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A foundation for success since 1932

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
  • Mrs Bernadette Matterson 

Vice Chair of Governors
  • Mrs Carrie Nestor
Sub Committees

Culture, Ethos and Values

Mrs H Willis
Mrs B Matterson
Ms C Nestor
Mr J Watson
Ms S Jennison 
Ms A Higham-Day
Mr M Probert
Mrs A Horrocks

Resources

Mrs H Willis
Ms C Nestor
Mr J Watson
Ms S Jennison
Mrs S Davies
Ms P Lishman
Mr M Yates 
Mrs A Horrocks 

Curriculum, Teaching & Learning

Mrs A Higham-Day
Mrs B Matterson
Ms S Jennison
Mr P Matterson 
Mrs J Blackburn
Mr A Potts
Mrs A Horrocks 

Governors' Biographies

Parent Governors

Mrs J Blackburn

Bio Coming Soon

Mr M Probert 

Bio Coming Soon

Local Authority Governor

Mr A Potts

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 Carrie Nestor

I have been a member of the governing team here at Ribblesdale School since 2020.  I work as a School Business Manager within a local primary school, although my background is within operations where I served as an operations director for 10 years.

I have a passion for supporting young people and have actively volunteering for over 20 years. I currently serve as both a youth and adult magistrate and I’m active within the local scouting movement. Prior to this, I served as a chair for the Blackburn with Darwen youth offending team for over 18 years.

My aim is simple; to strategically support school, to ensure every child who attends Ribblesdale fulfils their potential and enjoys their school journey, whilst ensuring their wellbeing and safety is always the number one priority.

Mr James Watson

Bio Coming Soon

Mrs Sandra Davies

Bio Coming Soon

Mr Mark Yates 

Bio Coming Soon 

Miss Abigail Higham Day

Having joined as a governor for Ribblesdale last year, I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting the school strategically so far.

I graduated with my PGCE from the University of Manchester in 2020. Despite being in lockdown at the start of my teaching career, I have since enjoyed many successes. I am currently the Deputy Head Teacher of an Alternative Provision Secondary School where I have maths, science and PSHE teaching responsibilities. As well as this I am the Regional Lead for Science for six of our schools in the north, where I quality assure the teaching, assessment and curriculum for KS1-KS4.

Ribblesdale School measures pupil success not only by what pupils achieve academically but by their ability to contribute positively to the wider world. This strong personal development ethos directly aligns with my focus as a leader in my school. I hope I can use my knowledge of different educational settings to promote the continued success of Ribblesdale.

In my spare time, I am currently studying for my National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership. Aside from my career, I enjoy keeping active and taking full advantage of the school holidays to explore new places. 

Mrs Pippa Lishman 

I originally joined Ribblesdale's governing board as a parent governor, before continuing to serve the school as co-opted governor, even though my son has moved on through college and is now heading to the University of Bolton.

I work as an Environmental Services Operations Manager for a housing association, having previously worked in social housing for over 20 years.

I have enjoyed getting to know the excellent staff at the school and admire their dedication and professionalism in the challenging environment facing schools today.

I look forward to ensuring the success of school at this exciting time in its development and beyond. 

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