Governors

Governor type: Parent Governor

I am delighted to take up my first Governors role at Ash Green. I have twin daughters in reception who absolutely love coming to this wonderful school. I am currently the Assistant head teacher at St Joseph’s College, Trent Vale with responsibility for Teaching and Learning, Curriculum, Staff appraisal and have oversight of the Teaching School and SCITT.  I also have a role at the department of education in The Teacher Reference Group. This is a confidential sounding board, advising on the potential impact of policies on the school system, including any barriers to implementation. I have been a teacher for over 13 years and have been a geography teacher at Edensor High for a year, then moved to Cannock Chase High School and then to Sir Thomas Boughey where I was head of PSHE/Citizenship and I have also had a role as Head of geography. I am passionate about helping young people achieve their potential through education and ensuring youngsters have the best opportunities to succeed whilst growing into responsible and caring individuals. I am really looking forward to working with the children, staff and families within the school community.

Governor type:  Trust appointed

Clare Warburton is the recently appointed Chair of our Local Governing Board having been a member of the board for over 7 years.  With two children, both of whom have benefited from being Ash Green learners with one currently in year six, Clare knows the school and the surrounding community well and continues to be up for the challenge of pushing Ash Green forwards.  Having worked within the education and sports sector for over 25 years, previously as a Physical Educator, Clare is keen to bring some of this knowledge to the Governing Body of Ash Green.  Clare has worked for her current employer for the Youth Sport Trust for the past 21 years in a national role for a children’s charity that believes in the power of PE and sport in building a brighter future for young people.  In this time with the Youth Sport Trust Clare has been heavily involved in education and is involved with Schools across the country in supporting the delivery of the Governments strategy for PE and School Sport.  Clare is also involved as the Treasurer for Ash Green’s Parent and Teacher Association (PTA).  Clare is committed to playing an active role in the school as a co-opted Governor to support the Teachers and Senior Leadership Team to help the school flourish.   Clare is looking forward to helping continue with the great progress that the school has made and supporting the young people of the school to be happy and confident learners, enriching their experiences and creating lifelong memories.

Governor type: Ex-officio by virtue of office as Headteacher

It is an absolute privilege to lead Ash Green Primary Academy, a proud member of The Societas Trust. Since joining the Ash Green family in 2015 and becoming Headteacher in March 2020, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a team of passionate educators, dedicated governors, and a wonderfully supportive community – all united by our shared commitment to “Achieving the best, together.”

In September 2025, I was honoured to be appointed as the Trust’s Strategic Improvement Lead. This role allows me to collaborate with other schools across the Trust one day a week, supporting innovation, sharing best practice, and helping shape the future of education beyond our own school gates.

At the heart of my leadership is a deep belief in equity, inclusion, and the transformative power of education. Every child deserves access to world-class opportunities, regardless of background, and I am driven by the conviction that schools should be places of joy, curiosity, and possibility. Our curriculum is carefully crafted to reflect our community, nurture a love of learning, and empower children to understand the world and their place within it.

I believe in excellence without perfectionism, and in creating a culture where staff and pupils alike feel safe to grow, reflect, and thrive. Our coaching-based approach to professional development ensures that every member of staff is supported to be the very best they can be, because when adults flourish, children do too.

Ash Green is a school where achievement and wellbeing go hand in hand. We celebrate individuality, foster resilience, and build strong relationships that last. I am proud to lead a school that places children at the centre of every decision, and I remain deeply committed to ensuring that every child leaves Ash Green feeling confident, cared for, and ready to take on the world.

Governor type: Trust appointed

I am a retiree, having been so for nearly two years. My wife and I are also foster carers and currently look after two siblings. I have lived in the Trentham area for over forty years and have seen the community grow and change during that time. In my working life, part of my role was as an Operations Support Manager, overseeing branch health and safety audits and checks.

I applied to become a governor when my twin granddaughters started in the nursery at Ash Green around eight years ago. I now serve as the Link Governor for safeguarding and health and safety.

When I attended my first governors’ meeting, I was encouraged by the enthusiasm and commitment of the leadership team. They truly embody the school’s motto and ethos: “Achieving the best, together.”

Governor type: Staff Governor

Governor type: Trust appointed

I have been a governor at Ash Green Primary Academy for two and a half years and am proud to have a son in Year 5, who seems to know children in every year group! My journey to governance has been shaped by both professional and personal experiences.
After completing two degrees — one of them while working full time — I spent over a decade in product launch promotions, where I planned, recruited, trained, and managed nationwide teams for well-known electronic brands. In 2013, I chose to step back from this demanding career to prioritise my own wellbeing, and in 2014 I set up my small business creating card gifts and stickers, which I continue to run alongside my voluntary work.
Much of my time is dedicated to volunteering with PEGiS (Parent Engagement Group in Stoke), a parent-led organisation supporting families navigating the SEND system. When my own son was diagnosed as Autistic, I realised the most powerful support often comes from other parents and carers who truly understand. This inspired me to become a governor, ensuring that the voices of families and children with additional needs are represented at the table.
As a governor, I am particularly passionate about inclusion, SEND, and mental health and wellbeing. I love to learn and am always keen to contribute thoughtfully, even in areas where I have less experience. It is a privilege to support Ash Green in creating an environment where every child feels valued, included, and able to thrive.

Governor Type: Parent

This is my first time as a Parent Governor and I feel incredibly lucky to have the chance to support a school that gives so much to its children and families. My 2 boys attend Ash Green (years 2 and 4), and I see every day how much care, effort and joy goes into making it such a welcoming and inspiring place to learn.
My professional background is in public sector digital transformation, where I’ve spent over 25 years working with government organisations to improve services through technology, collaboration, and inclusion. At work, I lead teams, develop strategies and try to make complex things simpler, and I hope to bring those skills into school life in a helpful, down-to-earth way.
I’m especially passionate about supporting digital learning, making sure every child feels included and supported whatever their background or ability, and keeping children safe, both online and in everyday life. As a Parent Governor, I’m here to listen, to learn, and to work alongside staff and families to help Ash Green continue to thrive.
If you see me at drop-off, pick-up or a school event, please do say hello.

Governor type:  Trust Representative

Chris has been a governor at Ash Green since 2015 and was privileged to hold the role of Chair for three years. In 2019, he was appointed a Director of The Societas Trust, and now serves as the Local Governing Board’s trust representative. He has governance experience in both maintained and academy settings.

Chris’ specialisms include marketing, communications and business management. Professionally, Chris is a Civil Servant working in a senior role at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Prior to this he worked at Stoke-on-Trent City Council overseeing the city’s major sporting events programme as well as several key leisure and events venues, and was a Director of a local company providing training and consultancy solutions to clients in various sectors throughout the UK. He has also held roles as an associate/guest university lecturer, having delivered to undergraduate and postgraduate students on behalf of both Staffordshire and Manchester Metropolitan Universities.

Chris holds an undergraduate degree in Business Management, an MSc in International Events Management, a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) a Professional Diploma in Marketing and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE). He is a Chartered Fellow of both the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

As a strong believer in the unique role that schools play in providing opportunities for individuals irrespective of their background, and the power of education to create and raise aspiration, Chris is committed to supporting the Ash Green community in achieving the best, together.