Pen Portraits

Deborah Hall (Chair of Governors)

Occupation: Retired Headteacher

I became a Local Authority Governor (now a co-opted governor) at Airy Hill in November 2016 after moving to Whitby following my retirement as headteacher of a school in North London. Having carried out my second teaching practice at Airy Hill it was a great pleasure to be invited to sit on the board of governors here.

I am passionate about learning and believe that all children should receive a broad, balanced, challenging education that enthuses and excites them whatever their age, gender or ability. To enable this, we need to provide a safe nurturing and secure environment for them to achieve their best.

I love all types of sport and enjoyed playing, coaching and umpiring a variety when I was younger. I now enjoy watching all types of sport, reading and doing all the things I never had time to when I was working!

Colette Restorick (Vice Chair of Governors)

Occupation: Retired Assistant Headteacher

I have lived in the area for 33 years and worked as a teacher in Redcar and Cleveland for more than 20 years. 

I know that the interests of pupils are paramount.  As a governor I must work towards benefitting all current and future pupils so they receive a broad, balanced and challenging curriculum in a safe and happy environment. 

I walk, read and enjoy gardening.  I practice yoga regularly and tell everyone they should start at a young age.

Andrea Burrows

Occupation:  Shop Assistant    

I was born in Whitby and attended Airy Hill School between 1992-1999.

I have worked for a local bakery for just over 20 years and I am now an extremely proud mum to 2 boys that attended Airy Hill.

As a parent it is very important to me that all children at our wonderful school have an equal opportunity to thrive and feel safe throughout their education, whilst also gaining the life skills to help them become valued members of our community and beyond.

I hope my role as a parent governor can help me gain the knowledge and understanding of the running of the school, and the curriculum so that I can help make a difference.

I have been a parent representative at the school for the past 2 years and I am also currently vice-chair of the Friends of Airy Hill PTA group.

Andy Dudman

Occupation: Retired Police Officer

30 years as a police officer predominantly in CID and serious crime with some time in complaints and professional standards and safeguarding roles.

Keen sportsman playing cricket when I was younger and rugby union from the age of 10 to 30 representing North Yorkshire Police at both rugby union and rugby league. Have ridden motocross and trials bikes from a young age.

Both my children attended Airy Hill and I have used the school as part of my own business since 2009 so have worked with 3 different head teachers in that period.

Arthur Green

Occupation: Teacher

I am currently in my fourth year of teaching at Airy Hill and I became a Staff Governor during Summer 2022. After completing my final teaching placement at Airy Hill, it was a pleasure to join the school’s teaching staff in 2020. 

I am enthusiastic about challenging all students and ensuring each child reaches their full potential. This can be achieved by us having high expectations for all our children and creating strong, positive relationships with our pupils and their families. I am also very keen to support other teachers’ professional development and I am currently training to become a Professional Development lead for the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics). I am currently maths, science and computing lead and have worked closely with members of staff at other schools to support them with their teaching and learning. 

I am a very enthusiastic runner and a member of Loftus and Whitby Athletics Club. I can often be found at many of the local Parkruns in the area or participating in long-distance road races. 

Sarah Green

Occupation: Leadership & Management Lecturer and Skills Assessor

As well as bringing a parent’s perspective to the role, my professional skills and experience bring a different dimension to the governance role. My commitment to fostering leadership skills and promoting effective management practices aligns with the school governance responsibilities, and contributions to the educational community.

My family and I are Whitby born and bred, and although I have spent many years working overseas, Whitby is my home and I am passionate about building success in the community and ensuring our children have access to excellent, supportive and impactful education in order to be the best they can be.

In my spare time, other than running my son to all of his various clubs, I enjoy cooking, reading and walking our two crazy cocker spaniels on the beach and our local woodlands and countryside.

Margaret McKeone

Occupation: Criminal Justice Worker (Substance Misuse Service)

A proud Mum to three wonderful children, with two currently attending Airy Hill Primary School. I am very grateful for our friendly school community and passionately believe that all children should have the opportunity to enjoy and thrive in their educational environment, thus enabling them to achieve their full potential. I bring a parent perspective to the governing body.

As a Criminal Justice Worker and recently appointed safeguarding lead, I am responsible for providing a range of supportive and inclusive recovery focussed interventions to inspire individual positive change and increasing positive outcomes for families and the wider community.

Outside of work I enjoy family adventures within our local natural ‘playground’. From enchanted forests and wildflower meadows to treasure hunting and wave jumping on our beautiful beaches.

Rhiannon Porter

Occupation: Teacher

As a dedicated and proud mother of two young children, who enjoy attending Airy Hill Primary School, I bring a parental perspective to the governing body in my role as a parent governor. 

As well as bringing a parental view-point to the governing body, I am also a committed full-time Year 6 teacher at a local primary school. Within my role, I am responsible for leading a number of subjects and have a passion for teaching and learning. As a result of my professional background, I feel confident in working together with the governing body to support and challenge the school’s leaders in their decision making to ensure that the children of Airy Hill receive the very best education. 

Andrew Wood

Occupation: Teacher

This is the first time I have served as a governor and having attended Airy Hill myself; it is a school that is close to my heart, and I am looking forward to ensuring that it continues to be the amazing school it is.

As a teacher, I am passionate about learning and believe all children should receive a balanced curriculum that follows their interests and excites them. For children to achieve their best, I believe that they need a safe, nurturing environment where they can be themselves and thrive.

I love all kinds of sports and enjoy playing both cricket and golf, whilst also coaching football and cricket. Having a young family, I also enjoy spending time with them.