Ian Brown

Hello I am a co-opted Governor to Darrington C of E Primary School.

I am a proud Yorkshire man who lives in Pontefract with my wife and have a strong link to Darrington through my family.  Both of my grandchildren have attended the school and I have a grandchild who is not at school yet.

I am retired from full time work but do lots of things that help the local and wider community. For example, I was a magistrate until I reached the mandatory retirement age serving in Pontefract, Wakefield and Leeds.

Before I retired, I had a long career at Yorkshire Imperial Metals, Leeds City Council and Yorkshire Water. I am a qualified accountant by training.

I have been a school governor since my own two children were at school. My first Governor role was at Halfpenny Lane School in Pontefract as a parent governor. When my children left junior school I was elected as a parent Governor and then at Kings High School. I left both these roles in 1991.

In 2002 as part of a Government initiative I took a Governor role at a school in Doncaster that had just gone into Special Measures. After some difficult decisions and hard work by the staff and Governors the school was rated good three years later, and in 2010 outstanding and again in 2015. It has now converted to an Academy along with two other schools. I am still very much involved in that school.

In my spare time I am a keen gardener, like making our home habitable, enjoy Nordic walking, getting afloat and most of all family life.

Lynne Davis

Hello I am a retired teacher.

It seems a long time ago that, as a 16 year old teenager, I decided that my life’s work was to be a teacher of Religious Studies. It is a decision that I will never regret as it has been a joy and a privilege to explore the thoughts, ideas and questions that young people have about the fundamental questions of life. It was through this work that I met and worked with both Gill Fletcher and Lyndsay Ranby. A part of my Department’s role was to also teach Personal, Social, Health and Relationships Education, which will become a part of the curriculum for all Key Stages this year.

I have two granddaughter who attend Darrington School, so when an opportunity arose that allowed me to contribute to the Governing Body I was delighted to accept. This is my first year as a governor and I am a member of the Standards and Pupils Committee.

I am also a member of St Giles Church in Pontefract where I also lead Junior Church. So, I look forward to working alongside the Darrington Collective Worship Committee.

I have previously been a Parent Governor at Carleton High School and a Teacher Governor at Outwood Grange Academy.

As a parent, grandparent and a teacher, the education of children has always been of paramount importance. I am really looking forward to working with such a dedicated team of Governors, to ensure that our children receive a first class education in a loving and caring environment so that they can shine in the world.

Sophie Morgan

Joining the school governing board in 2022 as a Governor, my ambition is to have a positive contribution towards continuous development for the children, their individual growth, their learning, and for the school to realise their objectives; not only to achieve them but excel and surpass expectations. I attended Darrington CE School as a pupil many years ago.

My own personal experiences have brought me strength through real adversity, and a high level of perspective, motivation and understanding over a wide variety of matters that can impact on everyday life, and as a parent of a child at Darrington School, I would hope these experiences can assist a true equal and diverse approach.

Professionally, I have over 15 years comprehensive experience in the fields of construction; social housing, project management and technical estimating, mostly as a Quantity Surveyor, leading financial management, monitoring, and analysis of large projects. Recently moving into the field of Category Management, of Property Services procurement, I utilise my contracting experience, and have previously undertaken audits and hold experience in Environmental Management and ISO accreditation.

As the Chair of Darrington School PTFA, and as a parent, ultimately my objective is to enhance the school journey for each and every child, to make as many happy memories as possible throughout the pupil experience which will last a life time. I hope to achieve this through the Governors role within strategic approach.

Nick Davison

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Catherine Leeson

I joined the school governing body in September 2024. I have two children at Darrington CE Primary School, in years 3 and 6. I currently work for Teach First, as a Subject Development Lead for Science. This involves working with science trainee teachers across the country, as they complete their ITT training programme. My role combines delivery of subject specific training, lesson feedback, supporting trainee well-being, tracking progress, and supporting trainees gain QTS. Prior to this role I worked for 16 years at The Kings School Pontefract in a variety of teaching positions within the Science Department. I feel passionate about enabling every child to fulfil their potential, and the power that education can have on children’s futures. I am looking forward to the opportunities that working with the team of governors here at Darrington will bring.

Chris Burden 

I joined the school governing board in October 2024 as a Governor.

As a resident of Darrington, I am passionate about giving back to our local community and making a positive difference in our area. I have three young daughters, one of whom is attending the school, with the other two set to join soon. I’m proud to say my children attend here and I genuinely believe the school and teachers are outstanding. I have a passion for supporting young people to learn and have more than 10 years of experience in supporting graduates transition into the workplace while also furthering their education through professional accountancy qualifications.

Professionally, I have built a successful career as an accountant and currently serve as the Chief Financial Officer of two dynamic businesses, both have the same parent company. These are large IT and process transformation businesses focused on supporting the Public Sector. In these roles, I have contributed to savings of approximately £700 million for central government departments. Previously, as Finance Director of a similar business, I contributed to savings exceeding £500 million for the NHS.

Jamie Place

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