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Governors

Governors are responsible for overseeing the management side of a school: strategy, policy, budgeting and staffing. They enable their school to run as effectively as possible, working alongside senior leaders and supporting teachers to provide excellent education to children. 

If you have any queries or questions about any aspect of your child’s education, do contact the Head on 01246 863127 or Mrs Woolf, Clerk to the Governors at s.woolf@tuptonhall.org.ukAlternatively, you can write to the Clerk through the school postal address.

Liz Lovell - Chair of Governors 

I have been a Governor at Tupton Hall School since 2006 and am proud to have chaired it since 23 September 2020.

My career has been in Finance and IT. I used to work in the charity sector as part of the IT Finance and Project team before retiring. I have a long association with the school as both of my children previously attended.

I am committed to ensuring that Tupton Hall, as part of the Redhill academy, is a thriving school where all students are given the opportunity to aspire to and achieve their full potential, both academically and personally – thus ensuring that when they leave, they are able to have choice in their future. This will only be achieved by strong governance, outstanding leadership and teaching and full commitment to the school from students and their parents and carers.

Debbie Shaw - Vice Chair of Governors

I have been a Parent, Local Authority or Co-opted Governor at Tupton Hall since July 2006. Previously, I was a Co-opted Governor at William Rhodes Junior School for four years.

I am the Vice-Chair of the Governing body, and link governor for several areas including Strategy, Personnel, Academic Outcomes and Behaviour & Attendance.

I enjoy being a governor, and have a keen interest in ensuring that the school is able to run as efficiently as possible, is able to raise standards, and provide a safe environment to enable every child to receive a good education and achieve their full potential.

I have worked for Royal Mail since 1987, in various finance and project roles, and have two children who attended Tupton Hall School and Sixth Form.

David Skinner - Governor

I have been a Governor at Tupton Hall School for more than 20 years and was Chair of Governors from 2002 until 2020.

At Tupton Hall School we pride ourselves as Governors with expertise and understanding of young people.  One of the prime focuses of the reconstituted governing body is to build closer links with students, parents/carers and that everyone connected to the school ie students, parents/carers and staff are treated with dignity and respect .

Feedback from parents, carers and students is always welcome either by telephone, letter or email.

Kathy Rouse - Governor

Kathy Rouse – Governor

Having lived in the local area all my life and as a previous student at Tupton Hall School I feel it is important to involve parents in all aspects of schooling. I've worked in education for several years and attended Derby University.  I am currently a Councillor for NEDCC for Clay Cross, North and a Parish Councillor at Clay Cross. I am now a cabinet member at NEDDC and portfolio holder for health and leisure. I have served as a Governor for 16+ years at several schools in Derbyshire and would like to pass on my expertise in this area of governance. 

I am committed to working with a strong governing body and raising attainment levels, moving forwards and raising standards and achievements. I believe most things are achievable by working together.

Cathy Goodyer - Governor

I am a Community Governor and currently Governor Finance lead, having chaired the previous Finance Committee for a number of years. I am also a member of the Strategy Group. 

I live locally in Tupton and my daughter attended Tupton Hall School. I am a member of Tupton Parish Council (a former Chair). I am also a professional musician and music teacher.  I teach mainly piano, violin, saxophone and flute, and music theory.  I teach as part of Silverwood Music School in Sheffield and in student homes in Derbyshire, and online. I play as a member of Chesterfield Symphony Orchestra, Sheffield Concert Band, Simply Swing big band and various other musical ensembles. 

I served as a Non-Executive Director of a NHS Trust for over 7 years and I was also the Chair of a national charity in London. I was previously a senior civil servant in the Department of Health for 12 years including some experience in the Department of Education. I was Director of National Support Teams for over 5 years, a Director of Public Health Policy for 6 years and the first Head of the cross- Government Teenage Pregnancy Unit established by the former Labour Government. I worked in the NHS for 24 years, including 10 years as Chief Executive of 3 different health authorities and prior to that as Director of Finance.  I am a qualified accountant, a Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health and an Associate of the Royal Schools of Music and Associate and Licentiate of the Victoria College of Music and Drama. I hold diplomas in Health management, Piano and Flute performance and a masters degree in Public Service Management. 

I am very committed to helping Tupton Hall School become an outstanding school.  I genuinely believe that every child matters and should be supported to ensure they reach their full potential while at school and to help prepare them for their lives outside of school

Andrew Rouse - Parent Governor

I whole-heartedly believe that through teamwork, collaborative effort, great communication and a sincere commitment from the parents, teachers and governing team, we can support the leadership team and the staff at Tupton Hall to make our school a great place for the children to develop, learn and reach their true potential.

I have a long standing and affectionate relationship with our school from attending here as a student many years ago through to seeing both of my children being educated here in more recent years.

I was raised and have lived in the area all my life and currently work as a Production Manager for Molson Coors the Brewers.  I recently retired from a role in the Fire and Rescue service where I spent many years working as part of a very successful team and I also had the privilege of managing the team of firefighters at Clay Cross.  After almost 31 years in the role and having worked very closely with and supporting the education of thousands of children in many schools, I am no stranger to the challenges we face supporting the amazing children who live in North East Derbyshire.

