Our Governors
Ribblesdale is fortunate to have a committed and enthusiastic board of governors with a diverse range of skills and extensive experience. They work diligently to ensure effective school management, with the primary goal of providing outstanding education for our students.
The governors play a crucial role in shaping the school's development strategy, offering guidance and support to the school's leadership, reviewing policies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and actively engaging with school activities.
Ribblesdale School Governors
Chair of Governors
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Mrs Bernadette Matterson
Vice Chair of Governors
- TBC
Sub Committees
Culture, Ethos and Values
Mrs H Willis
Mrs B Matterson
Mr J Watson
Ms S Jennison
Mr M Probert
Mrs A Horrocks
Resources
Mrs H Willis
Mr J Watson
Ms S Jennison
Mrs S Davies
Mr M Yates
Mrs A Horrocks
Curriculum, Teaching & Learning
Mrs B Matterson
Ms S Jennison
Mr P Matterson
Mrs J Blackburn
Mrs A Horrocks
Governors' Biographies
Parent Governors
Mrs J Blackburn
Bio Coming Soon
Mr M Probert
Bio Coming Soon
Local Authority Governor
Mr M Yates
Bio Coming Soon
Co-opted Governors
Mrs Helen Willis
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.
Mrs Bernadette Matterson
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 21st 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.
Mr Philip Matterson
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.
Mrs Stephanie Zak
Bio Coming Soon
Mr James Watson
Bio Coming Soon
Mrs Sandra Davies
Bio Coming Soon
Mr Mark Yates
Bio Coming Soon
Ms Emma Walton
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.
Mrs Cheryl Hopley
Bio Coming Soon
Staff Governor
Ms Sharon Jennison
I am currently a governor at Ribblesdale School. I am also a teacher with two decades of experience in PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education) RE and Enrichment. My goal is to continue making a positive impact on pupils' lives. I aspire to foster a school environment where inclusivity is paramount, and where every pupil is encouraged to aspire to their fullest potential. I aim to further promote community engagement, strengthen charity initiatives, and advocate for holistic education that equips pupils with essential life skills.
Enrichment is one of my great achievements, this innovative, valued and impressive part of our school curriculum was recognised by Ofsted, parents, pupils and staff as being a huge strength in our school. Indeed, we have grown our workshops, community links and opportunities for pupils and staff to enjoy this amazing opportunity.
I have played a pivotal role in cultivating a school culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion. By implementing inclusive teaching strategies and promoting respect for all backgrounds, I've helped create an environment where every pupil feels valued and supported.
Through my extensive experience in PSHE education, I have developed and implemented innovative curriculum enhancements that address the evolving needs of pupils. These initiatives include mental health awareness programs, comprehensive sex education, and financial literacy lessons.
I've spearheaded numerous community engagement initiatives, connecting pupils with local charities and organisations. This involvement has not only enriched the lives of our pupils but also contributed to the betterment of the community at large.
In my spare time, I am an avid cinema goer and enjoy all genres of movies including comedy, drama, period, war, crime and recently the live recordings of stage productions from theatres across the country.
Headteacher (ex-officio)
Mrs Anne-Marie Horrocks
I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you and introduce myself as the Headteacher of our wonderful all-through school. It's been a joy and an honour to have overseen the building of our amazing £8.5 million primary site and our transition into an all-through school for pupils from the age of 4 to 16. This comes as the latest part of an educational journey which has seen Ribblesdale serve our local community for over 90 years and I myself serve as a teacher and leader in schools across the North-West of England for almost 30 years. I began my career as a teacher of English in Stockport and, after 20 years in various leadership roles in 4 different schools, I am privileged to be Headteacher at Ribblesdale and to guide our pupils through their educational adventures and on to the next stage of their education or career.
Since taking on the role as Headteacher at Ribblesdale in 2020, I have had the pleasure of witnessing the growth, achievements, and incredible potential of our pupils. My enthusiasm for education goes beyond the conventional; I firmly believe in the power of inspiring a lifelong love for learning. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge. It extends well beyond the classroom and is about fostering curiosity, a love of reading, critical thinking and creativity. I am dedicated to ensuring that every child in our care discovers the joy of learning, unlocking their potential to become curious, compassionate and capable individuals.
Observer Governors
Susan Cowking
Paul Edge
Zaneta Dewhurst