Governors

Meet the Governors

Ms Tara Gabriel

(Parent Governor)

In November 2022, I first became a parent governor. I have experience of the school having both my children attend Worthinghead Primary School. Having a personal interest in the success of the school and the wellbeing of pupils and staff alike, I'm proud to have the opportunity to support the school in continuing to improve and develop. I’m particularly keen to ensure children can fulfil their potential whatever their background, Special Education Needs (SEN) or disabilities. I believe firmly in equity for all. I'm the Safeguarding Governor and a member of the curriculum committee.

I work part time alongside running my own business as a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist. In my spare time when I'm not doing CPD for my business, I love getting out in nature, walking, painting, reading, poetry, gardening and other creative pursuits.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby 

(Local Authority Governor)

Trustee at Nell Bank Outdoor Learning Centre

Governor at Appleton Academy

I first became a governor at Worthinghead in the Autumn of 2013. I became a governor because I believe in the importance of a good Education and the opportunities it gives to young people. I am a local Ward Councillor and was previously on the Governing body at High Fernley Primary School, I am also a governor at Appleton Academy and a Trustee at Nell Bank outdoor Learning Centre which has given me experience of Education.

I have been married for 28 years and I am from a Hotel, Catering and Facilities Management background.

I am a member of the Curriculum Committee, Buildings and Finance Committee.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening, walking, swimming and visiting museums. I also enjoy going on holidays in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.

Mr Derek Hatton - Chair of Governors

(Parent Governor & LAC/Safeguarding)

Raised by a Teacher Mum and Steelworker Dad, I was taught that education and hard work were the means to improve ourselves, our lives, and our community, country and planet.

I spent fourteen years in national and international security, working for the RAF, NATO and European Union, and I returned to Yorkshire upon joining the National Crime Agency.  After three and a half years investigating child exploitation offences, I now work for Leicestershire Police and the National Police Chiefs’ Council, targeting serious and organised crime threats such as county lines drug dealing and human trafficking.

Away from the day job, I’m a CAA-authorised drone pilot and a part-time student of International Relations.  I also enjoy running, mountain biking, playing guitar and learning languages, and I don’t let being rubbish at all those things dull my enthusiasm.

I have a child at Worthinghead Primary School, so I’m personally invested in the success of the school, the quality of its teaching and the wellbeing of its staff and pupils.

Mr Clay Wertheimer

(Co-opted Governor)

I became a Governor at Worthinghead Primary School in 2021. I joined the board because I am a firm believer in the importance of education and want to give our pupils the very best opportunities. As a remote governor, connecting with Worthinghead has been a bit different than for a typical governor, but I have enjoyed Zooming into classrooms and getting to know the different years.

I was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska and moved to London in 2016. In my spare time, I enjoy running, reading and going to the theatre. 

Mr Ben Ross

(Co-opted Governor)

I decided to become a school Governor in 2024 as I’m passionate about building strong community relationships between schools and local businesses. 

As someone who values education and the impact it has on shaping the future, I wanted to contribute meaningfully to a school environment where both children and staff can thrive.

Outside of my professional responsibilities, I enjoy travelling and exploring new cultures. I also prioritise my health and well-being by regularly going to the gym, which helps me maintain both physical and mental fitness. 

I’m always looking for ways to grow and make a positive impact, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the local community in every way I can.

Mrs L. Sharp

(Headteacher)

Mrs Sharp provides the Governing body with important information on pupil performance and the progress the school is making against its School Development Plan targets. Mrs Sharp also meets regularly with different members of the Governing body and the different committee groups.

In her spare time Mrs Sharp enjoys walking, baking and spending time with her family. She loves chocolate and all school staff agree that her chocolate cake is amazing! Her favourite place to visit is Canada because her brother lives there.

Miss L. Preston

Miss Preston teaches Year 6 and has been at the school since 2015. She works extremely hard to prepare the children in their final year at our school so that they are ready to transition to their new secondary schools when they leave us. 

She is part of the English subject team, leading writing across the school. She loves to see children enjoying their writing and being able to write in all kinds of ways in different subjects. She has been a moderator for Bradford Local Authority which meant she visited other schools to check the standards of their writing.

How to contact the Governors:

The Governors welcome your views and feedback. You can contact them through the school office.