Governors

Chair of Governors – James Robinson

“I have been a Parent Governor since 2015 and became Chair of Governors in September 2018. I have 5 children, 4 of them currently at Leavening School and when my youngest is old enough, she will also attend. At work, I am a barrister based in York and Newcastle.”

Head Teacher – Sian Mitchell

“I have been the Head Teacher at Leavening Community Primary since 2012 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with each and every single pupil at the school. I have embraced each challenge with passion and continue to do so. I have 2 young children, who keep me busy when I am not at school.”

Parent Governor – Neil Clark

“I grew up in Bishop Wilton and later moved to Manchester to study illustration and animation. I went on to live in Leeds, building a career in design for over 15 years. I’ve now got my dream job, working from home as an author and illustrator of children’s books. I moved to Leavening in 2022 and live with my wife, Dalia, and our daughter Nola, who attends the village school. When I find the time, I enjoy playing and listening to music!”

Co-Opted Governor – David Griffin

David is a retired police officer who comes from a family of teachers. He has served on governing bodies in the NHS and is a parish councillor in Thixendale. He joined the Leavening governing board in 2020 to contribute to the local community and provide some external insight for the work of the board.

Co-Opted Governor – Jan Lomas

I am delighted to have been appointed as a co-opted governor for Leavening Primary School! I have spent my life in various education roles including primary headship, Ofsted Inspection and over the past 20 years , school improvement consultancy in this country and overseas. Having retired two years ago, I remain passionate about ensuring all children receive the very best education and thus I am excited to support all at Leavening, as I know this aim is at the forefront of all they do!
 

Co-Opted Governor – Elaine Phillips

I am currently a Development Director at Bootham School. I work closely with our alumni and parents to foster community and participation in school life. I am also a trustee of several York based charities with a particular emphasis on expanding life opportunities through education.  I am a Chartered Accountant and previously worked for Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers and as a company director of a Yorkshire based telecommunications company.  

Staff Governor – Hannah Cooke

After moving to Yorkshire from Leicestershire in 2019, I started working at Leavening Community Primary School in September 2020 as an Advanced Teaching Assistant in the Nursery. During my time at Leavening I have helped in the various classes. I have a passion and love for the Early Years, completing a BA (Hons) Degree in Early childhood education in 2023. Outside of school, I love playing for my local football team and spending time exploring outside.  

Safeguarding Governor – Emma Isaacs

I lived in Greece for 16 years; I loved learning the language and culture while working in a restaurant and planning weddings. I returned to the UK in 2013 and now live in Norton with my family.

I feel very lucky to have Leavening Primary School. My youngest son loves it there. My middle-son is autistic and non-verbal. He attends a school in Scarborough. My eldest son Thomas is in his twenties.

I am a very passionate person and love a challenge. I am now studying for my Positive Psychology diploma after completing my Psychology and Counselling diploma. I love to help out at the school any way I can. I am looking forward to being a part of the governing board.