CATRIONA GROWNS

Co-chair of Governors

I was elected as co-chair of governors in April 2025 and have been part of the governing body since the 24th April 2024.

I currently have two children at Barlborough Primary School and am really looking forward to being able to support the strategy and vision of the school.

My skills lie in learning and development, mental health support and the creative arts so I am confident I can help to provide opportunities for all the children to achieve their potential.

I’ve worked in a corporate telecoms setting for over 13 years, following a degree in Music at the University of Sheffield and have a family connection to Barlborough through my husband. I’m keen to give back to the community and use as many and as much of my skills and experience to help make this school even better than it already is.

Linda Watson

Co-opted Governor and Safeguarding Governor

I joined the Governing Board as a co-opted governor in December 2020.  I have one child at Barlborough Primary School in Year 4. 

I have an MA Education degree and over 20 years experience of working in the Education Sector. This has mainly been through teaching, although more recently I have transferred my skills to private tutoring. I am extremely passionate about education and want to support the school to ensure that every child receives the very best education possible.

I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with the school, whilst continuing to build upon its excellent reputation and teaching standards. 

Claire Gambles

Co-opted Governor

I have been teaching Secondary Science for 17 years. In that time I have been a Governor within the Secondary School setting and have worked at schools in Sheffield and Derbyshire.  I am currently Head of Faculty for Science at Shirebrook Academy.  My background is in Science and I studied Biomedical Sciences to a degree level at university in Sheffield.

I have lived in and around Barlborough for most of my life and was married in the local church.  I have two children currently on roll at Barlborough Primary.

For these reasons I am eager to ensure that the school continues to be a place where young people enjoy learning, make excellent progress and are fully prepared for their next steps in life.  I am particularly interested in ensuring that students leave Barlborough Primary ready for next stage in their education.

PAUL BURGESS

Co-opted Governor 

I am a new parent to Barlborough Primary School for September 2022, as my daughter has just started in Reception (Little Lions) and have been impressed with many aspects of the school through initial introductions, communication, transition, high expectations and the approachable nature of the staff. I am supportive of the Barlborough motto ‘Aiming Higher Together!’ and want children to have the opportunity to fulfil their undoubted potential.

Professionally, over the last 20 years, I have worked in primary education.  During the last ten years, I have been a Headteacher, leading two different schools through their improvement journeys.  As part of this, I have also undertaken school improvement activities, working alongside Headteachers in other schools within Derbyshire and Sheffield to support their individual development journeys. Additionally, within this time, I also have experience working on three different Governing Bodies focusing on improvement strategy and holding people to account. 

Away from work, I am a Sheffield Wednesday fan. I also have a background in performing arts, writing and performing in pantomimes and various shows in Sheffield.

I am looking forward to learning more about the BPS community and look forward to supporting the school to continue to move forward.