Mrs Ross
I was appointed as the Headteacher of Hampsthwaite School in September 2019 and have never looked back. During my time as Headteacher here, I have certainly been thrown in at the deep end thanks to COVID, but due to our wonderful school community, I feel the luckiest Headteacher alive. I have two children and in my spare time I love watching my son play football (and my husband managing the team) and watching my daughter perform as part of her dance class. I am also an avid runner (although now more of a plodder) and enjoy long walks and the great outdoors with my family. 

Mrs Coghlan

I have worked at Hampsthwaite School for 19 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 English leader and EYFS leader, both of which I am particularly interested in. I am also part of the Senior Leadership Team, a role which I really enjoy.

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 2 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.

Sophie Fisher (s.fisher@hampsthwaite.ycway.uk)

I live in Hampsthwaite with my husband and two boys. My eldest son is currently in Year One. His positive experiences and love of school life made me incredibly supportive of the ethos that has been created at Hampsthwaite Primary School. As a family, we feel very lucky to live here and have this school at the heart of our community!   

I am a Primary School teacher in Ilkley and for the last ten years have taught Early Years and KS1. Since becoming a Mum, I have worked part time. I would like to use my experience and bring my passion of education to the school in the hope to support the staff, pupils and families.   

It is always such a pleasure to visit and work with the staff and children of Hampsthwaite School. I feel very privileged to be able to be involved as a parent governor. 

Chulanga Jayawardana (C.Jayawardana@hampsthwaite.ycway.uk)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chulanga-jayawardana-6138953/ 

I live in Hampsthwaite with my wife Rebecca and two children who both attend the school. We moved up to Yorkshire over 6 years ago to be closer to family and feel very lucky to call this beautiful part of the country home. I care deeply about my children’s education and contributing to society, and therefore I am extremely delighted to be appointed on to the board of governors.

I have over 22 years of experience working in the accounting profession with a background in financial due diligence, auditing, financial reporting, and corporate governance. I will use my skillset and experience to support the leadership team to help drive the strategic direction of the school, and help it continue to meet its high standards and the quality of education it offers the children in this community.

Rebecca Gale (r.gale@hampsthwaite.ycway.uk)

I live in Bishop Thornton with my husband and two children (both at Hampsthwaite), having made the move from London to be nearer family. We struck gold when Mrs Ross said she had space for our son back in 2020: we couldn't believe the warmth, dedication and quality of the learning environment. I am delighted to be part of the Governing Board to support the leadership team to continue to take the school from strength to strength. I am currently the Assistant Director of Primary Care at NHS Confederation, a national organisation for NHS leaders, advocating for our members and influencing national policy makers on their behalf. The majority of my career has been spent in health and care regulation, and I hope to translate some of that expertise to an educational setting.

Jenn Bowles (j.bowles@hampsthwaite.ycst.co.uk)

I live in Hampsthwaite with my husband and our son Samuel who attends Hampsthwaite School. My boys keep me regularly educated in all things Star Wars and Lego!

I am incredibly proud to be a part of our school (including PTA) and community and am entirely invested in ensuring all can enjoy, achieve and flourish.

Although I do not currently have a teaching role, I completed my PGCE in 2013 after a period of volunteering abroad in school settings.

I have a history in psychiatric hospital management so have experience in communication, organisation and management of people and resources. I hope to bring some of these skills to my role as Governor.

When not working or at school, we enjoy appreciating our exquisite Yorkshire countryside walking, cycling or travelling in our Campervan.

Gordon Scammell (G.Scammell@hampsthwaite.ycst.co.uk)

I live in Harrogate with my wife Lucy and two children Orla and Neve. Orla attends Hampsthwaite School and Neve is in the nursery, with her starting in the school in September 2024. Originally from the South Coast, I moved up to Harrogate 9 years ago and love living here.

I have my own accountancy practice and have over 34 years of experience working in the accounting profession. I put myself forward for the position of Governor as I want to be able to offer my financial sector experience and abilities to the school and help the team continue with the excellent work it does.

Andrew Miller (a.miller@hampsthwaite.ycst.co.uk)

I have recently moved to Hampsthwaite in June 24 from Huddersfield with my wife Sarah and two children Elsa aged 10 and Jasper aged 8. Both Elsa and Jasper attend Hampsthwaite and love 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. 

Scott Philips (s.philips@hampsthwaite.ycst.co.uk)

I live in Leeds having moved to Yorkshire 3 years ago from Florence, Italy. As a freelance musician and practitioner, I regularly travel the country for work, however, since taking my positions as Director of Music at Belmont Grosvenor School and also the Director of Music for the benefice of churches, including St Thomas à Beckett, I predominantly find myself working in Hampsthwaite and the surrounding areas.

I am blessed to work with some of our incredible children from the school through various musical and church activities and it is a joy to serve as a governor and to continue to build the relationship between the church and wider community. 

As a teacher, I hope to bring knowledge of the sector, particularly my experience in delivering specialist education. I am keen to build up performing arts and collective worship throughout the school and look forward to supporting the incredible staff team.