Governing Body
Richard Chamberlain
Chair of Governors
Originally from Preston, I have lived in London for 10 years and currently reside in Sheffield where I have lived since 2016 with my family.
Since leaving university and following a brief career in finance, I have worked in the recruitment sector, advising professionals in Yorkshire on their careers and supporting organisations with their recruitment strategies. I am currently studying towards an MBA at Sheffield Management School.
A father to 2 young children, I became a Governor because I am passionate about supporting young children and making sure they are in the best possible environment to thrive, develop life skills and ultimately build a livelihood and a career for themselves.
I am proud to support and represent Thrybergh Primary School.
Kerry Hopcraft
Parent Governor
I chose to be a school governor so I could be more involved in the school and an advocate for parents and children. Both my boys have and do attend the school. They are always happy and safe here.
Katy Edmondson
Co-Opted Governor
Kate Rushforth
Vice-Chair, Co-opted Governor
I live in Sheffield with my husband, 2 sons aged 5 and 8, a lazy cat and Jack Russell. I’ve always lived in Sheffield and love the mix of city life, green spaces and amazing countryside on our doorstep.
I previously worked at a large national law firm for 13 years, gaining extensive experience across the Facilities department. In 2021, I decided to move on and accepted a role at WPT.
I’m passionate about making sure children get the education they deserve and are given the opportunity to thrive. Becoming a governor is a great way to put this into practice. I feel that my values align with those of Thrybergh Primary and I’m happy to help drive the high standards of the school for the benefit of our students and the local community.
Mrs Britton
Teaching Staff Governor
I have been a teacher at Thrybergh Primary School since 1997. For most of that time I have taught in Y6, and to be honest, I love teaching Y5/6. I am also the subject leader for maths and science.
I live with my husband, Craig, and my 13-year-old daughter, Darcie. We also have a rescue greyhound, Inka, and a very badly-behaved terrier – Marley.
In my spare time, I enjoy riding and currently have two horses. As a family, we love to go to Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, Norfolk (on the boat) and the Isle of White using our touring caravan.
Contact the Chair of Governors
To get in touch with Richard Chamberlain, Chair of Governors, please email rchamberlain-gov@thryberghprimary.org.
What does the Governing Body do?
The work of the Governing Body is carried out for one purpose only and that is to give the children the best possible start in their school life by providing the very best in terms of the education they receive. The Governing Body is made up of the Headteacher, and members of the school community and wider Wickersley Partnership Trust where possible. The position of school governor is a voluntary one, but it demands a high level of commitment, both in time but also responsibility as the decisions made directly affect the children.
The Governors work closely with the Headteacher and meet regularly. Decisions are democratic, with all governors being given as much information as possible to aid them in that decision-making process, ensuring lively often lengthy and healthy discussions prior to decision making. Their work is focused around teaching and learning and in ensuring the school is offering the best possible values for its pupils.
The Governors have legal duties, powers and responsibilities, they can only act together, they cannot act as individuals.
Governors are appointed to help:
- Decide what is
- Set standards of
- Agree targets for continual school
- Interview and select
- Monitor and engage with teaching and learning
School Governors can be:
- Parents
- WPT members
- Community
Become a School Governor
Do something inspiring today – become a school Governor. Make a difference and develop your own skills!
Wickersley Partnership Trust consists of a group of thirteen Primary and Secondary schools predominantly in Rotherham. The children and young people it serves are aged from three to eighteen and total almost seven thousand! Each school is supported by its own community based Local Governing Body made up of parents/carers, local community representatives and businesses.
Schools across the country require people to volunteer as Governors on their Local Governing Bodies. Despite the fact that an estimated 250,000 people volunteer in this way each year, there is still a shortage.
So, why not give back and help give children and young people the best start in life, whilst developing your own skills in a way which can benefit your career. We like to think of it as a win-win situation!
