Our Role

School Governors play an important part in helping our school run effectively. They use their varied experience and knowledge to support the success and continual improvement of the school in three main ways:

1. Planning the school’s strategic direction.
2. Making sure money is well spent by having oversight of the school’s financial performance.
3. Holding the Headteacher and school leadership accountable.

The Governing Board does not get involved in the day-to-day running of the school. We use a model of Governance called the Circle Model, which means that full board meetings are held each half term and all governors take responsibility in all areas. Some governors hold additional responsibilities, such as Safeguarding or SEN.

​​​​​​​Governors are either appointed to the role (Partnership, Co-opted, Local Authority), or elected from within the school community (Parent). You can find more information on the role of School Governors at https://governorsforschools.org.uk/

Parent Governors

Parent Governors play an essential role in the School Governing Body. They bring their skills and expertise to the group in the same way appointed Governors do, as well as their perspective as parents.

If you are interested in becoming a Parent Governor, this document contains lots of useful information.

David Picton

Co-Chair of Governors and Parent Governor

dpicton@wilstead.school

I became a Parent Governor in late 2023 and currently have 2 children in the school. I have lived in Wilstead since 2015, having returned from living in Australia for 8 years, although I grew up just down the road in Shefford. I'm a chartered accountant, currently working for a listed technology company and outside of work enjoy reading crime novels and spending time with the family. I'm excited to be part of a strong Governing Board and look forward to supporting the schools ongoing development.

Caron Brown

Headteacher

head@wilstead.school              

I am the very fortunate Headteacher of this lovely school! I became Head here in April 2020, after spending many years working in Hertfordshire. I started my education career working with children with emotional and behavioural needs and I am a strong advocate for relational and therapeutic approaches to education. I deeply believe that every child matters enormously. I live just 20 minutes away in Biggleswade with my partner Les and our Labrador, Nelson, who is regularly in school with me! I read a lot (much more during holidays!), love visiting European cities, art galleries and coffee shops and have always got time for a chat (especially if there's a coffee on offer too!).             

Nicola Webb

Staff Governor and Deputy Headteacher

nwebb@wilstead.school

I am Nicki, and I joined the school as Deputy Headteacher in 2017. I have taught in Reception, Year 4 and Year 3 during my time at Wilstead.  I grew up in Malvern, Worcestershire, and lived in Cambridge and London before settling in Bedford.  I am passionate about the importance of Early Years education, and in the vital role of play in building strong foundations for our children’s learning.  I am Mummy to two beautiful children, and hugely enjoying the trials and tribulations of new parenthood!

Rebecca May

Parent Governor

rmay@wilstead.school

I am a Parent Governor with two children in the school. Before my children were born, I was a teacher in a local lower school with leadership responsibilities and I love to use my previous experience to support Wilstead Primary. Nowadays, I work as a freelance writer and trainer and voluntarily help to lead Wixams church, where I am responsible for Messy Church and Little Stars toddler group. My favourite pastime is crafting and I am learning to make clothes for my children.

Louise Day

Co-Chair of Governors

lday@wilstead.school

Hi my name is Louise, I have been a Governor at Wilstead since 2016 when my son joined the school. I am Wilstead born and bred, having lived in the village throughout my life, attended the school as a child and therefore have a real sense of our community. I work in Education as Assistant Principal at a local school and have a keen interest in developing children's love of learning, with a particular focus on Special Educational Needs and Safeguarding.  When not working I enjoy quality time with my family, baking, time outdoors and day trips and holidays away.

Jenny Knight

My name is Jenny and I became a parent governor in 2023. I have four children, the youngest two in years 5 and 2, and the oldest two having now left Wilstead for secondary school. I have many happy memories of attending Wilstead school myself, and I'm delighted that it's still just as warm and nurturing as I remember. I studied Spanish at university then worked in educational publishing, and now I'm back doing freelance work in the same field, as well as being involved in running a children's club and preschool group at Wilstead Evangelical Church. I've loved being involved in the life of the school as a volunteer, listening to readers then running recorder club, and I'm keen to support the ongoing success of the school as a governor.

Adrian Northern 

Co-Opted Governor

anorthern@wilstead.school

I spent my career working in the NHS in Pathology, specialising in Haematology and Blood Transfusion. I started my career in the NHS and became a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science in 1975 whilst studying at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School in London. In 2001 I obtained the post of Speciality Manager of Haematology at Bedford Hospital and moved to Wilstead in 2009. 

I retired in 2013 but returned to work part-time at Bedford Hospital as lead in morphology working closely with the Haematology clinical team. Throughout my career I have led the development of junior staff and provided insight at school careers events to promote a career in clinical science. 

I am married to Patsy. I have two grown up daughters, 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and two cats Nemo and Nala.  I enjoy golf, photography and holidays when we can get away. 

Kerrie Dixon, Co-opted Governor 

kdixon@wilstead.school

I work as a Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion Officer for an employee-owned company which currently operates 43 Early Years Settings across the UK. My role involves training and supporting SENDCOs, Managers and colleagues to deliver specialist interventions and create learning environments which enable all children to achieve the best possible outcomes, in the early years and beyond. 

I have worked in the Early Years Sector since 2013 and I am passionate about fostering inclusion and building neuroaffirming practices across educational settings. 

I have lived in Bedfordshire village since I was a child and moved to Bedford in 2017. I enjoy spending time with family and reading. 

I am excited to be part of a governing body which is committed to supporting the ongoing development of the school and improving outcomes for children and their families. 

Governors who have stepped down.