Hackthorn Church Of England Primary School

Emma Rowe - Chair of Governors

I have been a member of the governing body at Hackthorn since 2018; I am currently the elected Chair with responsibility for Safeguarding as well as being one of our curriculum link governors. My two children attended our school and thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a special community and still speak fondly of their experience. I have witnessed the lasting impact of our school values first hand; Hackthorn prepared them well for their next steps in their education journey and I enjoy being able to give something back to the community. As an ex-teacher I have direct experience of the challenges schools are facing as well as the understanding of the impact of teaching on the wellbeing of our staff. I now work for a leading examination board managing assessment experts within the leadership team. I bring a range of expertise to the governing body which includes managing stakeholder relationships and making strategic decisions whilst driving forward continuous improvement. I am passionate about maintaining our church family culture whilst moving forward and planning for our future.

Natalie Pickering - Parent Governor

I am a parent governor at Hackthorn C E Primary School and currently have two children enrolled, with my youngest due to start in 2026. I previously worked as a secondary school science teacher for 10 years, where I also served as Head of Key Stage 5 Science and as a staff governor. I now live in Dunholme and run a thriving holiday accommodation business with my husband. I am passionate about education and its role in shaping young minds, which is why I wanted to become a governor at our school. My background in teaching, leadership, and governance equips me with a strong understanding of the challenges schools face, as well as the importance of nurturing a positive and supportive learning environment. I bring to the team a wealth of experience in education and business, strategic planning and team collaboration, as well as a commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.                                                                                       

Revd. Canon Penny Green - Foundation Governor

I am a newly appointed Foundation Governor (November 2025) and am delighted to be a part of this wonderful school. I am now retired from parish ministry but continuing to support both in the church and as a Governor in any way I can. As a Foundation Governor my role is to uphold the Christian character of the school. I have been involved in education for all of my working life, as a teacher, in the Local Authority and as a Governor. I first came to Hackthorn to lead a Christmas Service. I was bowled over by the children, their confidence, their kindness and their amazing singing – so its now wonderful to be a part of this school family.

Michelle Woods - Staff Governor 

My name is Michelle Woods and I have been a teacher at Hackthorn CE Primary since September 2002. From 2004, I have also been a staff governor. As a Staff Governor, it is my responsibility to bring the collective staff voice to the Governors’ attention. As Governors we are responsible for the strategic development of the school and are here to both support and challenge the headteacher in their role to do the same. I wholeheartedly believe in our school vision to provide an environment to allow for every child to feel valued but also challenged to achieve their full potential.

Tim Hartley - Co-opted Governor 

Hello, I joined the governing body as a co-opted member late last year and am delighted to help ‘officially’ support a school I have known and been a small part of for many years. I was previously a parent governor for over 10 years at a neighbouring primary school… and the experience still didn’t put me off! I have been a journalist and publisher for more than 35 years, working on local and national publications. Through these I have been part of and led/managed many teams, and at the heart of everything is to keep the ‘reader’ or ‘user’ as the prime focus. The same principles apply in school, and the support and education of our future generations is something I am passionate about. Reading, education, knowledge, helping young minds develop and be supported is the building block we cannot ignore.

Sophie Dickinson - Parent Governor

My name is Sophie Dickinson and I have recently joined the Governing Board team as a Parent Governor following my 3 children joining the school in 2023. I am looking forward to my new role supporting this incredibly special school and being part of the Hackthorn family. As a Parent Governor I aim to act as a representative parent and to provide a parental viewpoint of the school which is important in informing school governance. I currently work in the education sector, predominantly in EYFS and KS1. Prior to this, I spent 20 years working as a Biomedical Scientist in London but moved back to Lincolnshire after having my second child and decided upon a new challenge and a change in career. I am excited to part of the continued success of the school and sharing in the achievements of the children of today and the future.

Neil Saxon-Jones - Local Authority 

I am a recently appointed Local Authority Governor (November 2025) and am very pleased to be able to play a part in the strategic direction of Hackthorn CofE Primary School. Both of my two step-children attended Hackthorn and have many fond memories from their time at the school. I retired from the Royal Air Force in 2021 having served for over 20 years; with over 10 years spent in the local area. I now work in the Defence Industry, playing a key role in the development of future concepts and capabilities. As part of that I lead on strategy, programme scheduling, data analysis and change management; I look forward to being able to utilise my varied skills on the Governing Body. I have taken on the Link Governor roles for the Sports and Pupil Premiums and SEND.

Wil Payne 

Co-opted (vice chair)

Paul Price/Claire Sammons 

Clerk to Governors

Vacancy

Foundation 

Vacancy

Foundation