School Governors

Mr Dave Westwell: Chair of Governors / Community Representative

I worked in education for 40 years, all of them in inner-city high schools. I relished the challenges presented to me and I thoroughly enjoyed my career. My three children attended state schools and all went on to university and successful careers. For the last eleven years of my career (1992-2003) I was deputy head at Cockburn and I played my part, as a member of a strong team, in the development of the school. Doing voluntary work was one of my aims on retirement and I was delighted to be invited to join the Governing Body in 2005 and be elected Chair in September of that year. I believe wholeheartedly in comprehensive state education and the opportunities it can give to ALL our young people. My mission as Chair of Governors is to work with governors, headteacher, staff, pupils and parents to make Cockburn the best school in Leeds and beyond. Team Cockburn is close to my heart and "Transformation to Excellence"is the road we are travelling.

Mr John Ellis: Vice Chair / LEA Representative

I am an ex-Chief Superintendent of Police with over twenty years experience as a governor at Cockburn. I remain a governor at Cockburn because I am excited about the potential in the new, young leadership team and their commitment to "Excellence" for the pupils here at Cockburn.

Mrs Anne Brotherton: Race Equality Governor / Community Representative

I have been involved with further education in the city since the 1980s, working as Programme Manager/Lecturer for a major Leeds college for many years. Most recently my focus has been on apprenticeships and work based learning. I have been a Governor for several years and feel privileged to witness the tremendous progress this exceptional school has made, and continues to make.

Cllr Adam Ogilvie: LEA Representative

I have been a Leeds City Council elected member since 1999 and represent Beeston and Holbeck ward. In May 2010 I was appointed as Executive Board Member for Leisure and Skills on Leeds City Council. This portfolio covers culture, museums, heritage, libraries, events, tourism, jobs and skills, sport and active recreation. I am also on the Leeds Grand Theatre Board, the Aire Valley Homes Inner South Area Panel, Holbeck Elderly Aid Board, and the Board of South Leeds Community Radio Station.

Cllr David Congreve: LEA Representative

I have many years experience in management both in the private and public sector, and of working as a professional in a sensitive front line service. I was elected to Leeds City Council in 1990 representing the Beeston Ward and subsequently, following the ward boundary change in 2004, the Beeston & Holbeck Ward. I have a broad experience of working with individuals and communities to help empower local groups. I have always been passionate about supporting young people in South Leeds to help them attain their full potential. I am a former Chair of the Governing Body at Cockburn and have been a member of the governing body for almost twenty years.

Cllr Kim Groves: LEA Representative

I am the Leeds City Council elected member representing Middleton Park ward. I am also the Lead Member for Central and Corporate for Leeds City Council. I act as trustee for Friends of Middleton Park, Middleton Park Equestrian Centre, CBTF, and Middleton Elderly Aid. I am proud to be an Associate Director for Hunslet Hawks Rugby League. I live in South Leeds and am married to Richard and Mum to Carrie and Gareth.

Mr Matthew Moore: Parent Representative

Mr Allan Chapman: Parent Representative

I was recently appointed as a parent governor and although I'm an ex grammar school boy, I'm also ex Cockburn (1965-1972), and a firm believer in comprehensive state education and the vital importance of education and not just as something to get a better job. After I left Cockburn I did business studies and professional examinations at Leeds Polytechnic. For several years I've been a governor at Beeston Primary, the last two years as vice chair. In the late 1980's I decided a change is as good as a rest and spent the best part of a year backpacking around the world. Ten years later I decided to be a full time student again and in 2001 got a BA (Hons) in geography at the University of Leeds. I believe education ends when you die. I'm in customer relations at O2, like mountain walking, pot holing, Leeds United and too many other things to mention.

Ms Dawn Raybould: Parent Representative

I have worked as a teaching assistant at a local primary school for 7 years and have a degree in learning support. I feel that as I am a parent, a governor and a member of staff within a local school, I can help to provide a good insight into all the different aspects of school life. Previously, I worked in the accounts office of a large solicitors practice. My daughter currently attends Cockburn. My son, who is currently at a local primary school, will attend Cockburn in September so I am committed to the future of the school. I have been a parent governor since the beginning of 2011 and my wish is to be part of the team that intends to make Cockburn the best high school in Leeds. I am passionate about the school and education and look forward to being part of its future.

