GOVERNANCE - BIOGRAPHIES
Mr Mark Rycraft - Chair of Governors
LA Governor
About me
I was born and raised in Southport. I have worked at Summer Camp in the USA and enjoyed a career in retail most of my life. I moved to Hartlepool over 14 years ago. I have been a governor at Clavering Primary School for over five years. I am an Enterprise Advisor at Catcote Academy and High Tunstall, where I assist with CV writing and interview techniques.
Hobbies and interests
During the lockdown, I learned to ride a unicycle and am now progressing on to various tricks - no juggling, though. I enjoy riding and running. I enjoy being creative with black-and-white photography.
Why I enjoy being a governor
I am learning new skills and using existing skills to benefit the children at Clavering. Having been recently appointed as the Chair of Governors, I am excited for a fantastic opportunity to contribute to making a difference in the lives of children in Hartlepool. I am proud to help move the school forward, to be involved in the school's strategic decisions whilst also working in partnership to support the headteacher.
Mrs Lisa Hall
Co-opted Governor
About me
I am a Clavering Primary School alumni, leaving in 1991. I have three sons, my eldest two, twins, attend High Tunstall College of Science and my youngest son still attends Clavering Primary School. I have been a science teacher since 2002 working in local secondary schools in Hartlepool and Yarm. I have been teaching Physics to brilliant students at Hartlepool Sixth Form since 2010. I am married to Michael, also a Physics teacher, working at High Tunstall College of Science.
Hobbies and interests
I love walking and chatting with friends, playing board games and enjoying Lego and Sci-Fi films with my boys. I enjoy Pilates and podcasts and I am part of a local book club which is slowly helping me to appreciate fiction.
Why I enjoy being a governor
I am passionate about the best possible education for the children of Hartlepool. I want them to love learning and experience the reward of discovering their own passions, working hard and persevering. I support Clavering in prioritising a holistic curriculum and becoming a governor has allowed me to contribute to the continued success of the school. The most enjoyable part of my role has been encouraging links between the school and the Sixth Form, including a Science Show presented by sixth form students and a college visit for some hands-on science.
Mrs Melissa Smith
Parent Governor
About me
My name is Melissa and I grew up in Newcastle but moved to the area to attend Teesside University, graduating with a BA (Hons) in English Studies and Creative Writing. I’m currently a stay-at-home mam, looking after my three children. Violet is in Year 3 at Clavering and my son is in Clavering nursery and will soon follow on to Reception there. I also have a new baby, if life wasn’t busy enough!
Hobbies and interests
In my spare time I enjoy using our caravan, going for long walks, meeting up with friends and cooking with my children. I’m also extremely passionate about looking after the environment, eco-living and natural parenting. I’m on the committee for the Hartlepool Attachment Parenting group and through this I have been able to do a babywearing course, help run a cloth nappy library and will soon be undertaking a breastfeeding peer supporter course.
Why I enjoy being a governor
Since two of my children go to Clavering, I wanted to become a governor to give back to the school, widen my knowledge on the Clavering community behind-the-scenes and gain an in-depth insight into the curriculum. Being part of the Clavering governing body has allowed me to see just how much hard work goes into every detail of the school and how much commitment and passion the teachers have for the school and its pupils.
Mr Steven Liddell
Co-opted Governor
About me
My name is Steven Liddell and I have been a school governor since 2019. I have three children: my boys Jack and Harry are currently in Y5 and Y3 at Clavering whist my daughter Amy is approaching nursery age. My day job is Leisure Facilities Manager for Hartlepool Borough Council, although currently I am in a seconded position working for the public health department as Covid Response Team Lead.
Hobbies and interests
I enjoy being outdoors and keeping active with my family; I am a bit of a health and fitness fanatic and a keen runner. I am an active volunteer with local grassroots teams and enjoy coaching a variety of sports.
Why I enjoy being a governor
I have had an interest in the role since my eldest son started at Clavering. As a governor, I find it purposeful to discuss relevant issues with people from different backgrounds, drawing upon my own professional experience to help make the best possible decisions to improve the outcomes for the children.
Mrs Rachel Raine
Co-opted Governor
About me
My name is Rachel, and I have been a governor since 2017. I attended Clavering Primary School when I was younger, and my dad worked at the school for almost 30 years. I currently work in an Estate Agents.
Hobbies and interests
My interests include socialising with family and friends, walking and baking.
Why I enjoy being a governor
I decided to apply to be a governor as I felt I wanted to give something back to the school and community. I have watched the school and the community develop so much over the years. My daughter also attended Clavering until recently, when she left for senior school. I am pleased my daughter spent her primary years at the school I had loved so much myself, making friends, exploring learning and making memories that would last forever.
Mrs Ruth Sherry
Co-opted Governor
About me
I am a mum of two boys aged 12 and 9 Benjamin and George. I moved to Hartlepool around 14 years ago after meeting my husband Daniel. I have been a primary school teacher for 16 years, in which I have worked across all three key stages but specialise mostly in the early years.
Hobbies and interests
I enjoy being active, whether that's walking our Italian Greyhound Stitch or playing netball for my local team. I enjoy socialising and meeting friends for coffee or dog walks. I particularly enjoy watching our two children play sports for their local teams.
Why I enjoy being a governor