Biographies

Ellen Hardwick

Co-opted Governor

Subject Governor for Anti-Bullying, Special Educational Needs including More Able Pupils, Modern Foreign Languages and Attendance

I have two children: a daughter and a son who are both now at secondary school but previously attended Ashover. I became a Governor in December 2013 because I am passionate about learning and want to do all I can to support Ashover School.

I studied languages at university and have a background in secondary teaching and translation project management. I've lived in various parts of the country and also abroad (Germany and California) before returning to my native Derbyshire.

As well as being a Governor, I am very much involved in the local Ashover community, for example as Vice-Chair of the Ashover Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group. 

Sue Myhill

Headteacher

I started my teaching career at Ashover in 2000 where I taught for 6 years in EYFS and KS 1. I was then Deputy Headteacher at an Infant School in Chesterfield. I have been Headteacher at Ashover since February 2018. I am married with 3 children that go to school in Chesterfield. I enjoy running and playing netball for a ladies team.

Charlotte Harrison

Parent Governor

Subject Governor for English

I live in the Parish of Ashover with my husband and my three children attend Ashover School. I have a background in Education and before starting a family I was Leader of Mathematics in a Middle School in the North of England.

In my role of governor I want to contribute to the effective leadership of the school.

Mark Barltrop

Co-opted Governor

Subject Governor for Health and Safety

Having lived in the village for over 20 years I fully understand the importance a fantastic school like Ashover plays in the community and the wonderful life it creates for our children. My aim is to support the School through the governing body to ensure that the past successes are maintained. 

My background is in commercial property covering all aspects from development, investments, capital projects, corporate property strategy and property management. I will look to bring this experience into my role as chair of the resources committee and member of the governing body.

Carl Hayes

Chair of Governors

Co-opted Governor

Member of Head Teacher's Performance Management Committee

Subject Governor for PE

I am married to Charlotte and have two children who have now left Ashover to go to secondary school. I have worked as a Business Transformation officer at Chesterfield Borough Council since 2000. I have also fulfilled the role of Branch Secretary of Unison at Chesterfield BC. I have therefore sat on both sides of the table and understand the need to work with the school but also provide checks and possible alternatives going forward.

I was keen to become a governor at Ashover for several reasons:  Part of this was to have an input into how the school is run and to have an understanding of all that goes on behind the scenes.  I also believe that I have some experience that will be useful in helping the school with its mission moving into the future.

Nick Watts

Parent Governor

Subject Governor for EYFS and Curriculum

Robin Wilson

Staff Governor

Matt Guest

Vice Chair of Governors

Co-opted Governor

Link Governor for Safeguarding, Looked After Children and GDPR

At the time of writing, I have worked in the IT industry for over 14 years; half of which has been specialising in Cyber Security roles. I intend to use my professional skills and experiences to support the fundamental Security principles of Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability to further protect the Ashover School and it’s members.

I was raised in Rotherham and moved to Derbyshire after working for Chatsworth House’s IT department, where I met my wife, Chloe. We lived in London for a few years to further our careers before moving to Ashover in 2016 to start a family. My eldest child attends Ashover School.

In theory, in my spare time I enjoy playing guitar, luthiering, gardening and hiking with our dog Henry.

In practise, our little girls fill most of our spare time and we enjoy visiting country houses and walking in the countryside together as a family.

Georgina Smith

Local Authority Governor

Link Governor for Science

I am passionate and enthusiastic about raising standards and facilitating children to reach their potential. My twin daughters have recently attended Ashover School but now attend secondary school, and I have witnessed many effective steps in the right direction of making this school one you would want to send your children to attend. I have lived in the Derbyshire area all my life and am involved in community groups through my children. 

In my current role as a Programme Development Manager in Adult Education centres I work closely with young people to create and design a study programme that meets their needs and requirements.  I manage and support tutors within this role and support them with their training needs, development and teaching role.  I work effectively with others and have a good knowledge of health and safety and curriculum needs.  As a Governor I am particularly keen to ensure that all children are safeguarded, have a good mental health/wellbeing, and can strive to meet their potential within the school environment.

Robin Grant

Associate Governor

Subject Governor for Maths

My wife, Anna, and I live in Ashover and my three children currently attend the school. I went to school in Wingerworth, then Tupton then attended the University of Nottingham before qualifying as a chartered accountant in London.

I’m currently the Chief Financial Officer of an asset management firm in Manchester. Before that, after relocating from London to Ashover I worked as the interim Bursar at S.Anselm’s Preparatory School in Bakewell for almost 2 years.

I wanted to become a governor at the school to contribute what I can to its on-going success.

Andrew Whitaker

Parent Governor

I live in the Parish of Ashover with my wife and two children, both of whom attend the school. I have a degree in Psychology but now run my own building development firm.

I come from a family of teachers which has given me an insight into the wider education system. This has made me passionate about giving and creating opportunities for children, regardless of their background to have the support they require to achieve their full potential.