Our school Governing Body and information

Meet our School Governors

We are extremely proud to serve as the Governing Body of Kirkbride Primary School. Together, we bring a wide range of skills, knowledge, and experience from diverse professional backgrounds—including education, business, health, finance, and community leadership.

As governors, we work closely with the headteacher and staff to provide strategic direction, monitor performance, and champion the best interests of all pupils. We are committed to helping the school thrive and to celebrating the strong sense of community that makes Kirkbride Primary so special.

 

Mrs Karen Barley - Head Teacher

I am very proud to be the Head Teacher at Kirkbride, having started in January 2022. I have been a Head Teacher for five years, a Deputy for four years and have been teaching for over twenty three years across the whole primary range from Nursery to Year 6.

I am married with two grown sons, and I love to explore our wonderful county, getting out and about whenever possible. I am passionate about ensuring all children get the best deal possible through excellent teaching, a rich and vivid curriculum and they leave our school equipped for their next steps in education as happy, cared for and confident individuals.

The Governing Board, support me and our fantastic team, with all strategic matters and ensure the children are kept at the heart of everything we do.

 

 Mrs Shiona Bickley - Parent Governor/Chair of Governors

My name is Shiona Bickley, and I am proud to serve as a Parent Governor and Chair of Governors at Kirkbride Primary School. I first became involved with the school in 2018 as Clerk to the Governors, a role that gave me a strong understanding of governance and its structure. In 2019, my children joined the school in Year 3 and Nursery, and in 2022 I became a member of the Governing Board. In September 2025, I was elected Chair of Governors, and I continue to work hard to support the school and its community.

My background is in HR and teaching. After a 17-year career in HR, I retrained as a teacher in 2018. I now divide my time between running our family Health and Safety Training business, supply teaching, and caring for my two sons.

I grew up in Kirkbampton, but my grandparents lived in Kirkbride from the 1990s until 2006, having previously lived at Moss Side. I visited them most weeks, so I have long-standing links to the village and the school’s catchment area.

I am passionate about helping the school succeed because I believe Kirkbride Primary is a fantastic community school where every child is given the best possible start to their education.

 

 Mrs Ann Little - Vice Chair - Local Authority Governor

I have proudly served on the Governing Body since 2012 and remain passionate about supporting our wonderful village school and its dedicated staff. I believe the school is at the heart of our village and wider community, playing a vital role in shaping the lives of our children.

I was born in Kirkbride and continue to live in the village. I attended the original school in the village, and both of my children were pupils at Kirkbride Primary during the 1980s and 1990s. During that time, I was actively involved in fundraising to support the school.

My professional background is in the finance sector, where I enjoyed a long and successful career, particularly the direct contact with clients. Alongside this, I spent 20 years as a foster carer—a role I recently retired from but found incredibly rewarding. My passion was always to help children achieve their potential, and all of my long-term foster children attended Kirkbride Primary, where they thrived and enjoyed their learning experiences.

Fostering gave me invaluable insight into the diverse needs of children and the importance of supporting them to reach their goals through education, experiences, and ensuring they have a voice. It also provided me with a deep understanding of safeguarding, which I bring to my role as Governor.

I thoroughly enjoy the ever-evolving responsibilities of governance. In addition to serving as Vice Chair and Safeguarding Governor, I am proud to chair the Staffing & Finance Committee.

Kirkbride Primary offers a warm, safe, and nurturing environment for every child, and I am proud to contribute to its continued success.

 

  Ms Janice Hedworth - Co-opted Governor 

My name is Janice Hedworth, and I am proud to serve as a Governor at Kirkbride Primary School.

I was brought up in the village, and my education began at Kirkbride Primary when the new school first opened (more years ago than I wish to admit!). My immediate family still live in Kirkbride, and although I moved away some years ago, I have maintained strong links with the local community through my active role on the Parish Council. I have also been a member of the Board of Governors at Kirkbride Primary since 2019.

For four years, I served as Chair of Governors, supporting leadership transitions within the school and gaining a successful Ofsted inspection. This experience strengthened my commitment to ensuring the school continues to thrive and deliver the highest standards of education.

I continue to enjoy a close connection with the village, working with the local doctors’ practice and playing bowls with the Kirkbride club. Kirkbride is the village I still proudly call home.

My experience includes safeguarding, health and safety, serving as a trustee for various organisations, discipline matters, and a secure understanding of HR-related issues. I believe these skills are invaluable in my role as a School Governor.

