Governors
The Chair of Governors can be contacted at any time via the clerk to the Local Governing Body, Richard Taylor School, Bilton Lane, Harrogate, HG13DT
Click on a name to see a photo
Dr Jan Johnson Chair & Foundation Governor appointed by Ripon Diocese/ Richard Taylor’s Educational Trust
I have been a governor at RTS since 2008 and was elected Chair of Governors in 2021. As the Chair, my role is to act as a critical friend and support to the head teacher and all the staff. In addition, I support the work of the Governing body by attending sub-committee meetings for Finance, Premises and Health and Safety, Curriculum and Standards and Worship, Mission and Wellbeing. In addition, I have particular responsibilities for Child Protection. Inclusion and Special Educational Needs provision within the school.
Rev Simon Dowson Appointed by the Ripon Diocese
As Rector of St John’s church in Bilton I have the privilege of serving as a foundation governor at Richard Taylor School. I have held this position since December 2014, and as well as being on the governing body I serve on the Worship and Mission and Personnel sub-committees, as well as being link governor for Ribblesdale class. I come into the school frequently in my role as rector, for example to take assemblies or observe shine and share afternoons. I also enjoy welcoming staff and students on regular occasions to St John’s
Niki Hutchinson Foundation Governor appointed by Ripon Diocese/St John’s PCC
My name is Niki Hutchinson. I’m 27 and my favourite thing to do with my time is amateur dramatics. I am also training to be an accountant. I am on the premises health and safety and finance committees. I am also class governor for Coverdale class.
Steve Scarisbrick Foundation Governor appointed by Ripon Diocese
I am a foundation governor at RTS. I have been a governor for 16 years and have two children who both attend St Aidan’s. I have three main roles on the governing body; firstly, I am a member of the board of directors of the trust; secondly, I am chair of the personnel committee and thirdly I am the literacy governor. I am delighted to represent a school of which we can all be proud.
Phillip Richardson Foundation Governor appointed by Ripon Diocese
Joanne Sykes Elected Parent Governor
In November 2021 I was elected parent governor at Richard Taylor School, where my daughter is thriving in Key Stage 2. I have been a physics teacher in local secondary schools for over ten years and, as such, will be supporting RTS to develop their already excellent science provision and will be part of the curriculum and standards committee. I am also class governor for Coverdale.
Caroline Fox-Robinson Elected Parent Governor
I am a parent to twin daughters just starting in Richard Taylor, I am looking forward to growing my involvement in and knowledge of the school along with my children. I am on the ‘Premises and Health & Safety’ and ‘Personnel’ committees and am class governor for Wensleydale’
Cath Phelan Elected member of the teaching staff
Jean Atkinson Elected member of the non-teaching staff
Andrew Symonds Headteacher
In attendance at Governors’ Meetings
Emma Crisell Deputy Headteacher
Caroline Simpson Literacy Co-ordinator and member of SLT
Anne Robertson RE Co-ordinator and member of SLT
Hannah Manwaring Clerk to the Governors
For details of all Governors terms of office, body who appointed, committees served, business interests and meeting attendance please click on the link below.
Governing Body Membership and Meeting Attendance 2021-22
All can be contacted through the School Office
Minutes from the Meetings of the Local Governing Body:-
The Governing Body also publish an annual newsletter for parents, click on the PDF Icon to view the latest one.
Governors Newsletter