Mrs H Willis
Mrs B Matterson
Mr J Watson
Ms S Jennison 
Mr M Probert
Mrs A Horrocks

Mrs H Willis
Mr J Watson
Ms S Jennison
Mrs S Davies
Mr M Yates 
Mrs A Horrocks 

Mrs B Matterson
Ms S Jennison
Mr P Matterson 
Mrs J Blackburn
Mrs A Horrocks 

I am currently in my second term as a governor at Ribblesdale School.  I am employed as a Business Manager in a local primary school, although my background is in corporate banking.

I wish to see our excellent school and all the pupils who attend, prosper, and I hope to contribute my skills and experience towards the school’s good governance and continued success.

My greatest achievement to date, bar having my family, is running the London Marathon for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2017, coming in at under 6 ½ hours and raising nearly £3000 in the process. 

In my spare time I volunteer as a counsellor for Twins Trust and recently, I have also been instrumental in setting up a local women’s rugby team at Clitheroe RUFC, where I am the assistant Safeguarding Officer.

I joined the governing board of Ribblesdale School in 2018. I have over forty years of experience working in secondary schools, including fifteen years at Ribblesdale as Head of Modern Languages and Advanced Skills teacher. I retired from teaching in 2017.

The education, wellbeing and safety of young people has always been of paramount importance to me. Ribblesdale provides an environment in which all young people are taught to become well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills required for the 21^st century. As a governor I feel fortunate to contribute to the school’s development in a different capacity.  Ribblesdale and the community it serves will always have a place in my heart.

In my spare time, I love walking my two elderly Norfolk terriers, Hattie and Maisie, in the countryside, going on holiday to France and Spain and reading.

My name is Philip Matterson, and as a former teacher at the school, I have also been known at Ribblesdale as 'Sir' or 'Mr. Matterson' (and probably other names which I will never know!).

I have been in education for over thirty years. I started my career as a teacher of biology in Heywood, moving to Rochdale as second in department for science in a very large 13-18 comprehensive. I then moved to Clitheroe – joining Ribblesdale as Head of Science for eleven wonderful years.

In 2004 I moved to Burnley as Deputy Head of the Catholic College now known as Blessed Trinity. This was a period of great change - and a fantastic challenge! I am still deeply interested in education and very much appreciate being allowed to be a governor at a high performing school which is facing all the challenges being ‘thrown at’ pupils and staff at the moment so bravely and optimistically.

May I introduce myself? I am Stephanie Zakrzewski and I am delighted to become a new governor at Ribblesdale School!

I bring with me extensive leadership, governance and safeguarding experience alongside strong personal insight into local education. I am a retired nurse, a Queens Nurse and a non-medical prescriber with over 40 years' experience working in the NHS. I have worked across Primary, Community and Acute Care as well as holding a senior nurse role in quality, governance and service improvement within the NHS.

I previously co-owned a highly successful breakfast & afterschool club which achieved an outstanding rating with Ofsted, giving me practical experience  of inspection frameworks and child-centered provision.

I am the parent of 4 grown-up children, all educated locally, giving me experience of Ribblesdale, Bowland & Clitheroe Grammar. My eldest daughter attended Ribblesdale, where I was particularly impressed by the strength of teaching & pastoral care.

I have a special interest in health, wellbeing and prevention of illness, both mentally & physically, and I am fully committed to supporting high quality education for all pupils as well as being a advocate for pupils, staff and parents.

Bio Coming Soon

I am a newly appointed co-opted governor, having joined the Governing Body in November 2024. I attended St. Bartholomew’s Church in Colne and help to run their CAP Life Skills courses. I enjoy walking with my husband and our dog, touring around Britain in our caravan and spending time with family and friends.
During my working life, I have worked in several sectors, namely travel, hospitality and
manufacturing. Before retiring my husband and I owned and ran a manufacturing business for over 20 years.
I consider education to be of paramount importance, as it enables young people to navigate with confidence the world in which they live. I am looking forward to getting to know Ribblesdale School and hope to make a positive contribution to the school through my role as a governor.

I’ve enjoyed a career working in construction products, having having spent a total of more than 20 years at Ribblesdale Cement works, working my way from school leaver apprentice to Operations Manager. The cement works is very much a focal point of the community, much like Ribblesdale School,  so I believe it’s a natural fit for me, as I’m very invested in the local community. 

My involvement with Ribblesdale School began with supporting careers events and I am very interested in building links between business and the school and ensuring the pupils are ready for the world of work post exams. I feel that serving as a governor will enable me to help facilitate that, as well as supporting the school in other ways. I look forward to working with the team to build a better future for everyone. 

I joined the governing board of Ribblesdale School with a strong commitment to supporting young people and the local community. Clitheroe is my home town, my family live locally, my son attends Ribblesdale and my daughter is due to start her early years education in September.

I currently work as Head of Fundraising for a young people's charity. My role involves strategic planning, budget oversight, income generation and working with a wide range of partners to ensure long-term sustainability and positive outcomes for young people. I also have a background in education and youth work, including experience in inclusion, behaviour support and personalised interventions.

I’m passionate about ensuring all young people have access to the opportunities and support they need to become confident, well-rounded young adults. As a governor, I’m pleased to be able to contribute my skills and experience to support Ribblesdale’s continued development.

I joined the governing body in 2025. I bring a strong background in education, having previously worked in a high school, initially as a Teacher Training Officer, then moved into the role of School Office Manager and later as HR Manager. I also have experience working with EYFS children.

I currently manage my own holiday let business alongside teaching exercise classes at a local studio. I am passionate about children’s wellbeing and the importance of creating safe, supportive environments where children can thrive.

A former Ribblesdale High School pupil, I now have two children attending the school—one in the high school and one in the primary—and I am actively involved in the PTFA committee. In my spare time, I enjoy walking, skiing, running, and spending time with my family. I feel honoured to serve as a governor at Ribblesdale School.

Susan Cowking

Paul Edge

Zaneta Dewhurst