Governors

Our Governors

Barnes Wallis Academy is governed by an Academy Scrutiny Committee.

Our Governors are:

• Alastair O'Connor
  Executive Principal
  Alastair O'Connor

• Charlotte Dunsford
  Head of School
  Charlotte Dunsford

• David Wilkinson
  Staff Governor
  David Wilkinson

  David joined the ASC in February 2018 and is currently serving his second term as a staff governor. 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 Assistant Principal at Barnes Wallis Academy where he has worked for 15 years. During those 15 years he has held many different positions in the school in various levels of school management. David hopes that his various roles across education will prove useful to the ASC. With a busy house with 4 children, he loves going away with the family, playing board games. 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 30 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.

• Tim Drakes
  DRET Appointed Governor (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 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 Healthcare sector, but also holds a number of other executive positions. In particular, Tim is a Trustee of Lincolnshire Headway (a brain injury charity), 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 Singing for the many years, initially with the Royal Opera House, then with Thames Opera Company, and more recently with Lincolnshire Vocal Academy. Tim enjoys long walks with their dog, playing golf, and travelling.

• Chris Blanchard
  DRET Appointed Governor (Vice 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 35 years so far for the Royal Air Force. His good leadership and managerial qualities enabled him to previously 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.

• Kay Burge
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Kay Burge

  My son goes to the school and I would like to help where possible. I would like to help increase the positivity about the school and its reputation. I run an independent recruitment agency and B2B networking groups. I am passionate about equality and equal opportunities in the learning environment, for all students regress of learning abilities and or background.

• Marie-Anne Sardeson
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Marie-Anne Sardeson

  I decided to become a governor to further use my experiences, interests and knowledge through my years of working in Education. I have been employed as a teacher in a variety of roles: Teacher of Science (Biology/Chemistry and Physics GCSE; Biology A level: Applied Science BTec); Assistant Head of Department, Form Tutor; Assistant Head of Year; Expedition Leader); Mentor for SCITT trainees; Exam Boards Moderator. My passions and interests include Farming, Lincoln Longwool Sheep, Running, Hill Walking, Cycling, Painting, Reading and Science.

• Virginie Barre
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Virginie Barre

  Virginie believes in the power of state education to open minds and unlock opportunities for young people, and that therefore, educational institutions should strive to excel by continuously seeking to provide the best they can offer. Prior to relocating from London to Lincolnshire, and to working for the David Education Trust’s Curriculum leadership team, she was Deputy Head teacher in charge of Quality of Education in a large 11-18 school which she contributed to lead from R.I to two Outstanding inspections, and to Teaching School status. Now semi-retired, she wishes to continue to put her skills and experience to the service of governance and is inspired by the strong sense of community pervading at Barnes Wallis Academy. She had the pleasure to experience life and work in France and Germany before starting a teaching career in England, and she continues to enjoy European city travel, walking, cinema and current affairs.

• Jessica Oversby
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Jessica Oversby

  Jessica joined the ASC in September 2020 and is currently serving her second term of office. 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. Jessica 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.

• Nicola Carr
  Parent Governor
  Nicola Carr

  I approached the school with a view to joining the governing body for a number of reasons. I wanted a better understanding of the school my child is attending, and wanted to support them with the educational journey that she and her fellow pupils are on, helping to ensure that they are getting the best opportunities available to them. I have been a governor in the past, at EYFS, KS1/2, holding various positions including chair and have sat on a range of committees. I understand the importance of the role of governance within a school setting the need for scrutiny and challenge as well as positive feedback. I work in Lincolnshire, running my own business, and work alongside my husband and wider family on our farm, a mixed arable and livestock enterprise. As part of the arable enterprise we supply to the major multiples and so I have strong background in health and safety, employee management and auditing, I oversee the financial aspects of the company, alongside my work away from the family business, managing other farm accounts. My interests are varied, but generally involve anything outdoors, horse riding, walking, particularly with our dogs, and watching my son play rugby.

Current Governors

 Former Governors

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

Contacting Us

The Governance Officer for Barnes Wallis Academy is Gemma Yates.  Gemma 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 governorservices@dret.co.uk or review our information pack below.

march 2024 governor recruitment booklet.pdf

 Emma Bennett

Angela Watts

Stephen Platten

Garry Allen

What training do Governors receive?

We offer an extensive range of training opportunities. Take a look at what is on offer for the current academic year.