I have a wide range of professional experiences to contribute to the team but my long standing role as a firefighter kept me in touch with the needs of our community and kept my feet firmly on the ground.

I feel privileged to work alongside a team of very dedicated and committed teaching staff and experienced governors who support the school and I’m personally looking forward to developing and learning some new skills on the way.

Children deserve the right to a fair and inclusive education and at the same time feel safe to mature and grow in a familiar environment where they can be treated equally and with respect. I will do everything possible to support the staff and the school to facilitate the best possible learning environment for every child.

Claire Archibald - Parent Governor

Claire Archibald

I am proud to be a parent governor at Tupton Hall school, having watched the school progress from strength to strength since my oldest daughter joined the school in 2016, with my youngest child joining in 2021.

I am a non-practicing solicitor and currently work for Derbyshire County Council as a Data Protection Officer for Schools, responsible for data protection compliance in 400 schools and multi-academy trusts, across Derbyshire and the whole of England. Prior to my current role I was a School Business Officer in a primary school in Derbyshire, where I was also a staff governor. I am very active in the local community,  and have acted as the chair of a Residents' Committee in Tupton, a Brownie leader in Wingerworth and as the Junior Fixtures Secretary at Tupton Rugby Club. I am a member of Ashover Brass Band, and am on the committee for the band charity. I am also a trained bereavement counsellor and mediator. I am truly passionate about education and young people in our local area. My family try to avoid going to the local Tesco with me, as I stop to talk to people I know in nearly every aisle!

I advocate on behalf of parents and children as part of my role as a governor, as well as being aware of the requirements for governors to have a strategic role in holding school leaders to account. I understand that proper governance has a key role in improving school performance. I have recently taken a role acting as the lead governor for the curriculum focus group. 

Mary Brunt – Parent Governor

I currently work as a trainee solicitor for a specialist medical negligence firm and I am working towards my Masters in Law.  I was elected as a parent governor this year and look forward to getting involved in the various aspects of the role. 

I am keen to make a difference to the young people in our community.  I am a mother to three children, aged 12, 8 and 1, making it likely that I will be a parent at the school for the next 15 years.  I will be committed to seeing the school continue to improve.  Ultimately, I want all the young people at Tupton Hall to be treated with respect and given the support and resources they need to thrive.  Every child should feel that their school is a safe place, and they are able to speak openly about their concerns, their learning, their wellbeing, their hopes and aspirations.

Nigel Coulson – Parent Governor

I have lived locally all my life and my eldest child attends Tupton Hall School. My youngest will also be attending Tupton soon.  I attended Tupton Hall School myself some years ago from year 7 to 13.  I am very keen to help the school continue to keep and develop its reputation as an excellent place for children to learn and develop.

I work as a Senior Nurse at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, managing team of Nurses caring for elderly people in hospital.  I have been a Nurse for over 20 years and the challenges I face at work provide me with several transferrable skills that will be useful in my role as Parent Governor.

I have been an Explorer Scout Leader at 1st Tupton Scout Group since 2006 and since that time have supported many Tupton Hall School pupils to take part in expeditions and learn additional life skills valuable to their personal development.

The time children spend at secondary school is one of the most important parts of their lives and it is important that they receive a good education in order that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

I am very proud to have been elected as a parent governor and will use this opportunity to support the staff and school to the best of my abilities, helping it to be an outstanding school and a great place to work for both students and staff.

Victoria Caddick – Staff Governor


With several years of experience as a Parent Governor and a deep-rooted passion for this school, I am eager to continue contributing to its success and development.

Having seen my two children successfully navigate their way through secondary school, I understand the challenges both staff and student’s face.  This first-hand experience has given me valuable insights into a school's strengths and areas for improvement, which I am committed to addressing as a Staff Governor.

As an English teacher, I have dedicated my career to education and understand the importance of a well-rounded, nurturing, and inspiring school environment.  I have also worked in SEN and Behavioural Units, which gives me a unique overview of different aspects of everyday life in a secondary school for all staff.  I believe I have empathy and compassion to support staff with all aspects of teaching, in this challenging and ever-changing climate.

I am honoured to have this opportunity of being a Staff Governor at Tupton Hall.  My experience as a Parent Governor, coupled with my role as an English teacher and my profound commitment to the school, positions me well to contribute effectively to its continued growth and excellence.

I look forward to serving as a dedicated and passionate Staff Governor at Tupton Hall.

Emily Robbins-Emery – Staff Governor

I am a hard-working, dedicated teacher who has been at Tupton Hall for almost 10 years.  During which, I have been Deputy Head of Year/House; and now part of the Personal Development team.  I have a key role in developing the Mental Health and Wellbeing LS&W curriculum which has a positive impact on students in school and in the community.  Throughout my career I have had the privilege of seeing the positive impact all staff have on students from all backgrounds.  I am part of the local community and have two children here which gives me a unique perspective.  I have seen, as a parent and teacher, how we influence the outcomes of students when we strive for them to be the best they can be.

I understand that we, the staff body, need to have a voice when decisions about our school are being made.  I have a great understanding of Mental Health and Wellbeing through my role in the Personal Development team and understand first-hand how this can affect staff on many levels.