A member of Dales Academies Trust Our Governing Body
Headteacher
Mrs Amy Ross
Mrs Lynn Wild- Chair of Governors
Lynn has 30 years experience in the education sector, in roles as School Governor and School Business Manager, giving her a secure understanding of school finance, safeguarding, leadership and management, and health and safety. Now retired, she plays an active role as a Governor of South Otterington CE Primary School.
Lynn can be contacted directly on l.wild@dalesmat.org
Reverend David Johnson
Previously a curate in the Parishes of Monk Fryston and South Milford in the Diocese of York, David has recently worked as a ‘Multiply’ minister within the Northallerton area. This role involved establishing new worshipping communities as part of the Diocese of York’s wider mission to re-balance the skewed demographics within a significant proportion of our churches, and to accelerate the re-invigoration of the diocese. David has very recently been installed as the Vicar of All Saints Parish Church in Northallerton.
Mrs Hannah Layfield
Hannah joins our governing body with a wealth of education experience, including as a teacher, school leader and headteacher. She was part of a leadership team who opened a free school in 2019, with direct involvement in shaping the curriculum and making links with the local community. Hannah currently works as an education consultant and DfE Literacy Specialist, specialising in Phonics, early reading and Early Years. Hannah also owns a business aimed at developing Early Years experiences for children.
Mrs Joanne Burgess- Staff Governor
Joanne is an experienced Early Years teacher and Ealy Years Lead Teacher for Dales Academies Trust. She was previously involved in the opening of a successful free school in Greenwich. She believes every child is unique, and through strong partnerships with home and an enabling school environment, she knows every child can have a secure foundation at Oakbridge and flourish.
Mrs Susan Adsett
Sue’s working life was centred around primary education, first as a teacher and then as a school leader. She was Headteacher of a Church of England Primary School in the Bradford area for 10 years before moving to become a School Adviser for North Yorkshire County Council, latterly as Senior Adviser.
She has worked with many church schools in an advisory capacity and is currently an active member of Northallerton All Saints and St. James’ Parish; Sue is on the PCC and until recently has been involved with the Northern Saints Youth Group. Previous experience with governance began whilst Sue was working with NYCC, supporting and training governors. Sue has also served as a Governor in the primary and secondary sector.
Miss Kylie Wilson
Kylie currently works as a Public Sector Director within an organisation delivering Driver Safety, Healthcare and Construction compliance and training as well as other subject areas such as safeguarding, modern slavery and EDI.
Kylie was a former Detective in the Metropolitan Police, latterly part of the New Scotland Yard Crime Academy for Detective Training, with a successful background in public protection and multi-agency working.
Kylie’s family are from Yorkshire and she has lived in North Yorkshire for the last 12 years, Kylie lives on the Williams Heath estate with Clyde her Labrador Retriever and has a keen interest in volunteering and supporting the local community.
Mrs Victoria Williamson
Joining the team as parent governor, Victoria is an experienced Science teacher with a wealth of secondary experience, encompassing both UK and International teaching. She is passionate about a holistic approach to education which seeks to promote the gifts and talents of each individual child. As a parent herself, Victoria is committed to supporting the journey of every child as they fulfill their potential on their journey though Oakbridge.
Mr Luke Dawson
Luke brings a broad range of experience to the governing body, having served for 12 years in the Armed Forces, during which he completed multiple operational deployments and worked internationally. After leaving the military, he moved into project management before specialising in cyber security consultancy. His current work focuses on helping organisations understand and manage cyber risk, and he is keen to use this expertise to support Oakbridge as it navigates an increasingly technology‑driven world.
As a parent, Luke is passionate about ensuring children grow up confident, safe and well‑equipped for the future. He has a particular interest in digital literacy, online safety and helping the school make informed, strategic decisions about technology. Luke is committed to supporting the whole school community and to contributing to a nurturing, ambitious environment
Mr Ronan Crawford Ellin
I have recently become a Parent Governor and I currently work in local government and as a part time Lego builder. I have experience working in different sectors, including running programmes to enrich the local community. I have previously sat on boards including as a PCC member for my local Church. I am passionate about ensuring that the children who attend the school receive a first-class education to help them achieve their full potential and enjoy their school experience.
Reverend Peter Birkinshaw
Moving to Northallerton in 2025, Peter is the Curate for the parish of Northallerton, Romanby and Kirby Sigston. Before this, he lived in York while training for ministry at St Hild’s College. He has also worked in marketing and communications, including jobs with Riding Lights Theatre Company and a science education company. Peter still enjoys the arts, regularly making music and performing with Right Here Right Now, an improv night in York.