Governors
The Governing Body of Addingham Primary School has 8 members.
The Governing Body shall consist of:
Co-opted Governors
Joel Griffiths (Chair of Governors)
I have degrees from Oxford, Manchester and Leeds and a PGCE from what used to be St Martin's college Lancaster. After a couple of years researching glaciers mainly in Scandinavia I trained as a teacher and then worked as a teacher in South Craven for my entire career. At South Craven I was a union representative and a teacher governor. I was for a while head of geography but my favourite role was taking responsibility for more able, gifted and talented 6th formers. Now my only link with my old school is that I assess Duke of Edinburgh expeditions for them. After retirement I became a governor at APS where I have served for 8 years, currently as chair. I am waiting to hear the outcome of my professional governance qualification. I am chair of an educational charity that is 300 years old and trustee of another charity. My additional interests are music, tennis, skiing and of course my family. My grandson is himself just starting the DoE scheme.
If you would like to contact our Chair of Governors, please do so via the school office email address mail@addingham.bradford.sch.uk and mark it for the attention of Joel Griffiths, Chair of Governors.
Vice Chairs:
Luke Lambert
Pete Mullen
I have lived in Addingham for the past four years and have served as a parent governor since my son began Reception shortly after our move to the village. Professionally, I lead the procurement team at a nationally recognized food and drink company, where I am responsible for managing over £60 million in annual spend—ensuring risk is minimized, value is maximized, and robust procurement practices are followed. I am also actively involved in strategy development within the organization. As a governor, I am a member of the Resources Committee and have held the role of co-Vice Chair since 2024.
Parent Governors
Tom Wade
My name is Tom Wade, I am a parent governor at APS with 2 children one in year 3 and one in year 1. I have lived in Addingham for over 10 years and love it! I am a GP partner in a large general practice looking after 15,000 patients in a deprived area. I have experience of educating and training other doctors as well as managing projects and new ways of working. I feel passionate about innovative ways of working and helping the school to be the best it can be.
Sonia Stirling
Headteacher
Linda Spinks
Staff Governors
Joelle Monkman
Lorna Field
I have been part of our school community for fourteen years, working as a HLTA and Pastoral Lead, and serving as one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads. I became a governor five years ago, motivated by a passion for supporting children, families and staff. Now that my own three children are grown up and independent, I’m able to dedicate more time to understanding and supporting the forward direction of the school.
My career began as a Nursery Nurse and for the past twenty years I have worked with primary aged children, with a particular focus and passion on nurture and wellbeing. I am a Mental Health Champion and Mental Health First Aider. I work closely with a range of charities to help families facing diverse challenges, ensuring they feel supported and never alone. I have taken part in bereavement support training and training to support families who have separated or divorced.
Being part of the wonderful, active community of Addingham is something I value deeply. As a governor, I aim to be a trusted and approachable person for parents, carers, staff and pupils. I am committed to championing the school positively in the wider community and helping to create a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive and every family feels welcomed.
Lorna Field
Local Authority Governor
Robin Woods
I am the youngest of five siblings and began my teaching career after graduating from Westminster College, Oxford in 1998 with a Bachelor of Education (Hons.) Degree. Over the 23 years working in school, I held a range of roles including KS1 and KS2 Teacher, Senior Leadership Team member, DSL, Deputy Head, SENDCo, and Headteacher. Alongside my professional journey, I have served as a school governor for approximately 18 years and currently sit on the boards of two outstanding schools in Wigan.
Happily married for 25 years to a very supportive wife, I am proud to be a parent to three grown-up children. Outside of work, I have always enjoyed sport - I played rugby and cricket in my younger years and still love watching international matches today. My passion for child-centred educational excellence continues to drive me in my current role as Service Manager for Education Safeguarding with Bradford City Council, a position I have held since January 2022.
My leadership approach has been shaped by two key principles: Simon Sinek’s concept of “Start with Why,” which emphasises clarity of purpose, and James Kerr’s “Legacy” lesson of “sweep the sheds,” which champions humility and responsibility. I am delighted to join the governing body of Addingham Primary School as the newly elected Local Authority Governor and remain committed to fulfilling this role with integrity - always keeping the ultimate ‘why’ at the heart of my work: the children.
Governors who have left in the last 12 months
Anna Robinson
Complaints/Compliments Procedure
If parents wish to speak to our Chair of Governors, a member of the Governing Body or the Headteacher please make an appointment through the school office email, mail@addingham.bradford.sch.uk.
