Horncastle Primary School Governing Body
Horncastle Primary School joined Wellspring Academy Trust in September 2021 and is proud to be part of a wider community of schools serving local communities and their interests.
Our governing body has three key roles:
- in consultation with the Trust, we decide the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the Academy
- we hold the Headteacher and his senior staff to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, helping to ensure that all of our pupils are given the opportunity to thrive, and
- we oversee the financial performance of the school to ensure that money is well spent.
Details of our current governors are set out below. Our governors have a wide range of background, skills and experience which they bring to the governing body and work closely with the Headteacher and senior leaders, who are responsible for the running of the Academy. The Headteacher is accountable to governors for how he does this and frequently reports and consults with governors about this.
Governors meet several times a year to look at all aspects of the life and work of the school. All of our governors visit the school regularly to ensure that things are working as they should and your child will recognise our governors from school celebrations. In addition, many of the governors are linked with specific aspects of school life and make regular reports to the rest of the governors.
We currently have vacancies for further Governors and would welcome interest from the local community. If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a governor, please contact our Governance Professional, Melanie Gibbons, on 07729 105871 or by emailing her at m.gibbons@wellspringacademies.org.uk.
Our Chair of Governors is Niki Burné and she can be contacted via the Governance Professional as above or by writing to:
Niki Burné
℅ Horncastle Primary School
Bowl Alley Lane
Horncastle
Lincolnshire
LN9 5EH
Nicola Burné
Chair of Governors
Parent Governor
Term of Office
22/02/2024-22/02/2028
My name is Niki, I was voted to be your parent governor and subsequently have become the school’s Chair and link governor for SEND and Leadership and Management.
I live in Horncastle with my Husband and three children who all attend our primary school, I too am a past pupil of Horncastle Primary School. Becoming the SEND governor is very close to my heart as we have and continue to access support from the team for one of our boys, I am thoroughly enjoying working alongside the SEND team and having a real insight into our school.
I am currently a wedding coordinator for a local venue and have the privilege of working closely with many couples every year to help create their perfect wedding day. My past career saw me touring the UK in many different stage productions both on and back stage. Working in such a fun and creative industry has been incredible and offered a wealth of experience in working alongside a huge variety of different people. My hobbies include walking my cocker spaniel Rosie, exploring with my family and having fun with our friends.
I hope if you see me in the playground and feel that you need to raise any concerns or have any questions then please do just tap me on the shoulder and ask away.
Katherine Heaton
Ex Officio governor
Trust Representative
Hi, my name is Katherine Heaton and I have been an associate principal in the Wellspring Academy Trust for almost 6 Years. I am currently based in the central team with the remit of academy review and assurance, but prior to this I worked on teaching and learning across five of our schools in partnership. I am also the network leader for early years across wellspring.
I am delighted to be the trust representative.
Bridget Rodgers
Trust Appointed Governor
Term of Office
07/10/2025 – 07/10/2029
Bridget joined Wellspring over 8 years ago working across the trust’s alternative provisions as a Care Team Leader in Lincolnshire. Bridget joined Positive Regard 3 years ago utilising her skills and experience in relational practice and mental health to offer the highest standard of training and support to schools within the trust and beyond. Bridget is often called upon to deliver practical classroom support working with children on the brink of exclusion. Her commitment to inclusion coupled with her expertise in relationship building and regulation have had a positive impact on the lives of children and colleagues across the country
Rachel Clark
Parent Governor
Term of Office
29/09/2025 – 29/09/2029
My name is Rachel and I have been elected as Parent Governor for the school.
I live in Horncastle with my husband and two sons, who are pupils at the school. I began my career as a class teacher at Horncastle Primary School and it has always held a special place in my heart. Since then, I spent a few years as a SENCo before beginning my current job as a Specialist Teacher for the Local Authority. I have a passion for inclusion and supporting children’s wellbeing and I hope to bring this perspective to the Governing Body.
Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym, reading and long walks with my dog. I look forward to working with the school community and supporting the continued success of the school.
Beau Williams
Trust Appointed Governor
Term of Office
07/10/2025 – 07/10/2029
My name is Beau Williams and I am a third year Student Social Worker and a familiar face at Horncastle Primary, having attended as a student and also completing work experience and university placement here more recently. I have lived in Horncastle my whole life and have previous experience in childcare and early years, working at Wellies Nursery whilst completing my Level 3 Early Years Educator. I am passionate about safeguarding and prioritising children’s wellbeing, something that carries into all aspects of my work. Outside of work, I spend a lot of time at the theatre and enjoy music and dance.
I am the EYFS and Safeguarding link governor.
Adele Lamming
Staff Governor
Term of Office
15/10/2025 – 15/10/2029
My name is Adele and I have worked at Horncastle Primary School as a Teaching Assistant for 25 years. Throughout my time here, I have seen our school grow and develop and had the pleasure of watching both of my children and grandchildren thrive here too.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, cooking and going walking. I also enjoy visiting new places with my husband Ted and spending quality time with my children and grandchildren.
Andrew Cook
Headteacher
Ex Officio governor
Hi I’m Andy and I’m the proud headteacher of Horncastle Primary School (since September 23). Previously I have worked as a headteacher in Lincolnshire and in the Middle East. I am determined to ensure that our amazing pupils benefit from world class teaching and experiences. I aim to make sure that our staff team have the professional opportunities to grow in order to make this happen.
Outside of work I have 2 children, Harry and Darcy who keep me busy and a cocker spaniel called Mabel. I am a keen Grimsby Town fan and am currently enjoying running the school football club.
Rachel Barrett (Vice Chair)
Trust-Appointed Governor
Term of Office
30/11/2023-30/11/2027
Hello I am a director at Duncan & Toplis, one of the largest independent accounting and business advisors in the East Midlands. I have been with the practice for 18 years but moved over from Lincoln to head up the office in Louth in April 2020. As part of my role, I am head of Academy Sector services and spend a significant proportion of my time working with academy trusts throughout the year. From small primary academy trusts through to large multi-academy trusts.
I have 8 year’s previous experience as a trustee for a secondary academy in Lincoln, as chair of finance and previously, vice chair. I love the fact that I can put my 30+ year’s experience in accountancy to support schools in my community.
Whilst not working you will usually find me outside running, whatever the weather or time of year, but I do prefer it not to be raining!
I am the link governor for Behaviour and Attendance and non-core subjects.
Emma Vickers
Staff Governor
Term of Office
07/10/2025 – 07/10/2029
Hi, I am one of the staff governors here at Horncastle Primary School. I have been newly appointed (Oct 25) and I am looking forward to the new opportunities, whilst working alongside the governors. For the past few years, I have been a Year 6 teacher and I am now, also, the Phase Lead of Upper Key Stage 2 and the school’s writing lead. Having worked in UKS2 for many years, I have a thorough understanding of the school’s routines, curriculum delivery, and also the importance of a successful transition to secondary school for our oldest pupils.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, baking and being creative. One day, I would love to become a professional baker – I’m sure there would be plenty of taste testers available at school!
Paul Wright
Trust-Appointed Governor
Term of Office
10/12/2024-10/12/2028
I’ve been teaching History at QEGS Horncastle since September 2021, and have been Head of Year 7 since 2009. Currently, I am the Designated Mental Health Lead. In my spare time, I enjoy football and support Scunthorpe United.
I am the Link Governor for Quality of Curriculum and Standards.
Information about our Trustees, their terms of appointment and attendance at meetings can be found on the Wellspring Academy Trust website.
Please click on the links below for details of the dates of this year’s governing body meetings, details of governors’ pecuniary and business interests and attendance at meetings
