Pen Portraits - South Otterington Church of England Primary School

Minutes of the governing body meeting are available on request from the clerk – admin@sotterington.dalesmat.org

You can contact the Chair of governors at: cofg@sotterington.dalesmat.org

The Governing Body

Chair of Governors: Mr John Kelly	Vice Chair: Mr Andrew Walker
Amanda Gledhill (HT)	Mr Matthew Brown – Class Teacher
Foundation Governor: Mr Robert Barker	Parent Governor: Ms Pippa Wiseman
Parent Governor: Mrs Christina Hilton	Foundation Governor: Mr Andrew Walker
Terms of office	SEND Governor: Miss Jane Dinsdale

Miss Amanda Gledhill – Headteacher

I was delighted to begin my appointment as the Headteacher at South Otterington Church of England Primary School in September 2017. Every day I am very thankful to work in our fabulous school, where everyone is so committed to ensuring that our children have an engaging curriculum and fantastic opportunities every day.

Mr Damian Chubb – CEO

Damian Chubb is the Chief Executive Officer for the Dales Academies Trust.

More information is available on the Trust website.

Mr Andrew Walker

I am a foundation governor, with specific oversight responsibility for collective worship, religious studies and the school’s budget.

I joined the governing body in December 2021, having moved to South Otterington from a hamlet near Harrogate in early 2021.

Previously, I served as a parent governor on the governing body of All Saints’ CoE Primary School in Kirkby Overblow, which my children attended.

Before retiring in 2020, I was an audit partner in a global firm of chartered accountants, so I have a particular expertise in Finance matters. I am married to Debbie (who volunteers at the school) and we have two grown up children, one of whom graduated from Oxford and is now training to be a primary school teacher at Manchester University, and the other is an apprentice accountant. I spend most of my spare time restoring our house, and a little less time cycling, running and swimming! Debbie and I are regular attendees at St Andrew’s Church in South Otterington.

Ms Pippa Wiseman

My name is Pippa Wiseman and I am a Parent Governor.

My family and I moved to Newby Wiske in 2024, and both my children now attend the school. We feel very lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country, and in such a friendly community.

I am a Speech and Language Therapist, and have spent the past 20 years working with adults with communication and swallowing difficulties within the NHS. My current role involves working in the community with people with neurological conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease and Parkinson’s Disease. I really enjoy my job, and the opportunity it gives me to get to know people and offer support.

Mrs Christina Hilton

My name is Christina Hilton and I am a Co-opted Governor. I live in South Otterington and have two boys currently at the school. The school is a fantastic asset to our local community, and I want to support it and help it thrive.

My background is in MFL teaching and translation, and I currently work as a private French and German tutor. I am an enthusiastic supporter of languages in schools and arts education in general – my husband Bill is a writer and musician, so between us we bang the drum pretty loudly for the arts.

Inspired by my nature-loving older son, I’m also a keen birder and general wildlife-watcher. We both volunteer at Nosterfield Nature Reserve, helping out with school visits and family events. Other than that, you’ll find me out for a walk or lost in a book!

Ms Jane Dinsdale

I joined as a Foundation Governor in the summer of 2025, having supported the school community for the last decade as a member of St. Andrews’ Church, South Otterington.

Welcoming children, their families and teachers into church for school services, as a member of the “Red Pinnies”, is a delight and privilege.

I am starting my formal role as a Governor assisting with “Health and Safety”. I trust that my 43 years in the NHS, as a nurse, will provide some useful crossover of skills.

Mr John Kelly

My name is John Austin Kelly and I feel privileged to have been elected as chair of governors, a responsibility I take very seriously. This is driven by my long association with educational provision in the area. I have been fortunate that my passion for wanting the best learning and educational experiences for young people has meant that my professional life has included being a teacher for forty years, firstly in York, then as Vice Principal of Northallerton School and Sixth Form College and finally as the Head at Risedale Sport and Community College in Catterick for eight years before retiring. This together with the joy my family continues to give me, has kept me pretty well occupied. Walking, reading and gardening have filled the gaps!