Our Governing Body

About the Governing Body

As part of Excel Learning Trust’s governance structures, our trust schools have Local Governing Boards, which are committees of the Trust Board. Our LGBs and governors play an important role by providing support and challenge to our schools, as well as holding a shared vision which is clear, understood and well communicated to all stakeholders and reflects the fundamental values and objectives of the Trust. Our governors come from a variety of backgrounds and are advocates for the school and for the Trust.

For further information regarding the governance of our Trust and the roles and responsibilities of governors, trustees and members, please see our Scheme of Delegation, available on our website here.

Our Governors

Adam Cooper | Principal
Term: Post holder

Adam Cooper’s place on the Governing Body is part of his role as Principal of Knavesmire Primary School. Adam has been at Knavesmire since September 2007, and was appointed in the role of Headteacher in January 2012. In his previous teaching posts, he has taught in schools across York including Clifton Without, Robert Wilkinson and at Ripon Cathedral in North Yorkshire. He has also worked as Lead teacher in Maths and data across the two Local Authorities. Since joining Knavesmire Primary, the school has undergone considerable change including the expansion to a two-form entry school.

Vanessa Huws-Jones | Chair of Governors
Term: January 2022 – January 2027

Vanessa has lived in York for 25 years and was co-opted as a governor in January 2022. She has twin girls at Knavesmire.  Vanessa has a wealth of educational experience from 16 years of teaching, including 9 successful years in Headship in two schools. She has worked at Local Authority level, leading School Improvement in Leeds until 2011 and now works as a freelance education adviser working independently across the UK and internationally (Scandinavia) supporting and coaching school leaders and teachers.

“Being invited to join the team of dedicated colleagues at Knavesmire Primary has been a privilege. I am very committed to this role; bringing my energy, enthusiasm and passion to the school community continuing to ensure that all our children get the best possible life chances we can offer.”

Joe Maitland | Co-opted governor
Term: March 2021 to March 2025

Joe was elected at a parent governor in 2017. In his day job, Joe is a solicitor at a law firm based principally in Leeds and specialises in Commercial Property law (having previously gained a degree in Philosophy before converting to Law).

Joe is passionate about state education generally and the role that school can play in helping to ensure that all children get the best possible start to life that they can. He hopes to help promote both of those concerns through his work as a governor at the School.

Rachael Gould | Staff Governor
Term: March 2023 to March 2027

Mrs Gould has been a member of the teaching staff at Knavesmire Primary School since 2016 and associate governor since 2018. She has previously taught Year 3 and Year 5 and is currently a Year 4 teacher. Her other responsibilities include being a member of the Our Place in the World team, leading History, and also being part of How the world works team. In her spare time, Mrs Gould likes to keep fit and spend quality time with her family and puppy labrador Nellie. 

Olivia Else | Parent Governor
Term: April 2021 to April 2025

Olivia was elected as a parent governor in 2021 and has two children at Knavesmire.

In her professional life, Olivia works as a Librarian at the University of York, specialising in the Humanities. Olivia is passionate about education and the vital role that schools play in their local communities. She is a strong supporter of Knavesmire Primary and feels it is already a very good school, but also recognises that there is always room for growth and improvement. She hopes to play a part in driving positive change at Knavesmire in her role as a school governor.

Jackie Gray | Co-opted Governor (Vice Chair)
Term: May 2022 to May 2026

Jackie has lived in York for over 20 years and became a co-opted Governor in May 2022 after moving into the Southbank area. In her professional life she is a Solicitor and Director for Privacy, Transparency and Ethics in a national NHS organisation. Prior to that she was a partner in a national law firm in their Leeds based public projects team, where she specialised in the health and education sectors, advising on school building, outsourcing & IT projects. She also advised academy, maintained and independent schools on data protection issues. Jackie is passionate about helping children reach their full potential. She hopes to support the school in her Governor role to provide pupils with the best early learning and personal development opportunities. 

Kay Roantree | Co-opted Governor
Term: May 2022 to May 2026

Kay was elected as a co-opted governor in May 2022.

“I am retired and currently care for my 3 grandchildren whilst their parents work. They have all attended the Nursery at Knavesmire Primary School. I had a teaching career of over 35 years in the primary sector, specialising in early years education, and was a Headteacher and Children’s Centre leader for the last 7 years.
I am a passionate supporter of high quality Early Years education and the benefits of developing strong home/school links — both of which provide the firm foundations necessary for each child to make the most of all the further educational opportunities provided and enabling each child to reach their full potential.”

Jon Hodgeon | Parent Governor
Term: June 2022 to June 2026

Jon was elected a parent governor in 2022 and currently has 3 children at Knavesmire Primary school.

Jon is a Detective Inspector who specialises in Fraud and Money Laundering investigations.

Having lived in York since graduating from the University of Newcastle Jon was struck by the role Knavesmire Primary School plays in the wider South Bank community. He is passionate about high quality Early Years education, and in particular the provision offered to SEND pupils.

When not working, Jon is a keen sportsman and enjoys playing rugby with his three girls.

Thom Jones | Co-opted governor
Term: May 2024 to April 2028

Governing Body meeting agendas and minutes

Register of business interests

Knavesmire Primary School – Governor Business Interests 2023-24

Contacting the Governing Body

All correspondence should be directed to the school email or postal address, and be clearly marked ‘For the Attention of the Governors’.

Interested in becoming a governor?

If you are interested in becoming a governor, please contact us.