Mr Raymond Tough: Community Governor

I have recently retired from Cockburn School having been a non-teaching staff governor for the past three years. I am now a Community Governor with responsibility for Special Educational Needs. This entails a close liaison with the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and reporting to the governing body on matters affecting this most important aspect of school life here at Cockburn. I have had a professional working relationship with the deputy chair of governors for many years and Cockburn was a school I wanted to come and be a part of especially as I have lived in the area for over 25 years. It is good to be involved in what is more than a school. The future really is an exciting one not just for us but for everyone associated with it. Without exception the staff are totally dedicated, professional and committed to Cockburn and I am pleased to be a part of that team.

Mr Paul Crawshaw: Community Representative

Before retiring in 2007 I worked as a policy adviser with, among others, HM Treasury and the Department for Communities and Local Government in London and Kirklees Council in West Yorkshire. During my career I was concerned primarily with the renewal of disadvantaged neighbourhoods and worked closely with residents and the community and voluntary sectors to achieve this objective. Since retiring I have completed a qualification in Urban Regeneration at Sheffield Hallam University as well as undertaking voluntary work for Leeds CAB and Cockburn School. In September 2012 I was appointed as a Community Governor and have since taken on responsibility for school attendance on behalf of the Board. I am deeply committed to supporting all at Cockburn ensure that every student reaches their full potential. I am also keen to do all I can to help the school and its wider community face the challenges ahead with confidence.

Mr Stephen Wilson: Staff Governor

I started my teaching career at Cockburn in June 2000 as a Teacher of English and in this time I have seen Cockburn go from strength to strength. I am thrilled to be involved in the school's 'Transformation to Excellence' and with our outstanding examination results last year, the road ahead is tremendously exciting. For the last six years I have been responsible for students with Special Educational Needs and I can truly say Cockburn is a fully inclusive school. Our success with all students including those who have a range of needs including Autism, physical disabilities and specific learning difficulties stems from our commitment to teaching and learning and our extensive Care Support and Guidance team. My particular interests are in dyslexia and how to remove barriers to learning and this is the basis of my current development as I undertake a Masters degree in Inclusive Education.

Mrs Sharon Mann: Staff Governor

As someone who did all their schooling in Beeston, and who still lives in the area, I have seen Cockburn's "Transformation to Excellence" as both an outsider and an insider. As such, I felt that being a Governor allowed me to continue to see the school from a multiple perspective. My pride in being a Staff Governor at Cockburn extends beyond my role as Subject Leader of English. For me, becoming a Trust school is a very exciting time, not only as a teacher within the school, but as a member of the local community, and as a parent of a child who starts at a local Primary school in September. I know that the effects of the hard work between Cockburn and its Trust partners will be far-reaching and I am proud to be part of those changes that can only see Cockburn transform further.

Mr Philip Orchard - Support Staff Governor

I have being employed in the capacity of Senior Science Technician at Cockburn for 13yrs now. I became Support Staff Governor in December 2013. I have seen many changes at Cockburn and can honestly say that the last 5 years, with the increased focus on values and expectations and our transformation to 'good with outstanding features', have been the most exciting and rewarding. I feel very proud to be part of a very positive, productive and motivated team of individuals who focus not only on the importance of every child's education, but also on their moral and social development. I believe strongly in our ultimate goal of not only raising standards and achievement but continuing to build on them.

Mr Martyn Sharp: Associate Member

I am a retired Fleet Manager with 35 years of service working in the public sector. I have been a school governor for about 15 years now. I have recently taken on the task as the governor responsible for Health and Safety. Both my daughters attended Cockburn and went on to study at the University in Leeds. Both are now in successful careers. I believe education is the key to success in life and enjoy working with the team at Cockburn.

Mr Alister Bould: Associate Member

I am a solicitor working for Pinsent Masons, an international law firm with a large office in Leeds. For nearly 10 years, I led the team of volunteers from the firm who visit Cockburn every week to work with pupils to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Over that period, several hundred members of staff have given up their time to work at the school, and the scheme has now expanded to include mentoring aimed at raising aspirations. I am inspired by the amazing work which is undertaken every day at Cockburn and I am passionate about enabling every child to fulfil their potential. As a representative of one of the school's business partners, I am delighted to serve as an Associate Governor. I am also one of the Trustees of the Foundation.