Victoria Smith

Hello everybody! I’m Vicci and I’m the Chair of Governors at Ruswarp School.

I have 3 children, all of whom attended Ruswarp School so I have been a parent here for 10 years and have had the privilege of being on the Governing Board for 7 of those. 

My background is in the care sector and working with horses. I’m usually seen outside the school gates, covered in mud and hay!!  

I love working closely with the school and being able to watch the children grow and learn as they progress through our school. 

I can be contacted through the school office on 01947 602029 or directly by email at vsmith@ruswarp.n-yorks.sch.uk

Father Michael Gobbett

I was born in Kent, grew up in Stamford in Lincolnshire and was at University in Durham and theological college in Oxford, with some time spent working in pastoral roles in London too. I was ordained in 1990 and have served in Hartlepool, Stockton, Sedgefield and the nearby villages, and since 2016, Whitby and Ruswarp.

I've been a school governor in four schools over a period of 29 years (in both Church and Local Authority schools) and have always enjoyed the various ways in which clergy engage with schools; as a governor, and also leading Collective Worship and assemblies, school events, residential trips and helping church schools to develop their Christian ethos.

Ruswarp is great school to be involved with. For clergy, governorship of Church schools tends to 'come with the job' and it's one of the best parts of it with the opportunity to work with children as they learn and grow in all sorts of ways and also adults in various roles in school who are so committed to the children in their care .

 Fr Paul Burnett

Fr Paul is one of our Foundation Governors. He splits his time between his duties with North Yorkshire Fire Service in Whitby and as a priest in the Whitby Parish.

He is shortly to take up a reserve commission with the Royal Army Chaplains Department.

He has been in the fire service for 24 years and was ordained priest in 2022. Fr Paul is married to Kelly, a driving instructor and has two daughters. Emie is at Wilkes Academy studying for a BA in Musical Theatre and Darcey is in first year of A Levels at Harrogate Grammar.

Fr Paul enjoys reading, politics and walking in our beautiful countryside.

 Lorna Brown

I am the school's staff Governor elected by the staff in 2024. 

Previously I was a local authority governor at another primary school, which gave me a good understanding of how a governing body works . I have been a teacher for 18 years, teaching children from 5 - 14 years of age and have specialisms in special educational needs, P.E, science and R.E.  Over my years of teaching I have worked in a number of different schools and with children from a wide range of backgrounds. It is a privilege to be working here at Ruswarp and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far getting to know both children and their families. 

I truly believe Ruswarp gives children an excellent start to their education and want to build on that; ensuring that children can be the best that they can be.  This is why I am proud to be the staff governor, so I can help strategically shape the school as it moves forward, sharing with the board the views and opinions of the staff.   

Colin Harrison

It is an honour to be Vice Chair of Governors of The Rise Federation.  My own children attended Seton School, which is where I first became a parent governor in 2009. 

Graham Bagshaw

(Information will be added soon)

Lucy Taylor

(Information will be added soon)

Helen Isaac

I am truly delighted to have transitioned from a temporary role to becoming the substantive Headteacher of Ruswarp School as of September 2023.  My passion for our school remains as strong as ever, and I am deeply committed to nurturing its growth and success.

Together, as a dedicated team of staff, governors, and community members, we have made huge strides forward, placing Ruswarp in a strong and positive position for the future.  As a governor, with the continued support of our local community, I am confident that Ruswarp will continue to flourish as a vibrant and inspiring place where every child can thrive.

My professional experience spans a variety of roles in North Yorkshire schools, which have involved teaching across the age range from Nursery to Year 6.. This is now my fifth headship and governance role, so I bring a wealth of experience to the table.  As an ex-officio governor, I thoroughly enjoy being part of the strategic team who oversee the direction and development of our school, to ensure we continue to provide the best possible education and support for our pupils.