Governors

Our Governors

The Arbours Primary Academy is governed by an Academy Scrutiny Committee.

Our governors are:

• Angela Watts
  Headteacher
  Angela Watts

• Susan Deane
  DRET Appointed Governor (Chair)
  Susan Deane

  Sue joined the ASC as a DRET Appointed Governor on 28 February 2018. She was previously Chair of Governors at another three Primary Academies within the Trust. She has also been a member of the Trust Board and a member of the Education Sub-committee for the Trust. She has the assigned governor link role for SEND and is interested in Safeguarding. Sue is a retired teacher, and she brings her education experiences and knowledge to the ASC. Her interests and passions include singing, reading, travel and knitting.

• Gifty Beckley
  Parent Governor (Vice Chair)
  Gifty Beckley

  Gifty was appointed a Parent Governor on 7 December 2021. Her three children attend the academy and she welcomes the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the ASC. Gifty is a Project Manager and brings various skills to the ASC which includes planning, bench-marking and risk assessment. She enjoys current affairs, shopping and helping others.

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• Clair Mills
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Clair Mills

• Dave Young
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Dave Young

  Dave joined the ASC in June 2023. Having been a Governor at two different DRET secondary schools, Dave wanted to gain the an experience of Primary and to be able to use what he knew from secondary to help at a primary level.

  Dave has a masters in Educational Leadership, and has worked as a senior leader in several schools. He is strong in data and analysis, as well as having a lot of experience in safeguarding and attendance in various settings.

  Outside of education, Dave enjoys mountain biking, crossfit and climbing, and also spends a lot of time listening to podcasts.

• Andrew Mayze
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Andrew Mayze

  Inspired by the work of his late wife, Andrew joined the ASC to help other children reach their full potential.

  Andrew is a Sales and Marketing Manager for a cleaning company based and operating within London and the M25. His career has allowed him to develop several transferable skills including project management, financial and business acumen and develop a range of interpersonal communication.

  Outside of being a work, Andrew is a keen Luton Town supporter and plays competitive Pétanque (French Boules) to a reasonable level. Whilst he can cook to a good level, Andrew has a passion for eating out, especially at fine dining restaurants.

• Celia Chapman
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Celia Chapman

  Celia joined the ASC in February 2025 as she had enjoyed serving as a governor previously and now found time to take up the role.

  Before retiring, Celia was a primary school teacher for twenty years, taught in further and higher education including teacher training and prison education. Celia then managed the Northamptonshire Parent Partnership service working with parents, children and young people, schools and all the services involved in providing for the needs of children and young people with SEND. After retiring from full time employment, Celia was a mediator for the East Midlands region, facilitating disagreement resolution in matters relating to SEND provision and chaired the HIgh Needs Panel for Northamptonshire.

  Outside of her work, Celia enjoys reading and socialising with friends and family. Celia was a member of the Bach Choir, librarian for many years and enjoys ballroom and sequence dancing.

• Keeley Pearl
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Keeley Pearl

  I was approached to join the ASC to share my experience and knowledge, specifically around safeguarding. I have no previous experience of being a governor and welcome the opportunity to develop my understanding of the key role. In my spare time I enjoy cycling, kayaking and spending time with my family.

• Elise Serrell
  Staff Governor
  Elise Serrell

  Elise was appointed as a Staff Governor on 27 February 2019. She originally became a governor to broaden her understanding of the role and to contribute to the wider outlook of the school, not just focusing on the day to day tasks that a teacher undertakes. Since she was appointed, Elise has progressed within her career and has taken on additional roles such as EYFS lead, SENDCo, RWI lead and Assistant Head. Elise provides the Headteacher with data analysis for the early years, works with the SEND link governor to undertake learning walks, considers data and support in place and also contributes to discussions around early reading within the school.

• Janet Pinnock
  Staff Governor
  Janet Pinnock

  Janet was appointed a Staff Governor on 2 November 2021. She wanted to become a school governor because she is passionate about making sure every child receives the best possible education, achieves their full potential and is ready for their next stage in learning. Janet is a Year 6 class teacher at the academy and has worked in primary education for over 25 years. In the various positions she has held in different schools, she has been involved in raising standards in all areas of the curriculum. She looks forward to having the opportunity to share her experiences and skill set in her governor role. Along with spending time with her family, Janet enjoys cooking and baking. She also loves going on walks with her lively springer spaniel.

• Teresa Elkin
  Clerk
  Teresa Elkin

  Teresa Elkin has been clerking academies within the Trust since 2014. As a former Chair of an Outstanding primary school and part of the governance teams at Northamptonshire County Council and the David Ross Education Trust, she decided to become an independent clerk to support governing bodies. Teresa also supports other maintained schools and academies in the county. Teresa's initial career was in advertising and marketing but a move into education, governance in particular ensured that she had a wide range of skills to bring to governing bodies. Teresa is an experienced governor and Chair, a governor trainer and mentor to individual governors and Chairs. Her passions and interests are the Theatre, literature and international travel.

Current Governors 

Former Governors 

 Below is a list of Governors that have served in the past 12 months. 

Contacting Us

The Governance Officer for The Arbours Primary Academy is Victoria Linthwaite. Victoria can be reached at governance@dret.co.uk. 

To contact a governor, please contact the Trust Governance Team by emailing governance@dret.co.uk.

If you are looking to contact a Governor to make a complaint or share a concern, please note that as per our Complaints Policy, governors do not investigate complaints at Stage 1 or Stage 2.  This enables them to be impartial should a complaint be escalated to a Stage 3 governor panel. If you wish to make a complaint, please complete this form and your complaint will be investigated accordingly.

Scheme of Delegation

Information about the David Ross Education Trust’s scheme of delegation is available here.

Minutes of the Academy Scrutiny Committee

Should you wish to view a copy of the minutes of the ASC at this academy, please contact the Trust Governance Team (governance@dret.co.uk), who will be able to provide you with an electronic or paper copy of the minutes.

Are you interested in becoming an academy governor?

We are looking for new governors to support our academies. Our governors work closely with their academies to support the Trust’s goal of broadening the horizons of young people through a world-class education, equipping our students with the skills and experiences to become their confident, academic best, no matter what.

If you have an interest in, and commitment to, improving education and would like to make a difference within your community, please register your interest in becoming a governor by completing our governor application form. If you have any questions about a governor’s role or responsibilities please contact us at governance@dret.co.uk or review our information pack below. 

march 2024 governor recruitment booklet.pdf

What is it like being a governor with DRET?

To understand what it is like to be a governor with us, take a look at our testimonial booklet and videos which contain insights from serving governors.

governor testimonial booklet .pdf

 Emma Bennett 

Angela Watts 

Stephen Platten 

Garry Allen 

What training do Governors receive? 

We offer an extensive range of training opportunities. Take a look at what is on offer for the current academic year.