Governors' profiles and interests

Mrs Snowden

I am delighted to have joined Hampsthwaite School as Headteacher in January 2026 and to also serve as a member of the governing body. I have 15 years’ experience in education, having worked in a range of roles in schools across Leeds. I bring a strong understanding of school improvement, accountability and high-quality teaching, with a particular interest in coaching models that develop staff practice while keeping children’s outcomes firmly at the centre.

Hampsthwaite is exactly the kind of school where professional rigour and strong community go hand in hand. Village schools have a unique character, and I value the way high expectations sit alongside knowing families well, celebrating traditions and embracing the quirks that make a school feel special. I am looking forward to working closely with governors, staff and families to build on the school’s many strengths.

Outside of school, my two young children ensure life is never quiet, with weekends largely spent juggling football, dance and drama commitments. We also share our home with a sausage dog who is absolutely convinced he is in charge and has very firm views on how long a walk should be (short). When I do get a moment to myself, I enjoy exploring new places and trying different foods, and occasionally escaping to the gym — ideally for a spin class, if I’m feeling brave.

Chloe Rhodes

Having considered becoming a school governor for some time, I was delighted to be elected Chair of Governors (COG) at Hampsthwaite in July. 

In my professional role, I provide health and safety support to Hampsthwaite and schools across Yorkshire Causeway Trust. Becoming a governor felt like a natural extension of this work, allowing me to support the school in a different capacity and contribute to its continued success. 

I am also a parent of three children, all now over the age of 18, one of whom is autistic. This personal experience has inspired me to also take on the role of SEND Governor, where I hope to help the school ensure that every child feels supported, included and able to thrive. 

Having moved to Harrogate from Ripon last year, I am thoroughly enjoying living in such a beautiful area and being part of the local community. 

Mrs Coghlan

I have worked at Hampsthwaite School for 21 years in the EYFS and KS1 classes. I have enjoyed leading a variety of subjects over the years including P.E. and PSHE. I am now Assistant Headteacher and lead other areas such as English, RE, EYFS/KS1 and I'm the EVC and Allergy Lead. I enjoyed doing the role of Acting Head in Autumn 2025 while we were recruiting our new headteacher to start in January 2026.

Having grown up in a village close to Hampsthwaite, I am very passionate about small village schools and enjoy being part of the village community. I have seen the school change whilst working under the last 4 headteachers and am looking forward to the new opportunities and challenges in the future.

I live in Knaresborough with my husband and two children, who all enjoy walking and going out for Sunday lunch.

Andrew Miller 

I have recently moved to Hampsthwaite in June 24 from Huddersfield with my wife Sarah and two children Elsa aged 12 and Jasper aged 10. Jasper attend Hampsthwaite and loves the school, having settled incredibly quickly. 

Our decision to move to Hampsthwaite was very much based on our initial visit to the school and meeting Mrs Ross and all the wonderful staff who made it an easy choice as to where our children should be educated and in turn where we should live.

I have recently retired after a career in the Police and, after a few months off, I have now started a new role as Safeguarding Officer at a local secondary school.

I am really looking forward to using my past experiences as well as my recently gained knowledge to positively influence the school and to do my bit for the local community.  It’s an honour to be able to represent the school and to help shape the education of all our children. 

Paul Buckland

I am an educational consultant with forty years experience in education, including  as a headteacher in a large secondary school and as an Ofsted Inspector. I lived in Hampsthwaite for for over twenty years and did a spell as a parent governor at the school when my three children were on roll. My wife and I enjoy walking their two fox red labradors around the village 

Olivia Baldwin

I have lived in Hampsthwaite since 2019, moving here with my husband, two cats and dog. We love the friendliness of the village and can’t imagine living anywhere else! In Autumn 2025, we welcomed our first child.

Originally from the Peak District, I relocated to Harrogate over 10 years ago and previously had been teaching Maths at a South Yorkshire secondary school. I then took on the role as Head of KS3 Maths at a local Harrogate secondary school. In 2018, after 7 years in the profession I embarked on a career change switching the classroom for a role as a Pensions actuary in a consulting firm.

Despite leaving the education sector, I still have a desire to make a difference in schools and ensure every child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. I am delighted to be able to contribute to the continued success of Hampsthwaite primary school via my role on the board of governors.