Meet the Governors

Introduction

Orton C of E School's Governing body is made up of 14 Governors, all of them volunteers (apart from the staff members, although this part of their role is voluntary for them too!) and all of them bringing different perspectives, expertise and experience to the Governing Body for the benefit of the school. 

The School has to have a document known as an Instrument of Government to define the Governing Body and this requires Orton C of E School to have the following:

- Two Parents Governors (elected by parents)

- Two Staff Governors, one of whom is the Head Teacher (automatically

   a Governor ) and one whom is elected by the staff

- One LA Governor (appointed by the Local Authority)

- One Co-Opted Governor (appointed by the Governing Body)

- Eight Foundation Governors (appointed by the PCC/Diocese of Carlisle)

Our Parent Govenors can be contacted at parentgov@orton.cumbria.sch.uk

Mathew Wray - Chair of Governors (Foundation Governor)

Matt joined the team as Foundation governor in Autumn 2015 and has a daughter at school. He is an Advanced Paramedic with the North West Ambulance Service and fills his spare time walking his dog, Henry around the village – you’ll often see them about.

Along with walking, Matt has a strong back ground in outdoor pursuits including kayaking and canoeing and these have taken him to many European destinations as well as instructing groups.

Matt is a member of the Finance & Staffing and Educational Standards Committees and he hopes to help with future projects to enhance the school environment.

Sally was appointed as a Foundation governor in 2008 and was Chair of the Governing Body from early 2013 to September 2019. She first became a governor when her son was at Orton CofE School and has continued that interest and support as Chair and Vice Chair and also as a member of the Curriculum, Safeguarding and Finance and Staffing Committees.

Sally runs a PR and communications business from home in Orton and, before moving here in 2003, worked in corporate communications in the chemical industry. That probably accounts for her particular subject interest which is science.

Steve is one of the Governing Body’s longest-serving Governors – he first became a Governor when his son was in School and he now has grandchildren on the roll! He brings all that experience as well as his business acumen, his Parish Council connections and his pragmatic approach to the Governing Body and is a member of the Finance and Staffing and Buildings & Grounds Committees. 

Mary moved to Orton over 19 years ago when her husband retired from being a Vicar elsewhere in Cumbria. From her early teens she has worked with primary aged children in Sunday Schools, Brownies, Cubs etc and as a Paediatric Staff Nurse. After the youngest of their four children started school full time she worked for over ten years in a large primary school with children experiencing special needs - work she found extremely rewarding.

She is a practising Christian and a member of All Saints Parochial Church Council as well as being team leader for Open the Book (ask your children about this) and helping to organise Charlie's Church (ask your Class 1 child!) .

Mary loves their large garden and walking, when other commitments allow.

"I feel very privileged to be a Governor in Orton C of E School and although I do not have the experience that some of my colleagues have as Governors, I do feel that working with children in the past will help me to develop skills that may benefit our village school."

Julian has been a Foundation governor since 2002. He was first appointed by the PCC when his son, James was about to start at the school – and James has now been at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School for a number of years.

From his appointment, Julian has been a member of the Buildings & Grounds Committee which he currently chairs. He has been involved with most building and refurbishment projects in the school in recent years including the new build hall and classrooms (from plans and funding through to

completion and snagging) and in summer 2014, the sourcing and creation of The Cube temporary classroom. Julian is also a member of the Finance and Staffing Committee and his particular subject interest is maths.

“When first asked, I had no objection to getting involved and hoped I could be some help to the school. I like solving practical problems, don't mind a challenge and enjoy working with the children.” 

Glen volunteered for the role as Parent Governor in May 2018. Glen has two children who currently attend the school and he particularly sees the value of a small school in a relatively small community. Having close ties to Friend of Orton School, Glen thought the Parent Governor role would be a way to become further involved and offer support and a different perspective wherever possible.
 

Glen works as a civil engineer for a national consultancy firm and has done so since graduation in 2003. He is experienced in the management, design and practical implementation of large and small building projects, together with ‘hands on’ experience closer to home as a keen DIY enthusiast and den builder. When he’s not working Glen enjoys motorsport, especially the two-wheeled variety, and spending time with the family having mini outdoor adventures whenever possible.

Vicky has been Clerk to the Governors since November 2014. The Clerk is appointed by the Governing Body to provide procedural, legislative, organisational and administrative support to the Governing Body.

Vicky was a Law Costs Draftsman for thirteen years, which involved preparing claims for payment to Court that complied with government guidelines. Prior to this Vicky worked in the financial services industry in advisory, administrative and compliance review roles. Vicky was also Secretary of Appleby Show from 2011 to 2013.

Vicky has one son at the school and works in the school office. 

Recent Governors

Rona Arkle-Local Authority Governor-27.04.19-end of term