

  Emma became a DRET Appointed Governor in May 2015, after retiring from working as a Senco in a school near York and wanting to give something back to the local community. She has since been appointed Chair of the ASC and has had the assigned link roles for Safeguarding and SEND. Emma has been a primary school teacher for the past 30 years and now carries out supply teaching on a regular basis to keep her hand in. Emma has teaching experience at all levels in Key Stage 1 and 2 and a particular interest in Dyslexia and Literacy. She enjoys walking with her dogs in the North Yorkshire countryside and singing in her village choir.

• Wendy Baxter
  Trust Senior Link (Vice Chair)
  Wendy Baxter

  Wendy was appointed a Trust Senior Link on 20 March 2019. She has also served on other ASCs across the DRET Academies for the past 10 years. Wendy is a Regional Director for DRET and its part of her role to ensure that all aspects of school leadership are exemplary, including governance. She wishes to support ASCs by bringing her knowledge and skill-set to the meetings and there is always something new to learn from other governors. She has previously been a Teacher and also had a 20 year career in NHS management as well as running her own business supporting GP practices. When not at work, she loves to spend time outdoors and is an avid fan of parkrun.

• Helen Savage
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Helen Savage

  Helen was appointed a DRET Appointed Governor on 23 May 2023. She has previous governor experience from a LEA Primary school and a Children’s Centre. She is the assistant principal for lower school at Endike Primary Academy which is part of The David Ross Education Trust based in Hull. Helen joined Endike in 2012 and has led the EYFS unit for the duration of that time. She is also a specialist teacher in education and the David Ross Education Trust operational lead for EYFS. She enjoys spending time with her family walking, cycling and camping.

• Sophie Jackson
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Sophie Jackson

  I am passionate about children's education and ensuring children receive the best education possible. I have recently taken on a new role as a general teaching assistant at a secondary school. Prior to that I held a position at Scarborough hospital as a healthcare assistant for 14 years. I also hold a degree in primary education and teaching studies which I hope gives me an insight into practices within the classroom and surrounding communities which help to provide a holistic education and learning experience for the children, teachers and parents. I am extremely passionate about all literature and like to share that passion with others. As such, I also have a passion with regards to children's literature and the life lessons and experiences it can provide for children of all ages, backgrounds and communities.

• Vicki Pattinson
  Staff Governor
  Vicki Pattinson

  I was approached to become a staff governor and welcome the opportunity to develop my knowledge and skills. I am the academy’s senior administrator and a mental health first aider. Mental health is a passion of mine, as are football and music.

• Lisa Cheetham
  Parent Governor
  Lisa Cheetham

  I decided to become a governor because the school has given both of my children a good education. I am a Nursery Nurse who has worked in education for many years and in my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

• Anna Chester
  Clerk
  Anna Chester

  Anna has been clerking academies within the Trust since September 2020. Prior to that she spent 33 years working for HM Revenue and Customs, specialising in complaints investigation, including Adjudicator and MP cases. Anna enjoys gardening, walking her dog and visiting museums and other cities around the world.

Current Governors

Former Governors

 Below is a list of Governors that have served in the past 12 months.

Contacting Us

The Governance Officer for Thomas Hinderwell Primary Academy is Gemma Yates. Gemma can be reached at governance@dret.co.uk. 

To contact a governor, please contact the Trust Governance Team by emailing governance@dret.co.uk.

If you are looking to contact a Governor to make a complaint or share a concern, please note that as per our Complaints Policy, governors do not investigate complaints at Stage 1 or Stage 2.  This enables them to be impartial should a complaint be escalated to a Stage 3 governor panel. If you wish to make a complaint, please complete this form and your complaint will be investigated accordingly.

Scheme of Delegation

Information about the David Ross Education Trust’s scheme of delegation is available here.

Minutes of the Academy Scrutiny Committee

Should you wish to view a copy of the minutes of the ASC at this academy, please contact the Trust Governance Team (governance@dret.co.uk), who will be able to provide you with an electronic or paper copy of the minutes.

Are you interested in becoming an academy governor?

We are looking for new governors to support our academies. Our governors work closely with their academies to support the Trust’s goal of broadening the horizons of young people through a world-class education, equipping our students with the skills and experiences to become their confident, academic best, no matter what.

If you have an interest in, and commitment to, improving education and would like to make a difference within your community, please register your interest in becoming a governor by completing our governor application form. If you have any questions about a governor’s role or responsibilities please contact us at governance@dret.co.uk or review our information pack below. 

march 2024 governor recruitment booklet.pdf

What is it like being a governor with DRET?

To understand what it is like to be a governor with us, take a look at our testimonial booklet and videos which contain insights from serving governors.

governor testimonial booklet .pdf

 Emma Bennett 

Angela Watts 

Stephen Platten 

Garry Allen 

What training do Governors receive?

We offer an extensive range of training opportunities. Take a look at what is on offer for the current academic year.