Overthorpe C of E Academy

Meet the Governors 

Judith Hopwood (Chair of Governors)

I am delighted to be the Chair of Governors at Overthorpe.

I grew up in Thornhill and attended both Overthorpe and Thornhill High School, before going on to train as a Primary teacher at Bretton Hall College.

I worked in education for over 25 years both in Wakefield and Kirklees, having taught across the age range from Nursery to KS2. My most recent role was as a Head teacher in Kirklees.

I believe that governors play a crucial role in the life of a school by supporting the staff and children whilst also acting as a critical friend. As the Chair of the Governing Body, I work closely with the Headteacher and other governors to support the school in providing every child with a successful educational experience at Overthorpe.

Emma Scott (Associate Governor) 

I am a Foundation governor at school and I am also lucky enough to work in the school. This gives me a unique perspective of seeing all the plans and aims for the children put into action by the staff in person. My children all attended Overthorpe and it has been lovely to watch it grow and meet the needs of the children and community over that time.

Haley Jordan (Parent Governor)

I am excited to be part of a team that plays such a pivotal role in shaping the future of our young learners. With my marketing degree and active involvement in the Thornhill community, I bring a unique perspective to the table.

I am deeply passionate about education and strongly believe in creating an environment that fosters learning and personal growth. Drawing upon my marketing expertise, I can approach challenges with a strategic mindset and implement innovative solutions.

In addition to my professional background, my involvement in the Thornhill community has given me a deep understanding of the issues facing our local schools. I am committed to using my skills and experience to support the development of policies and programs that will benefit all students.

I look forward to working alongside my fellow governors to ensure that our school provides a safe, nurturing, and intellectually stimulating environment where every child can thrive.

Dan Swain (Staff Governor)

I am very happy to be the staff governor and Assistant Headteacher here at Overthorpe. I have worked at this school for five years now. I previously worked in Bradford as a teacher and have been teaching for over nine years. It is important to me that I am as involved as I can be with this school to help it grow and develop. I really feel a part of the community here at Overthorpe.

As staff governor, I know the school well and have a vested interest in ensuring the best outcomes for all of our children. I believe that I can add insight for the governing body as I know the school in great detail and can help to drive forward the whole school strategic priorities that our Governing Body focus on.

Jill Denvers (Foundation Governor)

Having recently retired from my role as SENCO, Assistant Headteacher and Y5 teacher at a primary school in Batley, I am pleased to have been asked to serve as a Governor at Overthorpe Academy. I enjoyed my 27 years as a teacher and am now looking forward to the opportunity to bring my experience to your school.

I have lived in Thornhill for 25+ years and like to get involved in local activities. I am a bell ringer at the parish church, play the violin in a local ceilidh band and volunteer at Thornhill Lees Community Centre as well as invigilating at a local high school and leading a school choir at a local primary school.

I have always believed that any child can achieve their potential if given the right support and opportunities in a nurturing and caring community.

I hope that I can bring skills that will support all staff, children and their families to continue to grow and develop. I believe a firm foundation in education is pivotal for children to reach their potential and achieve their dreams and, working together, we can help them achieve this.

Rev Debbie Nash (PCC)

Hi, my name is Debbie Nash but the children in our school call me Deb the Rev! I am fortunate enough to be the rector for Thornhill and Whitley churches and have been in post since 2018. I moved to Thornhill from Ossett, just down the road, and have been made very welcome here. I was a physiotherapist for the local NHS trust for over 20 years and have been a priest for 9 years. I love what I do and all the opportunities it gives me to meet people and get to know them.

I’m married to Richard and I have two teenage girls who keep me busy! I have lots of interests too including reading, writing, art, theatre trips, cinema, singing and eating out!

I am passionate about the school and ensuring that our students get every possible opportunity to realise their potential. Overthorpe is a great place to learn and grow and I’m delighted to be a governor here.

Joe Mitchell (Headteacher)

I joined the Overthorpe and Enhance Trust in September 2023 having been a Headteacher and leader in a number of schools across the Yorkshire region. I have built my experience as a school leader in both Academy Trusts and Local Authority Schools and have over twenty years' experience of working in schools.

I am passionate about all children's life chances being maximised through ensuring their entitlement to high quality teaching and learning, day in and day out and firmly believe that through working with our school Governors we can drive our school's continued improvement.

Jodie Allen (Parent Governor)

Governor Register of Business Interests

Governor attendance 22/23

Governor details 20/21

Governor attendance 19/20

Governor details 19/20

Governor attendance 2018/19

Governor details 2018/19

Governor details 2017/18

Governor attendance 2017/18