Our Governors
An introduction from each of the Barlborough Primary School Governors
SAM NORTON
Co-chair of Governors
Having been elected to the role of co-chair of governors in April 2025. I am very much looking forward to a role that contributes to the lovely Balborough community.
I have two children in BPS and I welcome the opportunity to represent the interests of parents and to contribute towards ensuring our children benefit from the most inclusive and nurturing school environment possible.
My interests include public health and the environment. I aim to employ my transferrable skills, applying a balanced risk-based approach to achieve the best possible school environment for the Barlborough community.
TRINA GROWNS
Claire Birch
Co-opted Governor
I joined the governing body in November 2019.
I am currently the link governor for Anti-bulling and PHSE and RSE.
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 have been a Governor at Barlborough Primary School for nearly 4 years, initially being appointed as a Parent Governor, but due to my professional knowledge of educational leadership, development and the National Curriculum, this was changed to a co-opted role. I am impressed with many aspects of the school its high expectations and the approachable nature of 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 25 years, I have worked in primary education. During the last fifteen 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, Sheffield and beyond 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 development.
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 supporting the school to continue to move forward.
KERRY AYERS
Co-opted Governor
As a governor, I have been proud to call the village home for the past 23 years and have developed a strong connection to the local community and its school. Following a recent career change from finance into IT, I bring a blend of analytical thinking and fresh perspective to the role. I have always valued the welcoming, supportive environment the school provides and am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute more actively as part of the team.
