Governor Profiles

Graham Parkin

Co-Opted Governor
Chair of Governors

I am Chair of the Governing Body and serve on the Resources committee. I believe Asby Endowed to be an excellent school providing quality learning within a stimulating, nurturing and safe environment, and I hope to be able to contribute to its continuing success.

 

Rosie Collin

Co-opted Governor

I moved to Great Asby in 2021 and with my degree in Visual Communications from the University of Leeds (2009) and a background working in the education sector, I hope to offer a broad range of experience in graphic design, video production and content marketing - ultimately whatever I’m able to contribute in order to support my local school to thrive.

 

Jo Collier

Co-opted Governor

After completing my degree I began my career as a graduate in the retail sector holding senior executive roles.  For the past five years I have worked within the education sector as a Business Support Manager /Bursar within a primary school environment. I hope that the skills and knowledge I have obtained from both of these areas will help me assist and support the Vision and Values of our school.

 

Elaine Barnes

Local Authority Appointed Governor

Vice-Chair of Governors

I moved to the village in 2021 having previously worked for a bank for 35+ years.  My role was in the commercial banking sector, responsible for the project management and delivery of banking services and training to clients with annual turnover in excess of £75m.  I believe that primary schools are so important in providing a strong foundation for children's futures which cannot be underestimated. I hope that the skills I obtained from my time in banking will help me to support and grow the excellent work and teaching at our school.

 

Denise Frisby
Foundation Governor

I have lived in Little Asby since 2006 and during this time I retired from the NHS after 38 years working as a Dietitian and in services management. My particular focus and interest was working with diverse communities to promote health and well-being.  As a parent, I have previously been a school governor at a secondary school near Preston. More recently, I have been able to support AES through joint ventures with St Peter's Church, Great Asby. 

 

Jackie Smart

Foundation Governor

I have lived in Great Asby for seven years. I previously lived in London and Wiltshire  with my family where I taught 11 to 18 year old students for more years than I care to remember. I very much enjoyed teaching and I still enjoy being involved with young people and the experiences they have in the education system.  I have previously been a Governor at Asby School and look forward to being involved again.

Lee Clark

Parent Governor

I am thrilled to have called Westmorland home since 2016. A significant portion of my life has been dedicated to living and working overseas, providing me with invaluable insight and first-hand experiences of diverse cultures and traditions. As an advocate for enriching educational experiences, I firmly believe that every child deserves a foundation of security, vibrancy, and stimulation during their formative years in school. It is my conviction that at Asby Endowed School, we have the ideal environment to nurture young minds and provide them with every opportunity to unlock their full potential. 

 

Andy Liles

Headteacher

I have spent my entire adult life working with children and have had the pleasure of teaching and leading in a wide range of schools over the past 20 years — from a junior school in Workington and a small village school in the Lake District, to two large international schools in Malawi.

Throughout my career, I have been most passionate about helping young people grow into kind, thoughtful individuals, and about making learning meaningful and connected to real life. I have already seen how deeply Asby values its partnerships with the wider community to create enriching, real-world learning experiences. It is inspiring, and I am excited to build on the excellent work led by Michelle Clark (previous headteacher) and her team as we move forward with the school’s new vision.

Outside of school, I have been married for ten years, and we have a lively two-year-old who keeps us on our toes — and fills our days with both joy and exhaustion! After recently moving back to the UK from Malawi, we are now settling into life in Penrith and are looking forward to getting involved in the local community. I am especially excited to play a part in the life of the village of Asby.

 

Vacant
Staff Governor

Kay Dorset

Clerk to the Governors

After 20 years working in project management, I made Asby my home in 2012 and immediately felt welcome and included in this vibrant community. I have enjoyed learning throughout my life, over a wide range of subjects from chemical engineering to teambuilding to horticulture. I am still grateful to all the teachers that inspired me along the way. It is a pleasure to now be able to contribute to the running of our village school.

If you wish to contact any of the governors, please email the Clerk to the Governors  at: clerk@asby.cumbria.sch.uk