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.

Carole Cozens
Foundation Governor

Following a move to Little Asby , I have was appointed as Foundation Governor and enjoy supporting Asby Endowed School. I graduated from Greenwich University in London and taught in challenging schools mostly in year's 2,3, and 4. I enjoyed meeting individual needs and went on to work with Looked After Children and Children with Special Needs.

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. 

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. 

Michelle Clark

Headteacher

In 2008, I successfully completed my PGCE teaching training following my graduation from Bournemouth University with a degree in Archaeology. Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching in diverse educational settings, ranging from both large and small schools in locations such as Coventry, Cyprus, Italy, and North Yorkshire.

In 2016, my journey led me to Cumbria, where, following a period of maternity leave, I re-immersed myself in the world of education at Long Marton Community School. It was in September 2017 that I joined Asby Endowed School as the Senior Teacher responsible for teaching Key Stage 2. Fast forward to September 2019, and I proudly assumed the role of Headteacher at the school.

Jack Davis
Staff Governor

In 2015 following the successful completion of a BA in International Relations at the University of Leeds, I spent some time teaching English as a foreign language in Shanghai. This was a hugely positive experience and pushed me to pursue a career in education. In 2019 I completed my PGCE course at the University of Sussex and, prior to joining Asby Endowed School, I worked at Chesswood Junior School in Worthing, West Sussex. 

Jackie Smart

Associate 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.

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