Holbrook Primary School, Trowbridge
Inspiring, Nurturing, Challenging every learner to achieve their full potential
Welcome
Governors
Governance Statement 2022-23
Welcome to our Governors’ section.
Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor. Our governors can be contacted at governors@holbrook.wilts.sch.uk.
Vicki Cottrell - Headteacher
As the headteacher of Holbrook Primary School I sit on our Full Governing Body. I also sit on our performance and standards committee and our finance and premises committees. I have been a governor here since my appointment in January 2019 and prior to that I was a staff governor at my previous school. I feel very lucky to have an active governing body working alongside me to lead our school forward. They challenge me in our governor's meetings to make sure that we are doing our very best for the children of Holbrook. Outside of school I have a daughter and two very energetic dogs to keep me busy!
David Halik
Local Authority Governor. Term of Office ends 31.8.27.
I am a Trowbridge Town Councillor for Dursley and Drynham Ward, and a Wiltshire County Councillor for Trowbridge Grove Ward
I also work as a support worker for people who have a learning condition whenever I am not working on council matters.
I have and continue to help local charity organisations and my local church St John RC.
I was requested by the county council to serve on the Governing Body of Holbrook in 2008 and have been lucky enough to be asked to continue to support the school its staff, children and parents.
Without doubt the role has and continues to be very rewarding and enjoyable experience where the children are provided with the best education and learning within the best and safest environment possible.
Throughout the time I have been governor the one thing that has always been important to me and the school as a whole continues to do is allow time for every child to develop their creatively but in challenging ways.
Kevin Hartley
Co-Opted Governor. Term of Office ends 31.8.27.
I have been a Governor at Holbrook School since 2013, and the Chair of the Premises sub-committee. I have many years experience working in the education sector. I have seen many changes over the years and realise the importance of long life learning. I have previously served as a Governor at Trowbridge and Wiltshire Colleges, and at the John Bentley School.
During my career I have taught Apprentices, BTEC and A Level students, from electrical, computing maintenance repair to filming techniques courses, and I believe that every young person should be provided with the opportunities to improve their knowledge and skills so that they can achieve their full potential ready for their next step in education and their future prospects. I am involved with GOFISH which expands on this, preparing young people for the challenges of work and becoming young entrepreneurs.
I trained as a professional electrician and progressed to Health & Safety and construction of buildings. My main interest is Trowbridge; documenting it's history/events and I am involved with many local Trowbridge groups.
Rebecca Lockwood Norris - Chair of Governors
Parent Governor. Term of office ends 30.11.27
I have taken on the role of Parent Governor at Holbrook as I wish to have a positive impact at my children’s school. I am a trained Primary (school) Mentor and, during the time my children have been on role, I have volunteered at Holbrook, listening to children read and being a chaperone on school trips. My professional life has given me good knowledge of governance, compliance, scrutiny and project management, I have also been involved in the administration of grant funding and assisting with community projects; all of which I can apply in my role as a school governor.
Emily Jones - Vice-Chair of Governors
Co-Opted Governor. Term of office ends 1.10.27
I have recently been appointed as a Holbrook Governor after my engineering company partnered with GovernorsForSchools, encouraging engagement with schools in our local community. I have a background in civil engineering and project management, and feel I have a variety of skills to bring to the role to help ensure Holbrook continues to be a safe, inspiring and nurturing place to learn. I am passionate about education, its impact on young people, and ensuring they have access to a wide range of opportunities to develop and learn, with a particular passion for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) subjects. Other than this, I love to be outside and have a very energetic springer spaniel, and a Scout Group, who encourage this as much as possible!
Viki Barton
Staff Governor. Term of office ends 31.3.25.
Having been a Holbrook parent for 11 years I am now pleased to have the opportunity to further support the strategic direction of the school through a role as Co-Opted Governor.
Over my time as a Holbrook parent I have worked as part of the Holbrook School Association (PTA) team and have been lucky enough to share a variety of experiences alongside Holbrook children and their families. In addition, I have enjoyed my visits to school to listen to children read and of course many a school trip!
A registered Childminder for 7 years, before taking a change of direction in more recent years, I enjoyed the daily challenge of providing a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment for children in my setting.
Away from work and volunteering, along with my family, I enjoy being outdoors, camping, languages and photography.
Austen Chaloner
Co-Opted Governor. Term of office ends 17.10.26
Having recently retired after 20 years of providing IT support for Schools, including Holbrook since 2006, I felt I wanted to use my knowledge and skills gained in those 20 years to benefit a local School by becoming a Governor. Holbrook was my first choice as I’ve always found the staff to be friendly but professional and look forward to continuing my relationship with the School as a Governor.
Craig Knight
Parent Governor
Term of office ends 30.11.27