Victoria Smith

Hello everybody! I’m Vicci and I’m the Chair of Governors at Ruswarp School.

I have 3 children, all of whom attended Ruswarp School so I have been a parent here for 12 years and have had the privilege of being on the Governing Board for 9 of those. 

My background is in the care sector and working with horses. I’m usually seen outside the school gates, covered in mud and hay!!  

I love working closely with the school and being able to watch the children grow and learn as they progress through our school. 

I can be contacted through the school office on 01947 602029 or directly by email at vsmith@ruswarp.n-yorks.sch.uk or CofG@ruswarp.n-yorks.sch.uk

Father Michael Gobbett

I was born in Kent, grew up in Stamford in Lincolnshire and was at University in Durham and theological college in Oxford, with some time spent working in pastoral roles in London too. I was ordained in 1990 and have served in Hartlepool, Stockton, Sedgefield and the nearby villages, and since 2016, Whitby and Ruswarp.

I've been a school governor in four schools over a period of 29 years (in both Church and Local Authority schools) and have always enjoyed the various ways in which clergy engage with schools; as a governor, and also leading Collective Worship and assemblies, school events, residential trips and helping church schools to develop their Christian ethos.

Ruswarp is great school to be involved with. For clergy, governorship of Church schools tends to 'come with the job' and it's one of the best parts of it with the opportunity to work with children as they learn and grow in all sorts of ways and also adults in various roles in school who are so committed to the children in their care .

 Fr Paul Burnett

I am Father Paul.  I am married with 2 daughters and have recently retired from North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, after 25 years.  I was ordained in 2021 at York Minster.  As well as my duties in the parish, I am also a reserve Army Chaplain and I will be entering full service in May.  I have been a foundation Governor for over 6 years and enjoy collective worship with the school on Wednesday mornings.

 Lorna Brown

I am the school's staff Governor elected by the staff in 2024. 

Previously I was a local authority governor at another primary school, which gave me a good understanding of how a governing body works . I have been a teacher for 18 years, teaching children from 5 - 14 years of age and have specialisms in special educational needs, P.E, science and R.E.  Over my years of teaching I have worked in a number of different schools and with children from a wide range of backgrounds. It is a privilege to be working here at Ruswarp and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far getting to know both children and their families. 

I truly believe Ruswarp gives children an excellent start to their education and want to build on that; ensuring that children can be the best that they can be.  This is why I am proud to be the staff governor, so I can help strategically shape the school as it moves forward, sharing with the board the views and opinions of the staff.   

Colin Harrison

I am proud to be Vice Chair of Governors of the Rise Federation. 

I am a native of Staithes and attended Staithes School. As a solicitor, I was in practice in London, the south-east and north-east of England.  Having benefited from a good education myself, I am convinced that a good education is the key to each child reaching their full potential.

My own children attended Seton School, which is when I first became a parent governor in 2009.  Since then, the challenges facing small, rural schools have increased as primary pupil numbers have decreased nationally. I see the federation of Ruswarp and Seton schools as a positive step in ensuring that the children of our communities have the opportunity of receiving a good education. I hope that contributing the experience I have gained as a school governor can help achieve this; I know that the whole team at Rise Federation are committed to it.

Graham Bagshaw

I would like to help our communities and I thoroughly enjoy being a co-opted governor at The Rise Federation.

Before I retired, I was the principal of an engineering consultancy in the building industry and I have a lot of experience of properties in the education sector.  I would like to bring my experience of business and engineering to help Ruswarp and Seton develop further and to achieve our goals for all pupils.

Lucy Taylor

My name is Lucy Taylor, and I am a Local Authority governor at Seton Community Primary School and Ruswarp C of E Primary School.  I also teach at Sleights Church of England Primary School: this helps when contributing to meetings. I love working with everybody at Seton and Ruswarp and am really pleased that our schools are in partnership.

Helen Isaac

I am truly delighted to have transitioned from a temporary role to becoming the substantive Headteacher of Ruswarp School as of September 2023.  My passion for our school remains as strong as ever, and I am deeply committed to nurturing its growth and success.

Together, as a dedicated team of staff, governors, and community members, we have made huge strides forward, placing Ruswarp in a strong and positive position for the future.  As a governor, with the continued support of our local community, I am confident that Ruswarp will continue to flourish as a vibrant and inspiring place where every child can thrive.

My professional experience spans a variety of roles in North Yorkshire schools, which have involved teaching across the age range from Nursery to Year 6.. This is now my fifth headship and governance role, so I bring a wealth of experience to the table.  As an ex-officio governor, I thoroughly enjoy being part of the strategic team who oversee the direction and development of our school, to ensure we continue to provide the best possible education and support for our pupils.