Sir William Stanier School Governors
Mary Massey
Mary is a retired science teacher and senior leader with 36 years in education. She served as an HMI and education consultant, specializing in school improvement, safeguarding, and governance. Since retiring, Mary has chaired several Interim Executive Boards, helping schools move out of special measures. She enjoys Nordic walking, piano, singing, gardening, and spending time with grandchildren. Mary is passionate about using her experience to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.
Pamela Simpson
Pamela is CEO of the Alexandra Academy Trust and has over 30 years of experience in primary education, including 20 years as a Headteacher. She is passionate about inclusion and raising aspirations. Pamela knows the Sir William Stanier community well, having led one of its feeder schools. Her extensive governance experience includes serving on multiple boards and supporting local secondary schools. She enjoys reading, travel, walking, and theatre. Pamela is committed to strengthening school transitions and supporting the school’s continued growth.
Lisa Hodgkison
Lisa is the Executive Headteacher of an Outstanding Special School, where she has worked for 18 years. Her passion lies in ensuring pupils with additional needs can communicate and access tailored curricula to maximize their life chances. Becoming a governor has helped Lisa better understand the challenges faced by mainstream schools, enriching her own professional development and benefiting her school’s approach to SEND. She brings extensive experience in education, governance, and school development, including overseeing tendering and building programs. Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, especially on sunny holidays. Based locally, she values the opportunity to support colleagues and gain new insights through her governor role.
Samantha Kay
Samantha is a Document Controller for a global engineering company, with seven years in the role following a 15-year career in the Royal Air Force. Raised in the local community and a former pupil herself, she is proud to support Sir William Stanier School, where her two children now attend. Samantha brings a parent’s perspective and valuable life experience to her role. She actively contributes to LGB meetings, exclusion panels, and local governor events. Her interests include swimming, reading, walking, and puzzles. Samantha enjoys seeing the school’s progress and values the opportunity to work alongside fellow governors to support its continued improvement.
Governors are appointed by the TLP Governance Committee, under the deferred responsibility from the Board of Trustees.
Mary Massey (Chair) - Appointed Governor (01/09/2021 - 31/08/2029)
Lisa Hodgkison - Appointed Governor (18/11/2021 - 31/08/2029)
Pamela Simpson - Appointed Governor (01/09/2022 - 31/08/2026)
Samantha Kay - Parent Governor (04/01/2023 - 31/08/2027)
Sharon Yates - Appointed Governor (27/09/2023 - 31/08/2027)
Historic Governors (left within last 12 months)
Sean Houlston - Appointed Governor (01/09/2021 - 31/08/2025)
All meetings are held at 4:30pm at SWS
Thursday 25th September 2025
Thursday 22nd January 2026
Thursday 14th May 2026
Thursday 9th July 2026
| Governor | No. of Meetings | No. Attended |
| Mary Massey | 5 | 5 |
| Sean Houlston | 5 | 4 |
| Pamela Simpson | 5 | 4 |
| Lisa Hodgkison | 5 | 3 |
| Samantha Kay | 5 | 5 |
| Sharon Yates | 5 | 4 |