Andrew Jackson

Chair of Governors

Co-opted Governor

Full Governing Body

Achievement and Standards 

HT Performance Management

I am a senior teacher with a specialism in astrophysics at Hitchin Girls' School with two decades of experience within the Education sector. My career has spanned multiple roles from that of a classroom teacher through to subject and pastoral leadership. I have authored educational materials that are in use across the country and was credited a national TES award for writing the "outstanding educational resource of the year" in 2011. I have played an active role in governance and sat on the Schools Forum for the Local Authority.

 I am committed to helping both schools in the federation prosper and continue to improve. I look forward to playing an active part in this journey.

Robin Welsford               

Vice Chair of Governors  

Co-opted Governor               

Full Governing Body (Vice Chair)

H&S, Complaints,

HT Performance Management, 

Member of ASC Committee

I quite recently retired from fulltime work as a Civil Engineer, although from time to time I still help out the firm I was employed by. For the last ten years I have been what we call a Lay Minister in the Church of England, so I help in taking services and in our Messy Church. I am also a member of the Chaplaincy team for Bedfordshire Police and Fire Services so provide support to the great officers and staff who work so hard to keep us safe and protected.

As a co-opted Governor I am keen to bring my experience from work and life to support both Derwent and Southill Schools in maintaining the brilliant work they do, but also challenge them always look for ways to provide an even better education for all children in both schools, because I believe every child deserves the very best.

Samantha Barlow

Executive Headteacher

Full Governing Body

Achievements and Standards Committee

Finance and Resources Committee

Prior to joining Derwent and Southill, I  spent five years as a head in Elstow near Bedford and during this time also sat as a governor for Northampton Primary Academy Trust.  I am a keen brass band player with Royston Town Band and I also play golf with Beds and County when I can find time. My home life is also spent keeping in touch with my three grown up daughters and four grandchildren.  

Sarah Tuckwell

Partnership Governor

Full Governing Body

HT Performance Management

Safeguarding

Achievement and Standards Committee member

Having served 34 years as an RAF Regular and latterly as a full-time RAF Reserve in the role Services Community Support Officer at RAF Henlow, I joined the governing body in September 2014 as a Co-Opted  Governor to provide a link between the school and the Service community.

Both of my children, Abigail and Katie, attended Derwent Primary School. Both have gone on to achieve 2:1 degrees in Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation and Animal Management respectively. I feel their achievements have been underpinned by the educational foundations laid whilst at Derwent.

I am keen to see Derwent and Southill Schools support parents, both Service and civilian, and meet the demands of today's society by ensuring the wraparound care and holiday provision is accessible and affordable.

Naomi Izzard

Co-opted Governor

Full Governing Body

Achievement and Standards Committee member

Neil Parsons

Co-opted Governor

Full Governing Body

Achievements and Standards Committee

2023 will be my eighteenth year as a secondary school teacher, most of which has been spent in inner London schools. Now, I am into my sixth year as a member of a school’s leadership team; an assistant Headteacher in charge of academic achievement at The Priory School in Hitchin. I have held many responsibilities ranging from Head of Sixth, strategic lead for Teaching and Learning, improving provision for vulnerable learners, quality assurance of school staff and Raising Standards Leader. I passionately believe that every student deserves the very best education and I hope to apply my experience in these roles to ensuring the quality of education and life experiences across the federation is the very best it can be, to foster a lifetime love of learning. At home, I have three daughters, the eldest of which is in Year 1 at Derwent Primary School, and whilst I would love to list my hobbies and interests I spend a huge portion of my life chasing them about!

Tenille Rimmer

Co-opted Governor

Full Governing Body

Achievements, Standards and Community Committee

I have been working as Deputy Headteacher and am now Head of School at Derwent and responsible for Teaching and Learning, the curriculum and mentoring new staff and trainee teachers across the federation. 

My previous role was as the English subject lead in a middle school for 15 years and therefore most of my experience lies in Upper Key Stage 2. 

We have recently published excellent KS2 results at Derwent and continue to attain high outcomes at both schools but especially Southill in EYFS outcomes and in Y1 phonics. 

As an SLE, I spend time visiting many schools to support their English departments.  These are skills I have brought to our federation to help us to continue to move forward.

When I am not in school, I am busy with my two young children and animals including my dog and horses.

Naomi Kerley

Parent Governor

Full Governing Body

Achievements, Standards and Community Committee

I am Mum to 4 young children, who keep me very busy! I previously worked in a care home for elderly residents, some with dementia. I have always had an interest in SEN, and look forward to playing a part in helping with that area of both schools. I am undertaking training in this, to help me to gain a better understanding of all that is involved. I strongly feel that all pupils, regardless of ability or circumstance should be given all the tools they need to achieve their best.

Rachel Pearce

Co-opted Governor

Full Governing Body

Achievements and Standards Committee

As a past pupil of Southill School I have many fond memories of my time there and am passionate about its future and continued success. Both my sons have attended the school with my youngest still at Southill. I currently work as a rural estate and property manager, and also work with various new and emerging groups to grow and enhance their immediate community and living place. As a co-opted governor I hope to assist the governing body and the federation to grow and continue the varied and high standard of education across both schools.

Samantha Evardson

Parent Governor

Full Governing Body

Achievements and Standards Committee

I am primarily a mum of two young children, my oldest is in his second year at Derwent. He is enjoying his time and thriving at school. I am also a military wife and enjoy an active life as part of the Henlow Camp community.

I am a qualified secondary school teacher, working in a school in Lincolnshire before we moved to Henlow. I planned and ran a number of trips, including to Berlin, with various age groups. I now work as a supply teacher whilst I make time to focus on being a parent.

Every child only has one chance at education, and as a governor, I want to work with Derwent and Southill schools to ensure our children can have the best education possible. Education should be a home school partnership and being a governor is part of that.

Jon Purchase

Co-opted Governor

Finance and Resources Committee

Amanda Baxter

Clerk of Governors

Chloe Bell

SENCO and Staff Governor

  I currently teach at Derwent as the SENCO. I am passionate about the quality of teaching and support for vulnerable students. I am keen to ensure any child with additional needs has a all the support they need. 

Ellen Williams

Nursery teacher and Co-opted governor

  I currently teach at Derwent as the Nursery leader in Caterpillars Class. I am passionate about Eco Schools and developing Outdoor Learning, which is my extended role at the federation. I love letting our youngest children learn by following their curiosity and invesitgation.