Pen Portraits

Gill Cort

My name is Gill Cort, I am currently the chair of the board of Governors.

In 2016 I retired from the NHS, my role in the NHS has given me 20 plus years experience of governance, at a local, strategic and national level. I am married whilst not having any children myself I do have 4 nieces and nephews and 2 great nephews.

After retiring I wanted to utilise my governance skills and was looking for a challenge so I decided to become a school governor. The change from health to education has been an interesting journey, but I have found that my skills are transferable and I have enjoyed working with the school and the other governors. I believe that the role of a governor should be supportive whilst at the same time challenging practice, thus ensuring that the students of Wilsthorpe can achieve the best outcome in a supportive environment, so that they can look forward to a good future.

My hobbies include walking my two springer spaniels and gardening.

Jason Wright

With a daughter at Wilsthorpe, and another at University, I am keen to contribute and help support their education (other than being their personal taxi and bank of course!). I was pleased to become a parent governor in January 2020.

I currently manage a software business, and having been in the industry for coming up to 30 years, I’ve seen the huge changes that technology has brought to all sectors of life, and the challenges of educating our children in its application. Good IT skills are now essential for those entering the workplace and navigating the world.

I would like to see where I can use my experience to support the school in their aim to deliver the best education to its pupils, and especially how we adapt to the changing world.

 

Valerie Hines

Becoming a school governor has given me the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of young people and to give something back to the local community. I was brought up and educated in Long Eaton and, following my graduation from The University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, completed a master’s degree. I then trained as a teacher and have spent 32 years working at secondary schools as both Head of Religious Education and Head of Humanities. During my career I was awarded a Farmington Fellowship and this enabled me to complete a research project on teaching and learning at Oxford University. Although I am not teaching in a school at present, I have maintained my links with education by working with PGCE students at the Institute of Education, University College, London. I continue to be a member of the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education.

Marie Harral

I have twins at Wilsthorpe school and was elected as a Parent Governor in April 2022. I have been an Infant & Nursery Headteacher for over 15 years so have the experience in teaching, learning and safeguarding that the board were looking for. My career has been based entirely in Early Years and Primary Education, so when my own children moved up to Secondary School it was a whole new world! In this role I can learn more about secondary education, whilst supporting the school to achieve its aims, and providing a parent perspective. I enjoy being busy! I love spending time with my family and friends, walking, swimming, cycling, cooking and all sorts of creative crafts. I am passionate about academic, social, emotional development and promoting a love of learning. I am pleased to be able to be part of the school team as they create new opportunities for all children to ‘be the best they can be’.

Kayleigh Meller

I have been a teacher at Wilsthorpe for seven years and have leadership responsibilities in English and Literacy. I also have a Master’s degree in Education. Having grown up in Long Eaton myself, I know the area very well and want our young people to continue to have the best opportunities at Wilsthorpe. As staff governor, I also want to ensure staff welfare and views are represented.

Pete Fox

I am a retired Assistant Head Teacher of a Secondary School in Nottinghamshire. My specialisms were Geography, History, ICT and PSHCE. I am a member of the Subject Association from Geography Teachers – The Geographical Association – and a past President of that association I wrote several books for the association. I work part time, voluntarily on school appeal panels. My interests include: Gardening, Reading, Local History, Photography, Travel and Tapestry work.

I have always had the conviction that working to help and develop future generations develop their education and skills is one of the most worth-while activities one can do.

Julie Austin

I have always had the conviction that working to help and develop future generations develop their education and skills is one of the most worth-while activities one can do.

Alison Whadcoat

My son, an only child, is a student at Wilsthorpe. I wanted to help support his education and school of choice the best I can with my personal expertise, so was delighted to be appointed as a parent governor in 2024.

I was born and raised locally and have lived in Long Eaton for over 20 years.

I am a Manager of a Learning and Organisational Development team, working for a local social housing and social care organisation. It’s an extremely rewarding sector to work within, being able to give back to our local communities.

My team mainly delivers a variety of classroom & digital training to our colleagues to ensure they’re both competent and developed within their roles, but we also specialise in managing our apprenticeship offer, staff engagement surveys and the motivation and culture within the organisation. This has led to holding senior managers to account on frequent occasions to ensure the best outcomes are heard and strived for.

I’m really looking forward to collaborating with other governors to help Wilsthorpe be the best it can be.

I have always had the conviction that working to help and develop future generations develop their education and skills is one of the most worth-while activities one can do.