Governors
Heron Hill School is grateful to the volunteers who commit their time and energy to the essential and valuable role of Governor.
The Role of the Governing Body
The core functions of the governing body are as set out in The School Governance (Roles, Procedures and Allowances) (England) Regulations 2013, regulation 6 and include, but are not limited to ensuring:
- that the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined
- that the headteacher performs her responsibilities for the educational performance of the school
- the sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources.
We currently have two vacancies for co-opted governors. The school would welcome applications from people with experience of the education sector. Due to the balance of governors already in the Governing Body, we would prefer to appoint someone who currently does not have a child at the school. If you are interested in applying for this vacancy, please contact Clerk to Governors (Mrs A Lehane) via alehane@heronhill.cumbria.sch.uk for an application form. Use this email address to contact any of the governors.
Members of the Governing Body
Edward Vittery - Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor
Term of Office: 21.11.2025-20.11.2029
Date of election as Chair of Governors: 13.06.2025
Statutory Responsibility: Safeguarding Link Governor
I have two young children who both attend Heron Hill School. I currently work as a manager of a hotel in the Lake District. This role is very varied and hopefully provides me with a range of experience that I can bring to the governing body. Though I have no formal background in education, I have long been passionate about learning and opportunities for young people and in the past I have volunteered in several groups for children and young people.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my children and when time allows enjoying a number of different sporting activities. I love the area in which we are lucky to live in and can regularly be seen exploring the countryside on 2 wheels.
Declaration of Business Interests: I am a sports club provider which is promoted within the school. Declaration made 21.03.2025.
Lucy Middleton - Headteacher
Date joined Governing Body: 1 September 2024
Areas of special interest within school: As the headteacher, I am interested in all elements of school life and all aspects of running a primary school. My special interests lie in school improvement, culture, leading teaching and learning, and professional learning and development. I have had the privilege of teaching in all year groups from Nursery to Year 6 during my career so have a good handle on the primary journey.
Outside of school, I love nothing more than spending time outdoors with my husband, our daughter and our Goldendoodle, Reggie. Walking, listening to podcasts, paddle-boarding and baking are all interests of mine that support me in maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
Declaration of Business Interests: Married to Daniel Middleton, graphic design and print. Declaration made 21.03.2025.
Douglas Rathbone - LA nominated Governor, elected by the Governing Body; Vice-Chair of the Governing Body; Chair of Finance Committee
Term of Office: 5.10.2022-4.10.2026
Date elected as Vice-Chair: 13.06.2025
Date elected as Chair of Committee: 17.10.2025
Areas of special interest within school:
I live up towards Oxenholme station with my partner, Sally. Before we moved to Kendal we lived for a bit in Windermere, where Sally grew up. I was previously in finance amongst other things, and Sally was a solicitor. We enjoy going fell walking, sailing and share a great love of reading. I particularly enjoy cooking as a creative way of relaxing - with the fringe benefits, of course, of eating the results. I am also an Elder of the United Reformed Church in Windermere, a Kendal Town Councillor for this area (and this year will be Mayor of Kendal) and a District Councillor for Kendal South & Natland.
I joined the Governing Body in 2018 and had previously been Chair of Governors of a school in London when it converted to being an Academy. My interests were specifically in literacy but I obviously sat on all committees in those days. It is great to be back being able to help with the overall scrutiny and the successful running of this school as a Local Authority Governor. My background is in finance so I work together on that with fellow Governors in what are challenging times nationally.
Declaration of Business Interests: Kendal Town and Westmorland and Furness Councillor. Declaration made 21.03.2025.
Sara Metcalfe - Elected Staff Governor
Term of Office: 15.12.2023-14.12.2027
Areas of special interest: Reception class teacher, EYFS, Learning through Play and Art (including art projects shared with the wider community).
Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 21.03.2025.
Sarah Corbett - Co-Opted Governor
Term of Office: 10.06.2022-9.06.2026
Areas of special interest: Year 3 class teacher, Geography Lead, Maths Support Team.
Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 21.03.2025.
Duncan Shaw - Parent Governor elected by parents/carers, Chair of Premises Committee
Term of Office: 9.07.2022-8.07.2026
Date elected as Chair of Committee: 7.11.2025
Areas of special interest within school: Design & Technology, Physical Education
My priority is to get children outside more; to have time to enjoy the area we live in. We need to give the children an opportunity to see what surrounds them, in the school grounds, within Kendal and within this amazing area of the country we live in.
Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 12.12.2023
Chris Stanger - Co-opted Governor
Term of Office: 10.11.2023-9.11.2027
Areas of special interest within school: Premises, Kenya Link
- Started out as a technician for Michelin Tyres, then had a career change to education, working in a number of roles, including teaching in the Middle East. I was previously a Governor of another school for 10 years. I enjoy Parkrun, Sailing, Ringing and Singing. I am passionate about our Kenya Link and was honoured to represent the school on a working visit. I have grandchildren in the school. I love to volunteer and I am always happy to help.
Declaration of Interest: Nil. Declaration made 21.03.2025.
Michelle Wilkinson - Deputy Headteacher, Co-opted Governor
Term of Office: 10.03.2023-9.03.2027
Areas of special interest within school: School Leadership, Mathematics, Raising Attainment, Assessment, Teaching & Learning, Pastoral Care.
I taught in large schools in Newcastle and Liverpool before coming to Heron Hill. I have taught classes from Year 1 to Year 6 and love to be part of children’s development. We aim to have lots of fun learning!
I also love motorcycling, cooking and spending time in the garden.
Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 20.03.2025.
Anthony Jamieson - Co-opted Governor, Chair of Staffing and Curriculum Committee
Term of office: 27.03.2024-26.03.2028
Date elected Chair of Committee: 23.01.2026
My wife and I have lived in Kendal all our lives, and we love the strong community and beautiful surroundings. We have three children, two of whom attend Heron Hill Primary School, with our youngest soon to join them.
As an analyst at a large defence company, I’ve gained valuable experience in managing complex projects, especially those involving government funding, which I believe will be an asset to the school. I am passionate about ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education, as I realise the opportunities it can unlock for their future.
In my free time, I love spending time with my family and cheering on Everton FC, despite its ups and downs!
Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 21.03.2025.
Amy Holland - Parent Governor elected by parents/carers
Term of Office: 25.10.2024-24.10.2028
Statutory Responsibility: SEND Link Governor
As a parent at Heron Hill, I am proud to be part of the wonderful community the school and its families have fostered. My husband and I have a child currently attending the school and a baby who will join in a few years. I am looking forward to learning more about, and contributing to, our children's school experience.
I bring to this role my experience as a qualified teaching assistant, along with a further qualification in Understanding Autism and an interest in helping children with SEN to thrive in their education. My background in education, combined with my perspective as a parent, fuels my passion for ensuring that every child has the best possible start to their education, and progresses to secondary school as a happy, successful and well-rounded individual.
Declaration of Business Interests: Nil. Declaration made 20.03.2025.
Governors who have left in the last 12 months
Mrs K Haley, Co-opted Governor (September 2024-September 2025)
Ms K Ritchie, Co-opted Governor (November 2021-June 2025), Chair of Governors (November 2022-June 2025):
The 2025 summer term’s Full Governing Body meeting was the final meeting for Kathryn Ritchie. She made a great difference to our pupil experience and supported staff and parents with care, professionalism and her child-centred approach. Year 6 prefects presented Kathryn with leaving gifts at the end of the meeting. Governors thanked her for her dedicated service to the school and wished her a very happy retirement. Kathryn responded with the following message:
“It was an emotional day as I relinquished my role as Chair of Governors at Heron Hill School following a career of nearly 50 years in education. It has been an absolute privilege to work with such lovely children and a talented staff team at the school, even though there have been a few challenging issues to deal with along the way. I’m delighted to say the school is now ready to fly.
The Heron Hill community is fortunate to have a highly dedicated and skilled staff team led by our new Headteacher Lucy Middleton who has shown us exactly what visionary and courageous leadership looks like. It’s good to know I leave the school in the capable hands of Edward Vittery. Edward will do a great job in leading a Governing Body that is determined to get the best for your children.
Here’s to a successful and simply brilliant future for the Heron Hill community. I shall miss you all.”
Governor Attendance Record 2024-2025
Composition of the Governing Body
Heron Hill's Governing Body has up to twelve members who serve for a four year term.
Diversity Statement
The Governing Body diversity statement is being developed.
Committee Structure
Committees meet at least once a term.
The Premises Committee and the Staffing and Curriculum Committee meet before the Finance Committee and bring financial issues to the Finance Committee. The Full Governors' meeting usually takes place once a term, at least 2 weeks after the Finance Committee. Additional meetings may be called as needed.
See Committee Terms of Reference below.
