School Governors
Welcome to the Forest of Dean Community Schools Federation.
As Governors, our core responsibility is to ensure that Yorkley School (and Parkend School) provide the best possible education for every child, within a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.
We work closely with the Executive Head Teacher to shape the school’s vision and ethos, developing plans, policies and procedures that guide its long-term strategic direction. While the Executive Head Teacher and staff manage the day-to-day running of the school, the Governing Body focuses on strategic leadership.
Governors oversee the school budget, ensuring that public funds are used effectively and deliver the best possible value for money. We also make sure that the school meets all statutory duties — including Safeguarding, Equalities and the delivery of the National Curriculum.
A key part of our role is to monitor and evaluate the performance of the Executive Head Teacher, and to ensure that all staff receive effective performance management, training and professional development. Through regular meetings and reports, we both support and challenge the leadership team to help the school continue to improve.
We are accountable to parents and the wider community for the school’s performance, and we regularly visit to meet pupils, staff and families.
Our Governing Body brings together people from a range of backgrounds, including parents, staff, the local authority and members of the wider Yorkley community — all committed to helping our school and federation thrive.
If you wish to contact the Governors you may write to us via the school office or email us at:
Meet the Governors:
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Rob Rawlings Co-opted Governor - Chair |
Rob Rawlings - Chair of Governors I am a father to two girls at Parkend school. I am a civil servant at the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs and have worked on a range of policy areas including agriculture, waste and recycling, sustainable development and rural development. My current role is focussed on issues related to air quality/pollution. I strongly believe in giving children the best opportunities to realise their potential through education and extra curricula activities. I am a member of the social mobility forum at work and believe it is important that every child is given opportunity to achieve regardless of background and believe schools play an important role in making this happen, both inside and out of the classroom. Outside work my interests include hiking, climbing and cycling.
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Co-opted Joint Vice Chair |
Sophie Thorne - Joint Vice Chair Hi, I am Sophie and I have been the manager of Yorkley Playgroup since November 2015, I then took on the manager role of Parkend Early in September 2019.
I am one of the Safeguarding Governor's for the Federation, along with being the named governor for the EYFS.
I live close to Yorkley and Parkend School, so feel close to the community and the families too. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and exploring lots of different places for holidays. |
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Kate Burke Executive Head Teacher Yorkley and Parkend Primary |
I am the Executive Head Teacher for the Forest of Dean Community Schools Federation. I have over 25 years experience in teaching, including 13 years as a Primary Headteacher. Over the last few years I have supported neighbouring school requiring different levels of support. I am Chair of West Gloucestershire Schools Partnership (WGSP), a partnership consisting of 39 Primary/Special Schools within the Forest of Dean. Within our partnership, we aim to raise the aspirations, attainment and life chances of all pupils by working together to raise standards in education, sharing good practices, commissioning high-quality CPD and supporting each others wellbeing. I was previously a trustee at Wyedean Secondary School ad Sixth Form Centre - (Sept 2018 to 2023). My hobbies involve spending time with my family and friends, walking our rescue dog and travelling.
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Mrs Tracy Wood Deputy Executive Head Staff Governor |
Mrs Tracy Wood - Staff Governor I have taught at Yorkley Primary School Since September 2009, Parkend 2023. I am currently at Parkend School as Deputy Executive Head Teacher. I had been a staff governor for the past 8 years. As an employee, I bring the governing body an understanding of the school’s ethos and culture. I give the staff a voice and contribute in partnership with the governors, to the strategic development of the school. I value the role of staff governor and take pride in being able to make a difference in school improvement. I live close to Yorkley and with my own children previously attending the school feel part of the close-knit community that we serve. I spend my free time with my family and friends and we’re either in the garden, woods or on the beach!
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Miss Gemma Screen Co-opted- Governor
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Miss Gemma Screen - Co-opted Governor It is a great pleasure to have become the Co-opted Governor for the Federation. Having joined the staff at Yorkley a few years ago, I can safely say that I am very proud to be a voice on the governing body for such a wonderful, committed team. It is an absolute joy to work at this school and an added bonus to be on the governing body. I have been teaching for over fifteen years across EYFS and KS1. I love my job and I am truly passionate about making a difference to every and each individual child. I have always lived in the Forest of Dean. I have a musical background and have previously played for local Brass Bands at competition level. I spend my free time walking my dogs in the surrounding woodland areas and attending a local gym.
