Governors Pen Portrait

Home > Our School >

Pen Portraits

Mr James Dawson

Reason for becoming a governor/Trustee

Experience and brief information on background

Chair of Governor

Mrs Ann Merchant

Reason for becoming a governor/Trustee

Our son joined Allestree Woodlands in 2021 in Year 6 and both prior to and since attending the school, the support he receives has been exceptional.  When the opportunity arose to support school by becoming a Parent Governor in 2024, I was very pleased to be appointed to the role.

After a year in role and with the move to Two Counties Trust, I have now been appointed as Vice-Chair of Governors and I was delighted to be given the opportunity to continue to support the students, staff and the wider TTCT community in this role.

Experience and brief information on background

Parent Governor at Ashbrook Infants, Borrowash during my son’s time at Primary school.

My background is in IT Management, including IT Security, Strategic Planning and Contracts & Finance Management.

Vice-Chair of Governors
Parent Governor

Mrs Stephanie King

Reason for becoming a governor/Trustee

I became a governor at Woodlands as I have a child in the school and wanted to both see more about how the school works and to contribute to the future of the school.

Experience and brief information on background

I have previously been a parent governor at other schools but a long time ago. I used to be a teacher and am very interested in education generally and inclusion in particular. I completed a PhD in 2024, which looked at experiences of school exclusion and I now work at the University of Derby as a lecturer and researcher in education. So I have a passion for education but also have a lot of questions about how things are done and what can be done better.

Any relevant additional information regarding hobbies etc.

I have three children although one is an adult now, my youngest will be hopefully joining Woodlands in September 2026.

Staff Governor

Mr Christopher Jones

Reason for becoming a governor/Trustee

I have been a staff governor since 2019. I became a governor ensure that the views of staff are represented and to share the impact of the decisions that are made

Experience and brief information on background

I have been a member of staff at Woodlands since 2001, teaching maths across KS3, 4 & 5. During this time, I have seen many change to education and the school. Both my children have attended the school and enjoyed their time here.

Parent Governor

Mr Joshua Porter

Reason for becoming a governor/Trustee

Experience and brief information on background

Parent Governor

Mr Stephen Garbett

Reason for becoming a governor/Trustee

Experience and brief information on background