Governors

John Newton

Chair of Governors (Foundation Governor)

John moved to Ravenstonedale with his wife Catherine, in July 2023. John has a degree in French and Russian from Oxford University and a PhD in organisational culture.

John taught languages in Kent from 1989, before becoming a Head of Modern Languages and Director of Studies in Berkshire and East Sussex.

He was headmaster of Taunton School from 2005 to 2014. After 10 years in Somerset, John moved to Adelaide in South Australia to be the principal of Scotch College for 8 years until his return to the UK in December 2022.

John’s experience of running 2 pre-school to Y13 schools, his admiration for the teaching profession and his commitment to ensuring children get the best start in life have driven his wish to serve Orton C of E Primary School as a governor.

John and Catherine attend St Oswald’s Church in Ravenstonedale. He now divides his time between his 4 grown up children, his parents’ care, the garden, walking his golden retrievers, church activities, his work at Orton C of E Primary School and his research and consultancy work with UK for-profit and not-for-profit organisations, where he specialises in advice on culture management and development.

Rebecca Shelton

Vice Chair (Parent Governor)

Rebecca joined as a Parent Governor in 2022 and chairs the Educational Standards Committee.

She moved to Orton in 2009 with her partner Barnabe, to undertake a self-build barn conversion and they now have two daughters. Both girls joined Orton School at nursery age with the eldest now at secondary school and the youngest in Key Stage 2.

Rebecca is an ecologist by profession having studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge. She set up an independent ecological consultancy in 2010. Her work involves undertaking protected species and habitat surveys alongside the management roles that go with running a business.

As well as being a keen naturalist, Rebecca also enjoys art and learning new crafts in her spare time. She is currently the governor subject link for art and DT.

Richard Petty

Vice Chair (Foundation Governor)

Richard chairs the Educational Standards Committee. He joined the team as a Co-Opted Governor in February 2018, having moved to the village on the birth of his twin sons.

Prior to the move Richard was Head of a 16-18 school in Hertfordshire, having previously enjoyed working in two girls’ secondary schools in London. He has served as Governor of an Academy for boys and girls aged 5-18 in North London, and was a Staff Governor at his first school after qualification as a teacher.

Richard works for the University of Oxford, working with students and staff in schools and on a number of educational projects across the region to increase the number of young people applying to the university from northern England.

Richard is a Director of the Good Shepherd Multi Academy Trust, a group of Church of England primary schools across Cumbria and Northumberland, chairing its School Improvement Committee and being its Safeguarding Director. Richard is particularly interested in pastoral care, and in bringing the worlds of work, current affairs and the outdoors in to education. His interests include fell running and walking.

Rachel Woof

Foundation Governor

Rachel became a Foundation Governor in September 2021 and is a member of the Finance and Staffing Committee and the subject in school she is attached to is one of her favourites – History.

Brought up on a farm near Appleby, she has worked in various administrative roles and for the last 21 years in local secondary schools in Penrith and now in Kirkby Stephen as an Exam Officer and Cover Manager; an enjoyable but sometimes stressful role which involves a lot of collaboration with pupils, staff and parents.

Rachel married and set up home with Rowland in Orton village 31 years ago and their children attended Orton School. She is a practising Christian, being part of the village Methodist Chapel where over many years she has worked with young people from 4 to 19 and is currently part of Families Together in Orton and Tebay team, organising events for all ages in the two villages.

Rachel loves walking, gardening, flower arranging and baking.

“My husband Rowland was a Governor when our children attended Orton School and now it seems it is my turn. I feel a sense of pride in our village school where both my children and their friends thrived and hope to be able to be part of the school community where the ethos of love, forgiveness and hope is the aim.”

Rev Brendan Giblin

Ex-officio Foundation Governor

Since April 2023 Brendan has been Priest-in-Charge of a new grouping of eight Anglican churches stretching from Brough to Tebay – including All Saints’, Orton. Before moving to Cumbria Brendan served as priest in various parishes in Yorkshire including the market town of Wetherby and small villages in Wensleydale. Over the years Brendan has been a governor of primary schools of differing shapes and sizes, and has loved the opportunity to support schools in helping their children flourish.

