Governors

Our Governors

Ainthorpe Primary School is governed by an Academy Scrutiny Committee.

Our governors are:

• Kimberley Lawton
  Executive Principal
  Kimberley Lawton

• Wendy Baxter
  DRET Appointed Governor (Chair)
  Wendy Baxter

  Wendy was appointed a Trust Senior Link on to the ASC on 14 June 2022. She has served on other ASCs across the DRET Academies for the past 10 years. Wendy is a Regional Director for DRET and its part of her role to ensure that all aspects of school leadership are exemplary, including governance. She wishes to support ASCs by bringing her knowledge and skill-set to the meetings and there is always something new to learn from other governors. She has previously been a Teacher and also had a 20 year career in NHS management as well as running her own business supporting GP practices. When not at work, she loves to spend time outdoors and is an avid fan of parkrun.

• Richard Crompton
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Richard Crompton

  Richard was appointed a DRET Appointed Governor on 21 June 2023. He is also a governor at other primary academies within the Trust. Richard decided to become a Governor so that he could support and challenge the academy to be the best that it could be. He previously worked for DRET as the Trust’s Head of Estates, Facilities and Operations and is now employed as the Chief Operating Officer at Ivy Learning Trust. In his spare time, Richard enjoys going for days out with his son Albie and dog Skye. He enjoys Walking, lunches out and plenty of socialising.

• Kirstie Britton
  Staff Governor
  Kirstie Britton

  Kirstie is Ainthorpe's Assistant Headteacher and has been employed at the academy since 2010, working as a Teacher, Literacy Lead, Maths Lead, D&T Co-ordinator, Computing Co-ordinator and Behaviour Lead. She was appointed a Staff Governor by Election on 6 March 2018, and provides a valuable contribution and insight to the ASC. She also wished to develop her understanding of the workings of the ASC, and be prepared in welcoming visitors such as Ofsted. Kirstie's passions and interests include Music, singing in a Choir, running and reading.

• Joanne Hunter
  Staff Governor
  Joanne Hunter

  Jo is a Cover Supervisor and has been employed at the academy since 2011. Her expertise lies within Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. She was appointed a Staff Governor on 27 June 2019. She is very passionate about working for the academy, and joined the Academy Scrutiny Committee to gain an understanding of their role and the contribution they made. In her own time, she loves spending time with her family and in the garden.

• Stephanie Mulligan
  Parent Governor
  Stephanie Mulligan

  Stephanie was appointed a Parent Governor on 20 March 2023. She became a governor as she wanted to develop her skill set and develop her community links by having more involvement in her son’s school. Stephanie has worked in various settings involving children and families. She has been employed as a Teaching Assistance and provided one to one support for children with SEN, EAL and individual needs. Stephanie has also worked as a mentor for families and been a youth and family support practitioner. She is currently self employed as a domestic cleaner. Her work experiences have enabled her to manage her own timetable, manage accounts and finances and provide an exceptional level of customer care. Stephanie has a great love of literature and enjoys keeping fit.

• Amy Rollinson
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Amy Rollinson

  I applied to become a school governor so that I could give back to the local community. I am a teacher myself and know how important effective and supportive leadership is to improve the outcomes for the children we teach, which is what motivates my commitment to education. I am committed to learning and improvement and sought the opportunity to share my skills and experience in a way that could benefit local children. I regularly update my knowledge of pedagogy and education and embrace every opportunity presented to me to develop further. I am a teacher and English Lead at a local Primary School with up-to-date knowledge of education including Ofsted, EEF and DFE guidance, the teacher standards, Early Career Framework, moderation and testing arrangements. I have up-to-date training on Safeguarding, Prevent Duty and online safety. I also have a good knowledge of the SEND code of practice, the local offer, SEND funding and experience in supporting SEND pupils in school- the EHC application process, annual review procedures and transition arrangements. I have a PGCE, QTS, and an NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. I am a mother of four with a rambunctious Labrador who likes to keep us all on our toes, walking the countryside or enjoying the beach on a fine day. Whether at work or at home, I like to be busy and active, caring for children and nurturing them to achieve their full potential.

• Adrian Rolfe
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Adrian Rolfe

  Adrian joined the ASC in May 2024 as he wanted to continue to use his experience, expertise and enthusiasm for education following his retirement as a maths teacher.

  Outside of his governance role, Adrian volunteers for a local community organisation, is a keen walker and follower of local sport. Adrian has also played rugby and coached young people in both football and rugby.

Current Governors 

Former Governors 

 Below is a list of Governors that have served in the past 12 months. 

Contacting Us

Scheme of Delegation

Information about the David Ross Education Trust’s scheme of delegation is available here.

Minutes of the Academy Scrutiny Committee

Should you wish to view a copy of the minutes of the ASC at this academy, please contact the Trust Governance Team (governance@dret.co.uk), who will be able to provide you with an electronic or paper copy of the minutes.

Are you interested in becoming an academy governor?

We are looking for new governors to support our academies. Our governors work closely with their academies to support the Trust’s goal of broadening the horizons of young people through a world-class education, equipping our students with the skills and experiences to become their confident, academic best, no matter what.

If you have an interest in, and commitment to, improving education and would like to make a difference within your community, please register your interest in becoming a governor by completing our governor application form. If you have any questions about a governor’s role or responsibilities please contact us at governance@dret.co.uk or review our information pack below. 

march 2024 governor recruitment booklet.pdf

What is it like being a Governor with DRET?

To understand what it is like to be a governor with us, take a look at our testimonial booklet and videos which contain insights from serving governors.

governor testimonial booklet .pdf

Emma Bennett  

Angela Watts  

Stephen Platten 

Garry Allen