Governors
Our Governors
Ainthorpe Primary School is governed by an Academy Scrutiny Committee.
Our governors are:
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Karen ChapmanInterim Principal
Karen Chapman
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Adrian RolfeDRET Appointed Governor (Chair)
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.
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Sion AtkinsonParent Governor (Vice Chair)
Sion Atkinson
I decided to become a governor to actively contribute to the ASCs' support and challenge to the school. With my eldest child currently attending and two younger children set to join in the coming years, I am committed to supporting the school community and ensuring a high standard of education and opportunities for all pupils. I work as a Capital Development Manager for Hull City Council, leading complex, major city projects, including managing budgets, timelines, and stakeholder engagement. I bring strong strategic planning, risk management, and problem-solving skills, along with experience in overseeing large-scale initiatives and ensuring accountability. I enjoy football, both playing myself and watching my daughter's team. As well as spending quality time with my family, I have a strong interest in outdoor activities and trying new experiences.
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Richard CromptonDRET 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.
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Amy RollinsonDRET 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.
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Kirstie BrittonStaff 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.
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Joanne HunterStaff 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.
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Stephanie MulliganParent 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.
Current Governors
| Name | Governor Type | Appointed By | Term of Office | Term From | Term To | Declarations of Interest and other Governance Roles | Governor Assigned Responsibilities | Attendance 24/25 | Attendance 25/26 |
| Sion Atkinson | Parent governor | Elected by parents | First | 27 Nov 2024 | 26 Nov 2028 |
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3 of a possible 3 | 1 of a possible 1 |
| Kirstie Britton | Staff governor | Elected by school staff | Second | 06 Mar 2022 | 5 Mar 2026 |
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|
3 of a possible 4 | 1 of a possible 1 |
| Karen Chapman | Interim Principal | Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/ principal |
Not applicable | 24 Nov 2026 | Ex Officio |
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|
Not applicable, not in post | Not applicable, not in post |
| Richard Crompton | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | First | 21 Jun 2023 | 20 Jun 2027 |
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|
3 of a possible 4 | 0 of a possible 1 |
| Joanne Hunter | Staff governor | Elected by school staff | Second | 27 Jun 2023 | 26 Jun 2027 |
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2 of a possible 4 | 0 of a possible 1 |
| Stephanie Mulligan | Parent governor | Elected by parents | First | 20 Mar 2023 | 19 Mar 2027 |
|
|
2 of a possible 4 | 0 of a possible 1 |
| Adrian Rolfe | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | First | 13 May 2024 | 12 May 2028 |
|
|
4 of a possible 4 | 1 of a possible 1 |
| Amy Rollinson | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | First | 12 Apr 2024 | 11 Apr 2028 |
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|
3 of a possible 4 | 1 of a possible 1 |
Former Governors
Below is a list of Governors that have served in the past 12 months.
| Name | Governor Type | Appointed By | Terms Served | First Appointed | Leaving Date | Declarations of Interest and other Governance Roles | Attendance 24/25 | Attendance 25/26 |
| Adam James | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | 1 | 20 Nov 2024 | 30 Jun 2025 |
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1 of a possible 2 | Not applicable, not in post |
| Wendy Baxter | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | 1 | 21 Jun 2023 | 16 Oct 2025 |
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2 of a possible 4 | 0 of a possible 1 |
Contacting Us
The Governance Officer for Ainthorpe Primary School is Victoria Linthwaite. Victoria can be reached at governance@dret.co.uk.
To contact a governor, please contact the Trust Governance Team by emailing governance@dret.co.uk.
If you are looking to contact a Governor to make a complaint or share a concern, please note that as per our Complaints Policy, governors do not investigate complaints at Stage 1 or Stage 2. This enables them to be impartial should a complaint be escalated to a Stage 3 governor panel. If you wish to make a complaint, please complete this form and your complaint will be investigated accordingly.
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.
aug 2025 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




