Our job is to help set the strategic direction for the school, to support and challenge the headteacher on educational performance and to ensure the school’s finances are well managed. Governors are either appointed by the local authority, elected by parents, or co-opted to bring in specific areas of experience to the team. We work together as a team to act in the best interests of the pupils, making decisions in alignment with the school’s core Christian values of respect, trust, compassion and perseverance.
Chair of Governors
From September 2024 Mrs Kirstie Lowe and Mrs Jenny Crabtree have taken on Co-Chair of Governors roles, leading the board to set our school’s vision, ethos, strategic direction and ensure the financial stability for our school. We have moved to a co-chairship to gain many benefits such as diverse perspectives, shared responsibility, continuity and resilience
If you would like to know more about the governing board please speak to Kirstie or Jenny or contact the school office.
Kirstie Lowe
Co-Chair & Foundation Governor
Residing in the village of Asenby, Kirstie Lowe is a dedicated civil servant with extensive expertise in emergency planning, response, and multi-agency collaboration. Over the past five years, she has served on the governing board as the Foundation Governor and since 2025 as a joint co-chair contributing valuable insights and leadership. Beyond her professional commitments, Kirstie takes great joy in family life, supporting her daughter Daisy in Class 2 and Jack now attending secondary school.
Jenny Crabtree
Co-Chair & Co-opted Governor
Kathryn Wilson
Vice Chair & Co-opted Governor
I have two children in Year 3 and Year 1 who attend Dishforth Primary School. I am a trained teacher with EYFS/ Key Stage 1 as a specialism. I have a keen interest in SEND and developing Communication and Language skills in the Early Years. I have worked in education for 18 years and have experience of teaching in both the independent and state sector. I have experience in whole school leadership and I am currently training towards my NPQH in headship.
Bethany Warren
Local Authority Governor
I have served on the governing board since 2023. I am a qualified teacher with experience teaching in a range of schools both in the UK and overseas with MOD schools. In addition to my teaching background, I have worked with CAMHS and the an Information, Advice and Support Service, supporting children and families with additional needs. I am committed to helping every child reach their full potential.
Cat Nowland
Co-opted Governor
Cat has been a school governor since September 2024. She works in education for an independent training provider and enjoys helping people grow and learn. She’s also a parent at the school—her daughter Holly is in Class 3.
Lisa Appleton
Parent Governor
Chris Duffy
Staff Governor
Chris has been the staff representative on the Governors board since 2021 . He is currently the class teacher in class 2 and have been working at Dishforth since 2017.
Katey Lacey
Headteacher
Katey has been in primary education for over 25 years and has a taught in a wide variety of schools in this time. She has been Headteacher of Dishforth CE since April 2024.
Kelly Days
Parent Governor
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Ann Sturzaker
Co-opted Governor
Anne spent most of her working life in the education sector, as a lecturer then manager in Further Education and as a manager in local authority Adult Learning, before ending her career as a consultant to local authorities across the country She was a Parent Governor and Chair of Governors at her son’s secondary school and was a Staff Governor whilst working in Further Education. Since moving to the village 7 years ago, Anne has become involved in several aspects of village life, such as Dishfest, the Parish Council, the Village Hall, and Hearts and Crafts.
Vacant position
Foundation Governor
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