Saxilby C of E Primary School

Our Governors

Jonathan Wainwright - Foundation Governor

Chair of Governors

Until recently, Jonathan was Head of Social Sciences at BGU and is now taking a career break. After teaching for a number of years, Jonathan has had a number of Organisational Development roles within the private sector. He later joined the academic world working at Lancaster and Sheffield Hallam universities, teaching and researching into Educational leadership.
He has been a governor in a number of Sheffield schools and until moving to Lincoln, was chair of trustees of a specialist school academy trust in Huddersfield . He is a currently a governor at Newton on Trent school and a director of the Children’s Links Charity in Horncastle.

Rebecca Gibbon - Co-opted Governor

Vice Chair of Governors and Chair of the Provision and Performance Committee

I’m a GP Partner in Lincolnshire and work for LIVES as an Emergency Doctor. In my professional role, I have developed skills with running a business, financial management as well as understanding the needs of young people in Lincolnshire. I aim to use these transferable skills to help support the school. My eldest child has just left Saxilby School and I have a son who is currently in Year 5.

Daphne Whiteoak - Local Authority Nominated Governor

As an experienced educator Daphne brings both practical leadership and research-informed experience to the role of governor. A former headteacher and academic in higher education, she brings an analytical and strategic mindset to being a governor. She also serves as a Director on the Board of Education of the Diocese of Lincoln and as a Trustee of the Leeke Educational Foundation.

Alice Cowles - Staff Governor

I am currently Deputy Headteacher at our school. I have been teaching at our school for 7 years and I was previously Key Stage 1 phase leader. I have taught in both key stage 2 and key stage 1 during my teaching career. Part of my leadership within school includes; leading English, which is a huge passion of mine. I am currently a reading specialist for LEAD and offer reading support to other local schools which is two of my greatest passions reading and supporting other colleagues. During my time at Saxilby Church of England School, I have completed my National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and I have developed our school curriculum by working closely with our subject leaders.

Sam Jackson - Headteacher

I have been working in education for nearly 20 years. I began my teaching career in Boston, Lincolnshire, before moving on to Deputy Headship in a large Lincoln school. I began Headship at a small school in 2018 before moving to Saxilby in January 2024. I am passionate about giving every child, regardless of background or need, a great education. This was something I worked hard to do as a teacher and something I have continued into leadership roles. I am proud to serve the Saxilby community and look forward to many years of successful partnership work with pupils and families. Outside school, I enjoy a range of activities. I love playing and listening to music, especially live music. I enjoy many sports and love hill walking. I love spending time with my wife and our small dog.

Revd Jane Foster-Smith - Ex Officio Foundation Governor

Revd Jane is Priest-in-charge at Saxilby Church. She was a foundation governor in another school for 3 years before moving here. She is currently also a governor at Newton primary school. She has played an active role in primary schools for many years as a parent and teacher

Anna Reynolds - Parent Governor

Vice Chair of Governors and Chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee

Jessica Beveridge - Parent Governor

I am a primary school teacher and English Leader within a Trust, with many years of experience working in education. I have also spent four years as part of the Senior Leadership Team in an Outstanding Primary School, giving me valuable experience of school leadership, development and the wider educational landscape. Alongside my teaching role, I work as a Local Authority Writing Moderator, which has further developed my knowledge and understanding of curriculum standards and children’s learning and progress.

I am extremely passionate about children’s education and believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and receive an excellent education. As a mother of two boys, including one who is currently in Year 3 at the school, I also bring the important perspective of a parent. I hope to combine my professional knowledge and experience in education with my passion and commitment as a parent to make a positive contribution to the governing body.