Mrs K Woods – Chair of Governors

I was elected as a Parent Governor in September 2019.
Following University, I moved to Duffield and worked in the Finance Department at British Rail and then as a Logistics Manager at Rolls Royce. I have 2 sons, both educated at the school, they are now at Ecclesbourne School after completing a wonderful learning
journey at William Gilbert.

I have been involved with the school throughout the time my children have been there, helping at Forest School and on numerous school trips. I have assisted the children in Reception Class with their literacy and managed the library for the year 2 children. Through this I feel that I have
a close working relationship with the school and the parents.

I also now volunteer as a Cub leader in Duffield.

I am looking forward to contributing to the continuing success of this outstanding school, using my experience from work and as a parent. I want to assist the governing body in maintaining the excellent standards at this school.

Mrs L Sheppard- Vice Chair

I have lived in Duffield for over 30 years and during that time have become actively involved in various aspects of village and community life and am a member of St Alkmund’s Church. 

My children were both educated at William Gilbert School and during that time I served on the PTA – as Chair for 4 years. 

My grandson has also been educated at the school. 

I was appointed as a governor by the Trustees in 2006 and became Chair in 2011. 

I currently serve on the personnel committee and am the link governor for music. 

In order to be effective in my role, I try to be involved with the children as much as possible. This includes listening to readers, helping with the Forest School activities, attending collective worship and school services, assisting with outside trips and visits and, wherever possible, observing the everyday workings of school life. 

This equips me both to challenge and support the head teacher with whom I meet at least once a week. 

I feel privileged to chair the governing body and to be so closely connected to such a lovely school. 

Mrs H Britten – Headteacher

Responsibilities on the governing board

As Headteacher, my overarching responsibility is to lead, develop and support the strategic direction, vision, mission and school priorities of William Gilbert C of E Primary School to lead to school improvement. My role on the board is therefore to work collaboratively with governors, primarily by reporting on progress on all key aspects of the school.

About me

I began my post as Headteacher at William Gilbert School in April 2023 after gaining 18 years as a senior leader within the school, 13 years as Early Years and Key Stage 1 Lead and 5 years as Deputy Head. During this time, I have attended governor meetings as a co-opted member of the governing board to share developments on current school improvement initiatives.

As headteacher, I sit in a very privileged position and recognise how fortunate I am to be able to play a crucial part in impacting on the life of all the children in my care. I am passionate about ensuring all pupils have access to a broad and ambitious curriculum; that they receive the necessary support and challenge to reach their full potential, live life in all its fullness and make positive contributions to society.

I have three children, one in full time employment and two at secondary school so education is an important facet of our family life. Outside of work, we enjoy family holidays with our dog from walking in the Lake District to beaches in Wales. To relax, I enjoy long walks, gardening and tending to all my many houseplants.

Rev. Dr J Hughes

We moved to Duffield in July 2016, and I became Vicar of St Alkmund’s in September 2016, and a school governor. We have four children, one of whom attended William Gilbert.

Before Moving to Duffield, I served as a parent governor at our local primary school for eight years, four years as Chair, and for three years as a foundation governor at the local Church of England Secondary School. I have experience of most aspects of governance, apart from finance, and I am looking forward to being actively involved with William Gilbert School.

In my role as vicar, I will be coming into school regularly to take collective worship, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the school and the children better. You’ll probably also see me at various school services at St Alkmund’s.

Mrs K Marsh

I have recently joined the Governing Body of William Gilbert Endowed Primary School and Nursery as a Foundation Governor appointed by the School Trustees.

I am the Headteacher of a primary school of around 200 children (Nursery to Y6) in Chesterfield, also working with the DDAT family of schools.  I have worked in the school for over 20 years, moving from KS2 teacher, to Deputy Head Teacher, and around 8 years ago to Headteacher.

I have 1 daughter, who is studying education at Sheffield Hallam University, and 2 sons, one in his first year at secondary school, and the other in Upper Key Stage 2.  I live in Dronfield with my family, and enjoy spending time with them at weekends – usually at football games!

I am looking forward to working with the Staff and Governors at the school, and bringing a wider perspective onto the Governing Body, which I hope will help develop provision in this outstanding school.

Mrs K Gallimore

I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in September 2018. My three sons were pupils here and I have always been grateful for the excellent primary education they received at this happy and outstanding school.

My journalistic career spanned more than four decades, working for newspapers, radio and television – the last 25 years as a reporter, presenter and producer for BBC TV East Midlands.

I am a member of the personnel committee and a link governor for literacy (joint).

Mrs A Aston

My professional background has always been in Early Years, working in both Derby City & the County. I have worked at William Gilbert School for over 20 years, most of which were in Foundation Stage 1 as the Nursery Class Team Leader. I am the school Paediatric First Aider, having a full First Aid at Work certificate and defibrillator training.

In January 2023, I took on a new challenge as Pastoral and Wellbeing Lead in the school. Working with families has been a passion of mine for many years and it has helped that I already know most of the families within the school.

I was born in Belper, and have always lived in Derbyshire. My son was educated at William Gilbert School and then went on to attend The Ecclesbourne School. He is now pursuing a career in Software Development.

I currently serve on the Personnel committee and in October 2023, I took on the role of Health and Safety Governor for the school.

Dr N Ruggins

I have been associated with William Gilbert School for nearly 30 years having had three children pass through to Ecclesbourne and on to university. Two have now become teachers themselves.

I currently have two children at the school.

As a paediatrician, my work is dominated by the health of children and its potential impact on families and education.

I have recently been appointed as a parent governor and will have responsibilities for safeguarding and health related matters.

Mrs B Marshall

I joined William Gilbert for two weeks of supply in September 2000, and have been here ever since! I have taught classes from Reception to Year 6, in various roles, and am currently teaching in Year 5 and 6.  It is a privilege to take the children through their final year with us, and to help them prepare for the next stage in their education. I have responsibility for English across the school, with the support of Mrs Britten, and I also run computer club with Miss Rice .

I have served on a governing body at my own children’s nursery school, and, as a member of the teaching staff at William Gilbert, have come to greatly value the support that the governors have consistently provided (especially Mrs Sheppard on all those school trips) and consequently, I have welcomed the chance to serve as a teacher governor and support the running of our school.

Mrs K Rees

I have recently joined the board as a Parent Governor. I have three children, my eldest has just moved from William Gilbert to Ecclesbourne and my daughters are in Key Stage 2. 

Before my son was born, I taught as a secondary Head of Drama and had key links to several local feeder primary schools. I would like to use this experience to support the school with the teaching and learning and am the link Governor for both Art and Design & Technology. 

As a parent myself, I am keen to support William Gilbert to continue to provide the excellent academic and pastoral care for all of the children at the school, including those with SEND.