I believe the early years of a child’s education are so important. The excellent support and teaching delivered by the dedicated staff at Kirkbride Primary School is clear to see and provides the strong foundation every child needs.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a committed team, to give my time, and to make a positive contribution to the future of our next generation

 

  Mr Alan Hedworth - Co-opted Governor

My name is Alan Hedworth, and I am proud to serve as a co-opted Governor at Kirkbride Primary School. I am honoured to have the opportunity to support the Governing Body and, of course, the school wherever possible. Education is one of the most important aspects of our lives—it shapes everyone’s future, and I believe strongly in its value.

I have lived in Kirkbride all my life and run our family business here on what was once a dairy farm located near the school. I have two fantastic children, and I myself attended Kirkbride Primary when it first opened in 1977. Although the school has changed over the years, it remains an excellent place for children to learn and grow. After leaving Nelson Thomlinson Secondary School in 1988, I studied Agriculture at Newton Rigg College before moving into full-time work on the family farm.

I have served on the District Council and have been an active member of Kirkbride Parish Council for over 14 years, including time as Chair. I have also had the privilege of travelling to various parts of the world, gaining valuable insight into different cultures and ways of life—experiences that broaden perspectives and understanding.

As a Governor, my aim is simple: to make a positive difference and help ensure that Kirkbride Primary continues to provide the best possible education and opportunities for every child.

 

  Mrs Danielle Taylor - Co-opted Governor

My name is Danielle Taylor, and I have been a member of the Governing Body since 2021. I am passionate about supporting Kirkbride Primary School and feel privileged to contribute to its continued success. Having lived in the community for many years—I see this as an excellent opportunity to give back to my local community.

I currently work as the Quality of Education Lead for Cumbria Futures Federation. Within the federation my main roles include developing school curriculums, literacy and promoting best practice in teaching and learning. Alongside this, I hold a teaching role as Department Lead for Physical Education over the two secondary schools the federation serves.

I bring extensive experience in school leadership systems, staffing, curriculum sequencing, teaching and learning, and all aspects of running successful schools. I understand the challenges schools face, which allows me to provide additional support and context when needed. I am experienced with Ofsted inspections, taking part in over 6 separate inspections and work closely with external partnerships to promote school improvement.

Currently, I serve as Chair of the Curriculum and Standards Committee, ensuring that students have access to high-quality education and that the school performs in the best interests of all pupils.

I am passionate about helping our local communities thrive and celebrating the many things we do well. I look forward to working with the school community and moving forward together.

 

  Mr David Heron - Co-Opted Governor

Hi, my name is David. I joined as a Governor in September 2025 and I am enjoying both the process and the learning curve associated with the role.

I was born in Ayrshire and spent the majority of my working life with the National Trust for Scotland as their Business Development Manager, based at Culzean Castle and Country Park.

I moved to Cumbria about 18 years ago and have really enjoyed living here. My wife and I opened a tearoom/bistro in Brampton, and within two years we were listed as the 4th best restaurant in Cumbria according to TripAdvisor.

I am really looking forward to assisting the school and the community in achieving the best for everyone.

 

Dr. Mike Schofield - Co-Opted Governor

Hello, I’m Mike, and I am proud to serve as one of the co-opted Governors at Kirkbride Primary School. I joined the Governing Body in January 2023 and currently sit on the Health & Safety and Safeguarding/SEND sub-committees.

Originally from South Yorkshire, I have lived in Kirkbride since 2011 and have one child currently attending the school. Professionally, I work as a Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Paediatric Emergency Medicine at both Carlisle and Whitehaven hospitals, and I also serve as the club doctor for Carlisle United Football Club.

Kirkbride is a fantastic school with a strong sense of community, and I look forward to continuing to support the pupils and staff as we continue to transition each year and build on the school’s success.

 

  Mrs Samantha Coopey- Staff Governor

I have been teaching at Kirkbride since 2013 and currently lead a mixed Year 5 and 6 class, having previously taught Years 3 and 4. I am passionate about creating meaningful and accessible learning experiences, always with an element of fun. I believe that when we remove limits, children’s true potential shines through. As a parent of two adult children and a grandparent to two wonderful grandchildren, I bring both professional and personal perspectives to education. Having children of my own who have their own careers, I understand the importance of education and the choices within it to ensure they are happy in whatever they choose to do. 

I became a governor to gain a deeper understanding of how the school operates as a whole and how every part fits together. I value cohesion and the importance of working as a collective to ensure the best outcomes for all our pupils. With these principles at the heart of what we do, I believe our school will continue to go from strength to strength.

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller

Vacancy - Co-opted Governor

Please contact the school office to enquire further and express interest in this role. 

 

Governor information

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