Meet Our Governors

Stephen Burnage - Chair of Governors 
I’m Steve Burnage and I am pleased to be joining the governing body of Balby Central Primary Academy as a co-opted governor. My background is in teaching, learning and educational leadership. Having served as a secondary headteacher for a number of years, I now run my own business as an education consultant, trainer, inspector and leadership coach; working with schools and school leaders across the world in improving the life chances of learners. Outside of my work in education, I’m a professional musician and, in partnership with my wife, I run a large Doncaster choir called ‘Simply Voices’.

Robert Mellor - Vice Chair of Governors
I’m Rob Mellor and I am pleased to be a part of the Balby Central Primary Academy governing body. My background since 1986 is that of a class teacher within Primary Education and as a Headteacher of over 16 years, at schools predominantly in the Nottingham area. I have a real passion in ensuring the ‘best” for children both within their academic and social outlooks and hope that my knowledge and skills will further support the school in its aspirational journey. Having retired recently I have taken up wildlife photography (still learning), badminton and am a season ticket holder at Huddersfield Town. I hope this last aspect does not cause too much contention!

Ian Straw
I am Ian Straw (CMgr MCMI) and I have spent over 25 years working in a variety of businesses in the private, public and laterally the third sector. Each of these sectors have provided me with an insight into a diverse and varied approach to Management and Workplace Organisation and Development. During the past 8 years, I have worked with The Vulcan to The Sky Trust, their strap line “Honouring the Past Inspiring the Future”, aims at engaging young people in STEM based activities and by default opening up a diverse and exciting world of Engineering. I enjoy the outdoors and a variety of sports whilst supporting good causes and looking at fund raising opportunities.

Luke Liddle
Hi, I’m Luke and I am excited to be joining Balby Central Primary Academy as a co-opted governor. Whilst this is my first governorship, I work in education, running the Independent Schools Cultural Alliance (ISCA). Our mission is to bring students and teachers from all over the globe together to learn about global cultures. At ISCA we encourage our students to be global citizens and believe that every child should be supported to be the best they can be. When I found out that Balby Central Primary was looking for new governors, I looked on the website and was delighted to see that the main ethos of Balby Central was the same as ISCA - to encourage all children ‘to be the best they can be’. I thought it would be great to support a school that shares this ethos. I am hopeful that my experience working with children from all over the globe and bringing different cultures together will help me in my new role as a part of the Governing body. I was born in Sheffield before moving to Surrey for school. I returned to Sheffield for University, met my wife here, and have lived in Sheffield ever since. I am a keen footballer and have worked as a fitness coach in my spare time. I am really looking forward to getting to know Balby Central and offering my support to help the school give every child an opportunity to truly be the best they can be.

Kaye Roe

Hello, I am Kaye Roe and I am really excited to be joining the governor team for Balby Central Primary Academy. I am now retired, having spent the majority of my life involved in education in some way. I have been a tutor, trainer, manager, consultant, adviser, administrator, cleaner, cook, photographer and community link co-ordinator to name just a few of the roles.  I have worked to support a range of age groups from pre-school to adult, delivering a range of courses from basic skills to A level or equivalent. Over the years my greatest pleasure has been seeing children and adults come through a learning process and realise that they now have the tools to do something they never thought possible.  I believe it is vital that every child has access to the right support in order to develop to their full potential and to be the best they can be. I hope that some of the things I have learnt over the years will help me to support the school and I am looking forward to getting to know everything about the school.

Bev Chapman

Hi everyone, I first became involved with Balby Central in 1997 when our daughter was a pupil. Now we are there every day as our two grandchildren are pupils at the school. I have been a serving Ward Councillor for the last eight years, something which I love doing as helping people is where I'm at my happiest. Something I am keen on for the children's benefit, is having an active Friends of Balby Central Group up and running. If anyone would like to become involved or has any good ideas, please stop me in the playground. I look forward to working with the other governors and making Balby Central Primary Academy continue to thrive. 

Peter Shipston 

I am really looking forward to taking on my role as governor. I am Head of Politics and a Housemaster (pastoral head) at Hill House School in Doncaster, having taught there for 11 years now, leading on the school's close and productive relationship with the Rose Learning Trust. I am looking forward to helping with both the academic and pastoral progress of the children, with a particular interest in helping with the transition to secondary school. Outside of work I am a keen sportsman, playing hockey albeit quite slowly now, for Harrogate Hockey Club and in the warmer weather cricket for Spofforth CC. I try to get out on my bike when I can and attempt to strum more coherently on the guitar.

Katy Parker 

I am proud to be joining Balby Central Primary Academy Governing Body again. I have previously served on the governing body as a Parent Governor and I am now returning as Staff Governor. My role in school is Child and Family Practitioner. I value the opportunity to be part of children's lives and help shape their future. My position in school allows me the opportunity to build relationships with children and their families with help from our school dog Ronnie. I am proud to bring Ronnie to school and allow the children to work him her, the children adore having Ronnie in school and it is great to have her as part of our inclusion team.  I am very passionate and want the very best for our children. I'm always happy to have a chat so if you see me around and want to ask me anything feel free.