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Dr Alan Castle Co-opted Governor
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Dr Alan Castle – Co-opted Governor I joined the Yorkley Governing Body as a co-opted governor in November 1996 when both my children were at the school. I am Chair of the Curriculum and Standards Committee, and sit on the Resources Committee and Personnel Committee. I am also a named Governor for CIC, SEND, and Pupil Premium. Outside of school, I work part-time as a Chartered Engineer but most of my time is now taken up with training two dogs, photography, gardening and walking in the Forest. |
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Andy Hudson Co-opted Governor |
Andy Hudson – Co-opted Governor Hi, my name is Andy Hudson and I am a co-opted Governor for the Federation. I am the Chair of the resources committee, I also stand on Curriculum and Standards. I have two children, one at college the other at university and my wife Cath is the Yorkley School Administrator. I have worked in Sales for many years and now work for Squire. In my spare time, I enjoy walking in the Forest with my family and watching Formula 1 Motor Racing.
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Jon Meager Joint Vice-Chair Co-opted Governor
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Jon Meager - Co-opted Governor / Joint Vice Chair I have been a Governor since January 2023 and share Governor Responsibility for Safeguarding within the schools. I was born and bred in Lydney but lived in London for 30 years enjoying a career in policing before returning to the Forest and settling in Yorkley in 2020. In my years away, I have always maintained a strong link to the area through family and friends who live locally. I have two grown up sons and was privileged to serve as a parent Governor during their primary years. I currently work as a Domestic Abuse and Child Protection professional within the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub within Gloucestershire. I can often be seen walking in the woods with Dexter the Black Labrador who is easily recognisable as he will always have a least 2 sticks in his mouth!
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 Jemma Halford
Parent Governor - Parkend
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Jemma Halford - Parent Governor My two children both attend Parkend Primary School. Before federating with Yorkley School I was a Governor at Parkend . Since federating i have enjoyed seeing both schools work together while keeping their individual Values and Ethos. I sit on the Curriculum and Standards and resources Committees. Alongside, Dr Alan Castle, we oversee CIC/SEND. I moved from Gloucester to the Forest of Dean in 2014 and I am a ward Sister at a local hospital. Previously I have worked at an Acute hospital, so in total I have 16 years of nursing experience. In my spare time I enjoy sewing, reading, running and being with my family. I am also doing further training at university, so as with many families, there is very little ‘spare time’!
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 David Green
Co-opted Governor
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David Green - Co-opted Governor I was appointed as a Co-opted School Governor in May 24. I will be joining the resources committee initially and will be looking to help in other areas in the near future.
I have lived locally in Oldcroft for over 40 years. I am a grandfather of 4 who are now in schools in Bristol and the USA. I was raised on a farm in Worcestershire and spent my career working in agriculture and accountancy in a variety of roles. I am now retired but still work part time in these areas.
My main interests include gardening, DIY, rugby, golf, bridge, family history, mah-jong and travel.
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 Kerry Madrick Parent Governor - Yorkley |
Kerry Madrick - Parent Governor I am a Secondary School Science teacher and have worked in the Gloucestershire area since 2014. I am passionate about improving all aspects of teaching and learning; every child deserves the best possible education. I hold a Masters degree in Teaching and Learning, and through this I strengthened my understanding of strategic leadership and curriculum development. I enjoy reading teaching blogs and articles and keeping up to date with current educational research. My husband and I moved to the Forest of Dean in 2015 and I feel very lucky to be raising our two daughters in such a wonderful part of the world. I enjoy walking, reading, and crafting – I regularly attend classes with local artists learning new skills. I believe that every child is capable of success, and I am committed to improving every child’s educational experience. This will underpin everything I do as a Governor for the Forest of Dean Community Schools Federation. |
Please click on the link below to view the Publications of Governors Details and the Register of Interests:
| Name | Format | ||
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| Governors welcome letter September 2025.pdf | |||
| GOV newsletter Federation July 2025.pdf | |||
| GOV newsletter July 2024.pdf | |||
| FoDCS Publication of Governor 2324 02.pdf |
