Governors

Our Governors

Barnes Wallis Academy is governed by an Academy Scrutiny Committee.

Our Governors are:

James Scarrott

Principal

James Scarrott
Chris Blanchard

DRET Appointed Governor (Chair)

Chris Blanchard

Chris was appointed a DRET Appointed Governor at the academy on 28 November 2017. He initially became a governor because he wanted to have an influence on his daughter's education but then realised he could make an impact to all the students' progress through challenge. He is also passionate to see the school as the school of choice for the area and not see children waiting for a bus to take them to another school. Chris has served 32 years so far for the Royal Air Force. His good leadership and managerial qualities enable him to effectively Chair the ASCs at Barnes Wallis, King Edward VI and Thomas Middlecott Academies. Chris is empathetic with excellent communication skills and has the courage to give challenge to school leaders and the higher Trust leaders, if required. He has a calm demeanour and is very approachable, and is often called upon to support other academies in the Trust. In his free time Chris enjoys Running, cycling and reading.
Tim Drakes

DRET Appointed Governor (Vice Chair)

Tim Drakes

Tim was appointed a DRET Appointed Governor on the ASC on 21 October 2020. Since his appointment, his fellow governors have elected him Vice-chair. Tim decided to become a governor because he felt he had the skills that would help the school and wider trust in developing outstanding education. He also wanted to be involved in his daughter's education which is why he selected this school. Tim primarily works in the financial sector, but also holds a number of other executive positions. In particular, Tim is a Director and Trustee of an Opera Company, and also Director and Trustee for a Primary Academy Trust. His biggest passion is as a single parent, trying to do the very best he can for his daughter. Tim has been involved in Opera for the last four years, initially with the Royal Opera House, and now more recently with his own organisation, Thames Opera Company. Tim enjoys long walks with their dog, playing golf, and travelling.
Helen Florance

DRET Appointed Governor

Helen Florance
Sue Illingworth

DRET Appointed Governor

Sue Illingworth

Sue joined the ASC as a DRET Appointed Governor on 15 July 2021. Since retiring, Sue now has the time to dedicate to Barnes Wallis as a 'critical' friend. She is looking forward to being able to work closely with staff and students to further develop the academy. Sue is the Link Governor for Special Needs. She was a Secondary School Music and Maths Teacher with 33 years' experience. Sue concluded her career as Vice Principal as well as maintaining a teaching commitment. Her role involved the strategic leadership of learning and teaching and data analysis. Specific tasks within this role included chairing the raising attainment through Teaching and Learning Group, being the Professional Adviser to the Curriculum and Standards sub-committee of the governing body, and being the line manager of different faculties within the school. Sue has achieved an MA(Ed) in Educational Leadership and Management. She also has a BA (Hons) in Music and Education, and a Grade 8 Piano and Grade 8 Piano Duet. Her interests include singing in local choirs and playing flute in an amateur orchestra.
Jessica Oversby

Parent Governor

Jessica Oversby

Jessica was appointed a Parent Governor on 21 September 2020. She applied to become a governor as she is a champion of children and was interested in giving her input from a non-academic perspective.Â Jessica is currently the Student Voice and Parent Voice Link governor. She works as a Team Leader in Hospitality. In the past, she has been on a PTA committee which has given her a good rapport with parents. This in turn has given her a good insight into how both parents and children are feeling about how the academy is performing and she can relay this to the ASC. Jessica enjoys caravanning, dog walking and watching rugby.
David Wilkinson

Staff Governor

David Wilkinson

David was appointed a DRET Appointed Governor on 18 March 2021. During the early parts of his career he realised that he wanted to understand and help support academies within the Trust. Through several iterations of the ASC, David has gained experience and knowledge which has not only helped his own practices but allowed him to support others. He is currently the Head of Faculty for Vocational & Arts and a member of the Extended senior leadership team at Barnes Wallis Academy where he has worked for 12 years. During those 12 years he has held many different positions in both in various levels of school management. David hopes that his various roles across education will prove useful to the ASC. As a Father of three children, he loves going away with the family. He also enjoys cooking, going to the cinema and a good old fashioned pub quiz.
Sarah Swann

Staff Governor

Sarah Swann

Sarah was elected by her colleagues to join the ASC as a Staff Governor on 21 February 2018. She has previously served as a Staff Governor and is fully aware of the demands and responsibilities of the role, which have altered over time since the school joined the Trust. Sarah feels it is important that there is Staff Representation on the ASC. She is currently Head of Communications Faculty, Head of House and on the Extended Senior Leadership Team. She has taught for 27 years and has had a number of different job titles and roles over the years. She hopes her experiences, skills and knowledge add to the skill set of the ASC. Sarah loves to read, walk her dog, watch films and visit the cinema.

Governor Assigned Responsibilities

Safeguarding - Chris Blanchard

Pupil Premium - Chris Blanchard

Student Voice and Parent Voice - Jessica Oversby

Teaching and Learning - Tim Drakes

Careers - Tim Drakes

SEND - Sue Illingworth

Contacting a Governor

To contact a Governor, please contact the Trust Governance Team by emailing governorservices@dret.co.uk.

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, 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 governorservices@dret.co.uk or review our information pack below.

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.