Governors

Our Governors

Wold Academy is governed by an Academy Scrutiny Committee.

Our governors are:

• Francis McDonnell
  Interim Principal
  Francis McDonnell

  I feel very privileged to have been appointed as the interim Principal and look forward to working in collaboration with colleagues and parents. I live in Hull with my wife and two children. My eldest daughter is 11 years old and started secondary school in September and my youngest attends a nursery, at 2 years old she is a very active toddler. Over the last 20 years I have worked in a variety of Primary, Secondary and Special schools; during this time, I have taught all year groups including mixed year groups in primary schools. I take very seriously the privilege of educating academically and socially the children entrusted into my care. My vision is for all children to be provided with the best possible education to reach their full potential in life. I'm eternally grateful for the amazing teachers I had in school that empowered me to become a Principal and have the opportunity to positively impact on thousands of children's lives.

• Kim Lawton
  Trust Senior Link
  Kim Lawton

• Alice Gowland
  DRET Appointed Governor (Vice Chair)
  Alice Gowland

  As a Governor for Wold Academy I aim to give something back to the community that I grew up in, and use my skills hopefully to the benefit of the staff, students, and wider community around the school. I am currently a High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, working to support adults struggling with their mental health including a variety of anxiety and depression-related difficulties. My particular skills include a vast knowledge of mental health and a passion for making mental health a priority for all, alongside experience of the education sector through my family and experiences I have undertaken independently (e.g., talks and outreach work with schools). I have a lengthy personal history in education, and I aim to use my experiences to the benefit of the Wold Academy community. My passions are in science, nature, and understanding people, and I feel my strength is in critical analysis with an empathic consideration of the impacts on all people involved. I find the sciences to be one of the most fun subjects I have studied, and I hope I can encourage younger generations to share this enthusiasm. For those who were looking for a more personal touch to this bio, I love desserts, playing a variety of games (e.g., videogames, trading card games), and Japanese culture!

• Olga Rutkowska-Lis
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Olga Rutkowska-Lis

  Olga was appointed a DRET Appointed Governor on 13 July 2021. She decided to join the ASC to share her knowledge and expertise with fellow educators and support them in making the most of students' talents, and helping assure they can achieve their very best, whatever their backgrounds and/or educational journey so far. Similarly, she hopes to engage and collaborate with the teaching body to assist them in setting and achieving relevant goals and objectives that are aimed at boosting both students and staff potentials whilst embracing interdisciplinarity and creating stronger links with the local community. Olga is an EAP practitioner, a Language, Academic Communication and Study Skills expert, psycholinguist, educationist, and SEND specialist who has been working in various educational environments and settings for 20 years. Currently, she works coordinating large student cohorts and staff team for a Social Sciences strand at the University of York. Olga enjoys Art, science, reading and cooking.

• Megan Cooper
  Staff Governor
  Megan Cooper

  Megan joined the ASC as a staff governor in October 2016 and is currently serving her second term of office. She originally decided to become a governor in her second year of teaching to gain more experience and a better understanding of the role of the ASC. Megan enjoys playing sport, cooking, going to the gym, socialising with friends and family.

• Richard Welsh
  Parent Governor
  Richard Welsh

  Richard was appointed a Parent Governor on 8 January 2020. He joined the ASC as he wants to learn more about the academy his son attends. Being a parent and holding the school to account for decisions is important to Richard and for the successful development of local children. He currently works in further education with Apprentices. Richard is a keen motorcycle racer and currently holds nine National Motorcycling Championships.

• Barbara Doe
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Barbara Doe

  As a data analyst and a mother, I became a governor to leverage my skills and contribute positively to schools. My role as a governor allows me to utilize data analysis to support decision-making and improve educational outcomes. In my professional capacity, I work as a data analyst, where I harness analytical skills to derive insights from complex data sets. Within the Academy Scrutiny Committee, I bring expertise in data analysis, enabling me to evaluate performance metrics, identify trends, and provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing educational practices and outcomes. My passion lies in positively shaping the next generation. I'm deeply interested in contributing to education, leveraging my skills to improve learning experiences and outcomes for students. Additionally, I'm committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every child can thrive academically and personally.

• Eleanor (Ellie) Olive
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Eleanor (Ellie) Olive

  I joined Wold ASC in August 2024 to make a positive contribution to the schools within the local community. I am an Education Recruitment Specialist meaning I bring along a good understanding and knowledge of the Education Sector. More specifically I have a keen interest within SEND. I have a little dachshund called Bruno who is my pride and joy, and rules the roost! In addition I have a background in horse riding and have competed regionally. I am also a book worm and love a good read!

• Christine Horton
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Christine Horton

  I chose to become a school governor at Wold Academy because I want to contribute to shaping the future of young learners. The school holds personal significance, as my mum, aunts, and uncles attended it as children, creating a strong family connection. I believe in the power of education to transform lives and want to support Wold Academy in providing the best opportunities for its students, ensuring they receive the same valuable experience that my family had. As a teacher, I bring a deep understanding of education, curriculum development, and student needs to the Academy Scrutiny Committee. My passion for educational research drives me to stay informed about the latest teaching methods and innovations, ensuring I can continually improve and make a positive impact in the field of education.

Current Governors

Former Governors

 Below is a list of Governors that have served in the past 12 months. 

Contacting Us

The Governance Officer for Wold Academy is Gemma Yates. Gemma can be reached at governance@dret.co.uk. 

To contact a governor, please contact the Trust Governance Team by emailing governance@dret.co.uk.

If you are looking to contact a Governor to make a complaint or share a concern, please note that as per our Complaints Policy, governors do not investigate complaints at Stage 1 or Stage 2.  This enables them to be impartial should a complaint be escalated to a Stage 3 governor panel. If you wish to make a complaint, please complete this form and your complaint will be investigated accordingly.

Scheme of Delegation

Information about the David Ross Education Trust’s scheme of delegation is available here.

Minutes of the Academy Scrutiny Committee

Should you wish to view a copy of the minutes of the ASC at this academy, please contact the Trust Governance Team (governance@dret.co.uk), who will be able to provide you with an electronic or paper copy of the minutes.

Are you interested in becoming an academy governor?

We are looking for new governors to support our academies. Our governors work closely with their academies to support the Trust’s goal of broadening the horizons of young people through a world-class education, equipping our students with the skills and experiences to become their confident, academic best, no matter what.

If you have an interest in, and commitment to, improving education and would like to make a difference within your community, please register your interest in becoming a governor by completing our governor application form. If you have any questions about a governor’s role or responsibilities please contact us at governance@dret.co.uk or review our information pack below. 

march 2024 governor recruitment booklet.pdf

What is it like being a Governor with DRET?

To understand what it is like to be a governor with us, take a look at our testimonial booklet and videos which contain insights from serving governors.

governor testimonial booklet .pdf

 Emma Bennett 

Angela Watts 

Stephen Platten 

Garry Allen 

What training do Governors receive?

We offer an extensive range of training opportunities. Take a look at what is on offer for the current academic year.