Brendan enjoys hill-walking and horse riding.

John Murray

Local Authority Governor

John lives in Kirkby Stephen and is one of our local councillors on Westmorland and Furness Council.

He joined the governors early in 2024 and is on the education sub-committee. Before this he was a chemistry teacher, Head of Sixth Form, curriculum director and then a secondary school head.

John is also a member of the Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team, and runs for fun. He has completed the Orton Fell Race twice now, and still hasn’t come last.

He is also a director of the Mater Christi Multi Academy Trust which is the trust for Catholic schools in Cumbria and North Lancashire.

William Hird

Foundation Governor

I joined the governing body at Orton in February 2026 as a Foundation Governor. I have lived in Tebay with my wife and two children since 2021. My son Jack attends the school, which gives me both a personal and professional commitment to the schools’ success and values. I work as an Operational Manager for United Utilities in Cumbria. I have experience across finance, human resources, stakeholder engagement and service delivery. I am committed to upholding the values and supporting the School to ensure the best possible outcomes for the pupils and staff.

Ian Simpson

Foundation Governor (formerly a Parent Governor)

Ian was elected as a Parent Governor in May 2015 and became a Foundation Governor in December 2017. Ian's children attended the school, and he is married to Mrs Simpson (Catherine).

Ian is a Paramedic and is employed by for North West Ambulance Service and works throughout North Cumbria, with this Ian brings a wealth of skills and experiences to the governing body, including safeguarding, risk assessments and leadership. He is a member of the Safeguarding and the Buildings and Grounds Committees.

Ian, has reputation for being approachable and friendly with a wicked sense of humour.

Siobhan Beck

Clerk to the Governors

Siobhan joined the Governing Board as the Clerk in January 2024. She lives in Shap and is additionally a Clerk to Governors at two other local schools.

She moved to Shap in 2003, prior to this she lived and worked all over the country as an Outdoor Pursuits Instructor working mainly with young people followed by a period as an Operations Manager for a Walking Holiday company. She continues to enjoy canoeing, walking and wild swimming with her family.

She is an Explorer Scout Leader in the Eden Valley managing a team of fellow leaders and around forty young people offering a wide and varied programme to equip teenagers with valuable skills for life.

A Clerk's role is one of administration, supporting and advising the board.

Rev Stephen Radford

Foundation Governor

I am the Reverend Stephen Radford , I have been journeying with the Orton Primary School since 2016 and a Governor since February 2023. I am a Methodist Minister, and I serve the Kirkby Stephen and Orton Area, I am also Deputy Superintendent of the Cumbria Circuit. I have been a governor in primary schools for over 21 years, (Deputy Hd. Gov , LAC & SG). At Orton CE Primary School, I am a Foundation Governor with oversight for Science, I lead Assemblies regularly, which I really enjoy, and previously I was a Project Manager for Alstom building the Northern Line Underground trains. My hobbies are Driving Steam engines, and walking, whilst bird watching. We always thank God for His grace and love. Shalom Stephen

Sandy Redwood

Foundation Governor

Elaina Kurs

Parent Governor

Elaina

Parent Governor

Elaina was appointed as a parent governor in early 2026 and currently serves on the Educational Standards Committee. She moved to Cumbria in 2009 and now lives in Orton village with her husband and daughter, who is in the school’s reception class. Professionally Elaina is a Chartered Landscape Architect and Associate Director at a local Kendal based practice. Her work spans environmental planning, technical assessments and restoration design across some of the region’s most sensitive and valued landscapes. Alongside her design expertise, she brings managerial and project management skills developed through her work on complex projects and as part of multidisciplinary teams. She is also first aid trained and serves as a fire warden within her company. Outside of her professional life Elaina enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors with her family. Elaina volunteered to join the governing board to support the school’s dedicated staff and governors. She hopes to play a positive part in strategic decisions for the school community and help build on the caring, inclusive learning environment the school already offers, so every child can thrive.