Welcome to our Governors’ section.

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

Governors can be contacted via the school office. 

About our Governors: 

Susan Turner (Chair of Governors)

Before early retirement I was Head of Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care and Manager of Volunteer Services at a large NHS Trust. The skills and experience I bring to the governing body are around pastoral care, leadership and management. I first became involved with Holme School when two of my grandchildren were pupils.

Pam Barker (Vice Chair of Governors & Chair of Curriculum, Standards and Effectiveness) 

I have lived in Holme for 36 years. My professional career has been in education and my last post was as headteacher at Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School. I have been on the Council of Lancaster University, was a trustee for Arkwright Scholarships, was a member of the local Health Authority and on the Board of Bay Radio. Since retiring I have been a trustee of the Community Foundation for Lancashire, am a trustee of Lancaster Charity which provides housing for the elderly. I am still involved in education as a Lead Judge for Formula One in Schools which is the world's largest STEM competition. I am currently Constable of Lancaster Castle (I hold the keys for the King) and am a Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire. 

Annette Suddes (Chair of Finance and Resources Committee)

I lived in Holme for 13 years, and both my children attended Holme Community School.  My professional career has predominantly been in managing large public sector projects and programmes.  I currently work for the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs, advising on large government transformation schemes, but I have also worked in local government and the universities sector.  Currently I am Chair of the governing body’s Finance and Resources Committee, where we act as a critical friend and lead on all matters relating to the effective spend of the school budget for the greatest impact for the children, and also matters such as the school building, grounds, and health and safety.  I’m really passionate about what our school can and does do to create opportunities for our children.  In my spare time I love spending time with my kids and singing with a local choir.

Duncan Priestley

I'm very proud to be a parent governor, my son having attended Holme Primary School from reception upwards and presently my daughter who is in Year six.  My wife, Jo, works as a midday supervisor.  I've been headteacher at Crosby Ravensworth Primary School near Penrith for ten years.  It's a very small school and my favourite part of the job is teaching the children in Key Stage 2.  My passions include travel, cricket, and music.  My unusual claim to fame is that I've been on Ken Bruce's Popmaster twice!

Celia Bateman 

Celia is a former teacher at Holme School and has served as a Governor for over 30 years. Celia has previously been Chair and Vice-Chair of Governors. 

Kirsty Jackson

Coming soon... 

Barry Jones

I have been a Parent Governor for two years. I have lived in Burton in Kendal for 13 years. In my professional life I am proud to have served for six years in the Intelligence Corps of the British army, mostly in counter terrorist roles. I was also a Police Officer in Merseyside Police, retiring as a Detective Sergeant in May 2017. I served in a number of roles in the Police, mainly in the CID with a focus on serious and acquisitive crime, drugs and Health and Safety investigations.

Jack Froggatt

Coming soon... 

Dan Smith

I am the teacher governor and have been teaching at Holme Primary School for 5 years. I am the PE and History lead as well as being the Year 6 teacher, Previously, I have worked for two governing bodies: British Cycling and Motorsport UK and had a role in governance for both of these sporting disciplines. 

Craig Dewar-Willox (Headteacher)

I have been a proud member of staff at Holme School since 2016, joining as Deputy Head before becoming Acting Headteacher in January 2019. I have loved being headteacher of this school ever since, and I am passionate about ensuring that all children have the very best educational experiences and are supported by outstanding pastoral care. Outside of Education, I have worked in Safeguarding, notably with Save the Children and as a member of the Safeguarding Committee of UK Scouts, where I am currently Vice-Chair of the board of trustees. 

Karen Little (Clerk): 

I have clerked for Holme Community School for more than 6  years – very proud to work with such a committed and dedicated team of governors and staff. They are a pleasure to work with and I commend their unfailing attention to pupils’ safety, wellbeing and the quality of education provided.