Meet the Governors

Natalie Felton (Chair of Governors) 

Direct email: n.felton@drighlingtonprimary.org.uk

I have been a Governor at Drighlington Primary School for 5 Years and was elected Chair of the Governing Body in September 2017, a position that I’m very proud to hold. I sit on both of our committees, Resources and Teaching & Learning and I’m the responsible governor for Anti-bullying and Equalities. I truly believe that all children deserve the best possible education and that I have the skills to contribute to helping our school achieve the best results for them. In my spare time I like to spend time with my family. I am very passionate about books and love to read. 

Steve Housden (Vice Chair)

In July of 2017 the opportunity arose to apply to join the school’s board of governors and because I had now moved to part-time employment I felt that I had the time, to fully commit to the requirements of this important role. In addition I felt I had a number of work related skills that could support the school moving forward. I am currently a Non-Executive Director for a regeneration company and part-time consultant to them on business strategy and development. Prior to this I spent 10 years with the Construction Industry Training Board as Sector Manager for the North of England working on developing partnerships with LEP’s, Local Authorities and industry. Prior to this I worked in careers guidance field for nearly 30 years developing and implementing information, advice and guidance strategies that supported the delivery of the key activities supporting young people and adults into employment. I have lived in Drighlington for nearly 30 years and both my children attended school in Drighlington. I am keen to see that the school continues to be a positive, enjoyable and successful experience for all pupils.

Sue Jackson (Head Teacher)

My appointment as Head Teacher of Drighlington Primary School commenced September 2004.  I am passionate about this school and am extremely proud to work with a strong team of dedicated Staff and Governors.  I have worked to develop a strong sense of nurture in our school so that children feel safe and happy. My vision for the children is one of constant belief that they can excel, be better than they ever thought possible and be the best that they can be. It is a privilege to work in the school and to be able to support this thriving community. When not working, I enjoy music, gardening, walking and reading.  

John Feaster

I am a solicitor and chartered tax advisor and have been based in the Morley/Drighlington area for over 10 years. My daughter is in key stage 1 at the school and my son started in nursery in September 2017. I am a strong advocate of broadly based early years education to inspire children in different disciplines (e.g. sport, music, drama, arts) and the particular challenge of engaging boys to enjoy learning at primary school age.  I strongly believe that the opportunity to socialise, learn new skills and build confidence though education in its wider sense is something which should be available to all children.  In my spare time I enjoy watching sport (football, cricket and darts), cooking and travel.

Sgt John Kehoe (Retired)

I joined the Governors in February 2018. I have gained lots of skills and previous experience that naturally led me to take up the challenge of being a school governor when the opportunity arose. I am currently the school site manager with responsibility for the safety of the children, staff and visitors along with the site security and upkeep. I am an armed forces veteran having served 21 years including 3½ years as a UN peacekeeper in the Middle East. I was a military training officer, training recruits in every aspect of army life, and a transport manager, with responsibility for budgets, staff and vehicles. I am, also, a trained negotiator with great familiarity of evacuation/lockdown through my forces and UN training. Additionally, I have 6 years’ experience of implementing ‘evacuation/lockdown’ at a primary school level in London. I am qualified to, and have worked within education, teaching Employability skills and working as an NVQ trainer and assessor in the post 16 sector. Furthermore, I have set up and run a Mentoring scheme for vulnerable young people prior to my move to Drighlington. I am looking forward to learning fresh skills and meeting new people as we (the governors) work as a team to support the headteacher as she endeavors to move the school ever forward.

Charlotte Bowers 

I am a HR Manager at a local high school and have worked in the education for over 13 years within various HR roles focusing on Human Resource Management and Safeguarding within education. Having recently moved to the Morley area, I wanted to use my experience and knowledge gained to make a valuable contribution to the education of young people and to the local community.  In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also volunteer with a Brownie Guide Unit assisting with activities, events and overnight camps that give young people the chance to discover their potential and learn about the world around them.  

Jayne Ford

I joined the governors at Drighlington Primary School in November 2018 after being a governor for 10 years at another Leeds primary school. I am the Early Years Governor. I am married and have 3 daughters and spending time with family is very important to me. I am a keen football fan and also enjoy eating out, reading and travelling. I have worked in education for over 30 years as a primary school teacher and children’s centre teacher with children from birth to 11 years. More recently I have worked as an Early Years consultant and trainer supporting schools and settings with quality improvement. I am passionate about making a real difference to children’s lives and supporting them to reach their full potential.

Bradley Allan

I am currently working as a Freelance Education Consultant, mainly in the areas of education quality assurance, teaching and learning and financial education. I have considerable experience in the education sector as a secondary school Business teacher, Specialist Leader of Education for new entrants to the profession and Senior Leader. I live locally on the outskirts of Bradford and have split-city loyalties as a Leeds United and Bradford Bulls fan. I am very happy to be joining the governing body and hope to use my experience to contribute to the future success of the school.