Meet the Governors

Welcome to our Governors’ section.

All Co-opted and Parent Governors serve a 4 year term, unless otherwise specified.  All Associate Governors have no voting rights unless otherwise stated. 

Governors pecuniary and business interest information is held in school and is available on request.

Chair of Governors, Sue Palfreyman

I should like to introduce myself as the school’s Chair of Governors.

Before taking up the role of Chair, I was Deputy Chair of Governors at Gleadless for three years; prior to this I was Chair of Governors at a large secondary Academy in Barnsley for a number of years.  I have experience of the role and responsibilities of governors and that of the Chair, and hope that this will enable me to support and challenge the school in our joint aim for the very best for our pupils and in the school’s role within the wider community.

In my career, I worked in senior leadership roles in Human Resources and Organisational Development in both local government including Children’s Services, and in tertiary and higher education. I have lived and worked in Sheffield and surrounding areas all my life and love the city, its history and its people. 

I am now retired which means I have the time to commit to help Mrs Holloway and everyone else in the school community to take Gleadless forward.  Since joining the Sheffield Sout East Trust earlier in the year, we have benefitted, and will continue to benefit, enormously from the support, skills and knowledge the Trust brings.

Although no longer in paid employment, I have two grandsons aged 2 and 3 who keep me both entertained and physically exhausted in my role as their carer for four days each week.  The role of primary education and the developments within it are therefore of personal interest to me as well as in my role of Chair of governors here at Gleadless.

I hope to meet many of you around the school and, should you have any questions for me, I can be contacted via the school.

Sue is available to speak with by appointment.

If you would like to contact Simon, please do so through the school office, by ringing 0114 239 9705. Written correspondence can be sent to him via school email enquiries@gleadless.sheffield.sch.uk or in writing Sue Palfreyman (Chair of Governors), Gleadless Primary School, Hollinsend Road, Sheffield, S12 2EJ.

Vice Chair of Governors, Simon Bridges

Our Vice Chair of Governors, Simon Bridges, joined Gleadless Governing Body as a Co-opted Governor in September 2021. He became Chair of Governors in December 2022 before stepping down to become the Vice Chair. Simon's two children have recently attended Gleadless Primary School.   

Safeguarding Governor, Nicholas Godfrey

Nick joined our Governors in November 2021, and became our Safeguarding Governor in January 2023. He is a Co-opted Governor.

I am from Sheffield and have worked in education for 20 years, first as a primary school teacher, then in school leadership in Inner London. I finished my teaching career in 2019 and have worked in the charity and education sectors in various roles since. I am passionate about school improvement and am able to bring my range of experience to the role of school governor. I moved back to Sheffield in 2019 and am enjoying being closer to my family and exploring all the changes and developments Sheffield has undergone since I last lived in our fantastic city.

Co-opted Governor, Oana Woodall

Oana joined our Governors as a Co-opted Governor in January 2022, and is Chair of our Finance, Premises and Personnel Committee. She is is a Co-opted Governor.

Oana is a dedicated co-opted school governor with two years of experience, committed to ensuring the best outcomes for children. As Chair of the Finance, Personnel and Premises Committee, Oana works diligently to ensure that financial resources are managed effectively and responsibly to support the school’s goals. Their focus is on providing a safe, enriching environment where every child can thrive academically and personally.

Co-opted, Fiona Herrick

Fiona joined our Governors as a Parent Governor in May 2021 and has since become a Co-opted Governor. Her Governor responsibility gives her oversight of SEND and Behaviour. 

Parent Governor, Louise McGrath

Louise joined our Governors as a Parent Governor in Summer 2024. 

Parent Governor, Abigail Staniforth

Abigail joined our Governors as a Parent Governor in Spring 2024.

Staff Governor, Laura Tinkham

Laura became Staff Governor in July 2023. She joined Gleadless as a newly qualified teacher in September 2020 and teaches in Year Six. 

Associate Governor, Megan Holloway (Headteacher)

Megan became Headteacher at Gleadless Primary School in January 2024 and attends Governors meetings as an Associate. 

Associate Governor, Trevor Hardy (Deputy Headteacher)

Trevor became Deputy Headteacher at Gleadless Primary School in January 2024 and attends Governors meetings as an Associate. 

Associate Governor, Fran Palfreyman (Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion)

Fran joined Gleadless as SENCO in May 2020. She became Assistant Headteacher in September 2021 and attends Governors meetings as an Associate. 

Associate Governor, Lewis Frost (School Manager)

Lewis joined Gleadless as School Manager in April 2023 and attends the Finance, Personnel and Premises meetings as an Associate.