Sally Bridges: Chair of Governors & Parent Governor

I was fortunate to be appointed as parent governor at Frederick Gents in 2018 shortly after my eldest daughter began in year 7. I have lived in South Normanton for 16 years and throughout this time have been involved in the community in various ways.  

I joined the governing body at a fairly turbulent time. Frederick Gents had not long become an academy, and the school was in the middle of a period of significant change.  I am very proud of the journey the school has taken so far, and am pleased to be able to play my part in this continuing process, by supporting the school community, and bringing forward the parent and community view when needed.  

I am link governor for careers and hold regular meetings with the careers lead in school. This is an area of particular interest to me, and one which I feel is very important to help raise the aspirations of our students, and assist them in achieving their dreams. 

Frederick Gent has always been a friendly and welcoming place for me, one where both staff and students are courteous, polite and hard working. I feel great pride in the achievements I have seen over the last 18 months, and look forward to supporting the school to further grow and develop in the future.  

Tamsie Bisceglia: Staff Governor 

I was appointed staff governor in January 2020 and I have worked at Frederick Gent School now for five years as the Data and Information Manager and previously worked at Kirk Hallam School for seven years.

I am a mum of two children, one who has just completed yr11 at Frederick Gent School. I moved back to South Normanton 15 years ago to be closer to family, and have never looked back. My children have blossomed and love being part of a community. Frederick Gent School has helped shape her my eldest into a young adult ready to go out into the big wide world.

As a staff governor I am there to support the leadership team and the staff to make our school a great place for the students to learn and reach their true potential. I truly think that Frederick Gent School has improved dramatically and provides a wonderful experience for students.

Ben Wright: Staff Governor 

For most of my professional career I have worked in education, starting off as a ground’s keeper and handyman over 15 years ago. I worked for several different schools gaining experience and knowledge with the view to becoming a site manager, in July 2019 I was appointed as the site manager for Frederick Gent School.

Since joining the school I have been working to improve the site for both students and staff looking at what is required to lift the learning environment around the school. I have recently joined the governing body as a staff governor, in doing this I hope to further support the school helping Frederick Gents reach its full potential.

Jansen Bunker: Parent Governor 

I have lived in the local area all my life and moved to South Normanton about 18 years ago. I have two children, one at Fredrick Gents and the other at the Glebe Junior School. I work for a large local engineering company and have held many positions from Design Engineer to Group leader. This profession has given me the skills to work as part of the governance team.I joined the governing body about 2 years ago as a co-opted governor after undertaking similar roles at other schools. As a co-opted governor and a parent I hope to use my previous experience within the team to make a difference within the school for the children.   

Within my job I have a passion for science and engineering and look forward to working with the governing body and the senior leadership team to promote the schools links with engineering and the children’s interest in Science Technology Engineering Maths (STEM). As part of the co-opted role I have taken on the role of link governor for Health and Safety. 

Freddie’s are fortunate to have a group of dedicated and committed governors and I enjoy working with them to make a difference for the children. 

Fiona Folan: Co-opted Governor 

I have been a governor at FGS for about 18 months. I enjoy the work- the various meetings, and getting to know the staff and students of the school.  

I have worked in education most of my life, as a teacher and as a senior leader, so I flatter myself I can spot a good school when I see it. For me it is a great privilege to support such a committed group of people doing their absolute best for the children and the community.  

Luisa Hopkinson: Co-Opted Governor 

I have recently been co-opted as a Governor to FGS. I have lived in South Normanton for 6 years now and am now in a position to become more involved in the local community. I was inspired to be a Governor to offer fresh perspective for students who don’t find the school journey an easy one. I am a college tutor and teach young people who have struggled with school for many reasons, from behaviour to learning difficulties. 

I hope to bring my experiences to help FGS move forward on its journey to be an Outstanding school and am committed to helping the Governors and teaching team achieve this goal. 

Mel Cooke: Co-Opted Governor 

I am a Mum to four children, the eldest having left Frederick Gent and the youngest yet to start so have seen and appreciated the progress the school has made over the last few years.

 

I’ve lived in South Normanton for the last 17 years – it has a true sense of community and enjoy getting involved where I can.  Having experienced a governor’s role before at a local infant school supporting the school’s improvement journey I am excited to extend this to a secondary school environment and the wider challenges that faces.

 

My working background is in Finance and I hope to be able to use those skills to make a positive contribution to the governing body in supporting the school in their ambitions for the future of the school and students.

Mark Oldershaw: Co-Opted Governor 

Born, bred, and schooled in South Normanton I have seen many changes and growth within the village over the past 50 years. Having recently retired from senior leadership at SN Community Church I carry a passion for seeing our young people thrive and decided to join the team here at the school as a co=opted governor commencing in January 2023.

I gained previous experience on a board of governors a few years ago at Wessington where two of my grandchildren were educated, however a desire for community links and development within the area remains my focus, so I count it a privilege to serve in this capacity.

My role within our family business has provided me with a variety of skills including development of vision, determination in mission and commitment to team effort, so I look forward to building a great relationship with the team and the school during this time in office.

James White: Parent Governor 

I am fortunate to be appointed to a co-opted Governor role in 2024, after spending the past 17 years living in South Normanton.  I have two children, one at Fredrick Gents and the other at the Glebe Junior School.

Working in Innovation Development for a government environmental authority, this role brings a strong emphasis on science, mathematics, and environmental practices. My professional background equips me with the skills to drive sustainable development and innovation within FGS. I am deeply committed to fostering growth and development in the local area and school. My passion for education and community development is evident through my proactive involvement in various local initiatives. As a co-opted governor, I aim to leverage my professional knowledge and personal dedication to create a positive and enriching environment for students and the wider community.

Having suffered with a difficult time during my own education, as well as late diagnosed dyslexia I am committed to helping students who may be dealing with similar issues to fulfil their own potential.

I believe that integrating strong environmental practices and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is crucial for preparing students for future challenges. I am dedicated to supporting the school in its mission to provide high-quality education and to promote sustainable practices. By joining the governing board, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the school’s strategic direction, ensuring that it not only excels academically but also instils values of environmental stewardship and scientific curiosity in its students.

Liz Hails: Trust Appointed Governor 

I am very pleased to have joined Frederick Gents as a Trust appointed governor in January 2025. I have lived in South Normanton since 2005 and care deeply about the community we live in and the future opportunities and wellbeing of the children who attend our local schools.

I have two sons who have grown up and been educated here. I therefore have my own high expectations of education standards, exam success, personal growth and pastoral care provided to our children to enable them to be successful when they leave secondary school.

In terms of the skills and experience I can provide as a governor, I spent 7 years working as a School Business Manager across John King and Longwood Infants in Pinxton and also worked at Kirkstead Junior Academy for almost 3 years when the three schools became Pinxton Village Academies. I attended governor meetings throughout that time and experienced lots of aspects of primary school life and running of the three schools.

Since 2020, I have worked for the Two Counties Trust and am based at Friesland School in Sandiacre. I spent 3 years as Office Manager and am now their Exams and Finance Officer. My areas of expertise and have been school finance and budget management, health and safety, HR processes, educational visits, school policies, site management, GDPR and now examinations. I look forward to being part of the Frederick Gent local governing body to contribute as a governor and support with the continued success of the school.