Governors

Deighton Gates Primary School Governors

Kate Carroll - Local Authority Governor - Chair

I was appointed a community governor in 2018, and was honoured to take on the role of Chair in 2020. Deighton Gates is a wonderful school and I am proud to be a part of it.

I am a barrister working in family law with a specialism in child protection. This experience stands me in good stead approach any challenges from a child focussed perspective. I am passionate about safeguarding and ensuring a safe and healthy environment where children can thrive.

I am also a qualified dance teacher and teach ballet and acrobatics to children from 3 to 18, so am used to the enthusiasm, energy and challenges that children bring! Outside of work I can often be found dancing, usually around my kitchen with my two daughters!

Beth Coburn - Co-opted Governor

I am delighted to be appointed as a Co-opted Governor for Deighton Gates. I have two daughters, one of them currently attends Deighton Gates. School is such an important part in all our lives and I believe every child should be educated in an environment that is fun, diverse and safe. I am keen to support the school in achieving this. I have lived in a variety of cities in the UK over the past 20 years as part of my career in Retail Management, and moving to Wetherby in 2016 with my family was a great decision. Throughout my career I have had a passion for people development and management. I am now keen to see how I can use these skills within the role of Co-opted Governor. In my spare time I enjoy family days out, exploring new places and going away on holiday.

Caoimhe Lethebee - Co-opted Governor

I am a Spanish and French teacher and Assistant Headteacher at Allerton High School, Alwoodley, where I have responsibility for teaching and learning and professional development. I am particularly passionate about championing evidence-informed classroom practice and high quality staff training. I am currently studying for an MA in Educational Leadership, and I also provide school-to-school support within the region through my designation as an SLE (Specialist Leader of Education). In essence, I live and breathe all things teaching and learning!

I am honoured to become a Co-opted Governor at Deighton Gates Primary. Having recently moved to Wetherby, I see this as a fantastic opportunity to support and learn about the local community, and I hope that I can bring some additional expertise and experience of the wider educational sector to the governing body.

Lisa Thomas - Co-Opted Governor

Having recently moved to the area, I am absolutely delighted to join as a Governor of Deighton Gates Primary School. As a mother of 2 in secondary school, I am passionate about the foundation being provided to children in primary school in preparing them to reach their full potential. I look forward to working with my fellow governors in continuing to build a diverse, inclusive well-rounded education platform at Deighton Gates. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my family and being the football mum on the sidelines for games.

David Thornton - Co-Opted Governor

I’m delighted to have been appointed as a Co-opted governor at Deighton Gates. I’ve lived near Boston Spa since 2016 and saw governorship as a great opportunity to give something back to the local community. Using skills and experience I’ve developed during my career in financial and professional services, I’m looking forward to working with the governors and staff to support the ongoing delivery of excellent teaching and learning at the school, giving our children the best chance to fulfil their potential. In my spare time, I enjoy foreign travel, eating out and watching football, cricket and Formula 1.

Alex Ogden - Parent Governor

I'm very proud to be appointed as a Parent Governor and I have two sons that currently attend Deighton Gates. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to support the continuous improvement of the school as they strive to deliver high quality teaching and learning and provide rich, fun and positive experiences for all pupils. I have worked in the Education sector now for over 15 years. I was a Primary School teacher in Bradford and South Leeds for 12 years where I led the development of Physical Education, Sport and Physical Activity, which are my true passions. I then became an independent education consultant specialising in active learning across the curriculum which took me around the country supporting senior leaders to adopt a whole school approach to physically active learning. I now lead the education team at the Yorkshire Sport Foundation, working closely with schools, local authorities and wider partners to get children more active before, during and beyond the school day. I am really looking forward to working with the other members of the Governing Body to make Deighton Gates the best it can be!

Katie Welsh - Staff Governor

After starting my teaching career here at Deighton Gates 7 years ago, I was delighted to be appointed a Staff Governor in September 2023. During my years at Deighton Gates, I have contributed significantly to the development of Early Years. Having always been based across Reception and Year One, I have built many positive relationships with parents and families of children at Deighton Gates and I feel passionate about our children having the highest quality education and the best possible start to school. I would like Deighton Gates to be the best school it can be. As a class teacher, I have a particular love of Phonics. I also lead PE and I very much enjoy organising sporting events and opportunities for our children. When I am not teaching, I enjoy dancing and fitness.

Nick Smith - Parent Governor

It’s a great honour to be appointed as a Parent Governor at Deighton Gates. My son currently attends Deighton Gates and I have a young daughter who I hope will join in the coming years. I’m passionate about the standards of education that our children receive and just as importantly care that our children also enjoy the experience.

I’m a Civil Engineer with over 15 years experience, responsible for the management and development of teams and individuals. I look forward to being able to put my experience to good use and contribute to the continued success of our school.

Outside of work I enjoy all forms of motorsport and trying my best to maintain a classic Italian car to a roadworthy standard!

During lockdown I took a big decision to change my career. Previously working in hospitality, retail management and running my own food business, I followed my long- held aspiration to become a secondary school teacher. Wanting to pursue a more meaningful path, passing on my skills and experience, I have not looked back. I have found my true vocation. I am a Design and Technology teacher at Allerton High School in Alwoodley specialising in Food.

I am passionate about the student’s whole wellbeing and aim to create a nurturing and positive learning environment so that they might learn, be creative and feel empowered. I believe the life skills my students learn will in my classroom kitchen are invaluable. I look forward to gaining a better understanding of the journey of primary school students as they transition to secondary so that I might support them in the best way. I am hoping to contribute to the school community in a meaningful way and be part of ensuring it continues to succeed and its students thrive.

Stephen Honey - Co-opted Governor

I'm delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside the team at Deighton Gates Primary School in the role of school Governor. I currently work for the Government as a Specialist teacher for Mathematics for the Covid Recovery Programme in Scunthorpe. I retired as a Primary School Headteacher in 2017 after working in a variety of schools for the past 40 years in the East Riding of Yorkshire and in Inner London for the Greenwich LEA. My interests are in Primary Math's and Computers and Physical activities in all their forms in school. I recently moved to Wetherby after 35 years in the East Riding and I'm looking forward to starting a new life working and living in this wonderful Yorkshire town.