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A foundation for success since 1932

Our Governors

Ribblesdale is fortunate to have a committed and enthusiastic board of governors with a diverse range of skills and extensive experience. They work diligently to ensure effective school management, with the primary goal of providing outstanding education for our students.

The governors play a crucial role in shaping the school's development strategy, offering guidance and support to the school's leadership, reviewing policies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and actively engaging with school activities.

Ribblesdale School Governors

Chair of Governors
  • Mr David Mellor (Acting)

Vice Chair of Governors
  • Mrs Carrie Nestor
Governors' Biographies

Local Authority Governor

Mr David Mellor

I am the local authority governor at Ribblesdale and before that was a parent governor, with both of my children having attended Ribblesdale.  I started his career as a teacher in a sixth form college and during this time became an examiner.  I then moved to work for the UK’s largest exam board where I filled various roles in a 20 year period. 

I now work for an assessment and education consultancy based in Manchester as the Director of Assessment.  With my background in education and assessment I have a good understanding of the environment that Ribblesdale operates in. 

I am a passionate believer that education should support all young people in achieving their goals and that it should meet the needs of all pupils. 

In my spare time I run one of the Clitheroe scout groups and I am a keen rock climber and walker.

Parent Governors

Mrs Pippa Lishman

Bio Coming Soon

Vacancy

Bio Coming Soon

Co-opted Governors 

Mrs Helen Willis

I am currently in my second term as a governor at Ribblesdale School.  I am employed as a Business Manager in a local primary school, although my background is in corporate banking.

I wish to see our excellent school and all the pupils who attend, prosper, and I hope to contribute my skills and experience towards the school’s good governance and continued success.

My greatest achievement to date, bar having my family, is running the London Marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2017, coming in at under 6 ½ hours and raising nearly £3000 in the process. 

In my spare time I volunteer as a counsellor for Twins Trust and recently, I have also been instrumental in setting up a local women’s rugby team at Clitheroe RUFC, where I am the assistant Safeguarding Officer.

Mrs Bernadette Matterson

I joined the governing board of Ribblesdale School in 2018. I have over forty years of experience working in secondary schools, including fifteen years at Ribblesdale as Head of Modern Languages and Advanced Skills teacher. I retired from teaching in 2017.

The education, wellbeing and safety of young people has always been of paramount importance to me. Ribblesdale provides an environment in which all young people are taught to become well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills required for the 21st century. As a governor I feel fortunate to contribute to the school’s development in a different capacity.  Ribblesdale and the community it serves will always have a place in my heart.

In my spare time, I love walking my two elderly Norfolk terriers, Hattie and Maisie, in the countryside, going on holiday to France and Spain and reading.

Vacancy

Bio Coming Soon

Mrs Carrie Nestor

I have been a member of the governing team here at Ribblesdale School since 2020.  I work as a School Business Manager within a local primary school, although my background is within operations where I served as an operations director for 10 years.

I have a passion for supporting young people and have actively volunteering for over 20 years. I currently serve as both a youth and adult magistrate and I’m active within the local scouting movement. Prior to this, I served as a chair for the Blackburn with Darwen youth offending team for over 18 years.

My aim is simple; to strategically support school, to ensure every child who attends Ribblesdale fulfils their potential and enjoys their school journey, whilst ensuring their wellbeing and safety is always the number one priority.

Mr James Watson

Bio Coming Soon

Mrs Jen Briggs

Bio Coming Soon

Mrs Liz Campbell

Bio Coming Soon

Mr Raymond Uba 

Bio Coming Soon

Miss Abigail Higham Day

Bio Coming Soon

Mrs Zainab Malik

I am a dedicated professional with a rich and diverse background in education, media, and healthcare. I have a BA in English and Media, a MA in Film and Media, and a PGCE. I have honed my teaching skills through experiences in Kuwait and China. In Kuwait I taught English and Media at a secondary school for girls, fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment. My six-month tenure in China involved teaching English at both junior and high school levels. Immersing myself in different cultures has taught me to appreciate and respect the customs and norms of each community I encounter. Adaptability is another skill I have developed through my travels. Whether it is adjusting to new teaching methods, curriculum structures, or classroom dynamics, I have learnt to embrace change and remain flexible in unfamiliar environments.

 

Currently pursuing a CIPD Level 5 course in People Management, I bring a wealth of transferable skills to my role as a school governor. Also, I am engaged in an apprenticeship in health and social care while working at an NHS hospital. My background in healthcare equips me with a deep understanding of care, wellbeing, and holistic pupil development.

 

I have proficiency in three languages—English, Punjabi, and Urdu. This further enhances my effectiveness as a school governor, enabling me to communicate with diverse stakeholders and advocate for the needs of multicultural pupils and families. I am committed to championing excellence and fostering a supportive learning environment for all.

Staff Governor

Ms Sharon Jennison

I am currently a governor at Ribblesdale School.  I am also a teacher with two decades of experience in PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education) RE and Enrichment.  My goal is to continue making a positive impact on pupils' lives. I aspire to foster a school environment where inclusivity is paramount, and where every pupil is encouraged to aspire to their fullest potential. I aim to further promote community engagement, strengthen charity initiatives, and advocate for holistic education that equips pupils with essential life skills.

Enrichment is one of my great achievements, this innovative, valued and impressive part of our school curriculum was recognised by Ofsted, parents, pupils and staff as being a huge strength in our school. Indeed, we have grown our workshops, community links and opportunities for pupils and staff to enjoy this amazing opportunity.

I have played a pivotal role in cultivating a school culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion. By implementing inclusive teaching strategies and promoting respect for all backgrounds, I've helped create an environment where every pupil feels valued and supported.

Through my extensive experience in PSHE education, I have developed and implemented innovative curriculum enhancements that address the evolving needs of pupils. These initiatives include mental health awareness programs, comprehensive sex education, and financial literacy lessons.

I've spearheaded numerous community engagement initiatives, connecting pupils with local charities and organisations. This involvement has not only enriched the lives of our pupils but also contributed to the betterment of the community at large.

In my spare time, I am an avid cinema goer and enjoy all genres of movies including comedy, drama, period, war, crime and recently the live recordings of stage productions from theatres across the country.

Headteacher (ex-officio)

Mrs Anne-Marie Horrocks

I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you and introduce myself as the Headteacher of our wonderful all-through school. It's been a joy and an honour to have overseen the building of our amazing £8.5 million primary site and our transition into an all-through school for pupils from the age of 4 to 16. This comes as the latest part of an educational journey which has seen Ribblesdale serve our local community for over 90 years and I myself serve as a teacher and leader in schools across the North-West of England for almost 30 years. I began my career as a teacher of English in Stockport and, after 20 years in various leadership roles in 4 different schools, I am privileged to be Headteacher at Ribblesdale and to guide our pupils through their educational adventures and on to the next stage of their education or career.

Since taking on the role as Headteacher at Ribblesdale in 2020, I have had the pleasure of witnessing the growth, achievements, and incredible potential of our pupils. My enthusiasm for education goes beyond the conventional; I firmly believe in the power of inspiring a lifelong love for learning. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge. It extends well beyond the classroom and is about fostering curiosity, a love of reading, critical thinking and creativity. I am dedicated to ensuring that every child in our care discovers the joy of learning, unlocking their potential to become curious, compassionate and capable individuals.

Observer Governors

Susan Cowking

Paul Edge

Zaneta Dewhurst