Governors
Skegness Grammar School is governed by an Academy Scrutiny Committee.
Our governors are:
Governors (ID 1108)
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Jude HuntonExecutive Headmaster
Jude Hunton
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Lorraine WalkerPrincipal
Lorraine Walker
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Michael Cowley (Chair)Parent Governor
Michael Cowley (Chair)
Michael was appointed a parent governor on 20 February 2023. He became a governor to support the community and help the school achieve high pupil outcomes. Michael has been a postman in Skegness for 36 years and has a very good knowledge of the local area and wider community. Michael's role as a postman has allowed him to engage with the community as a trusted face that people know. Alongside his long postal career, he is also a kickboxing instructor at the local SFK gym where he shares his passion, energy and discipline for martial arts with students ranging for aged 5 upwards and also adults. Since becoming a governor, Michael has undertaken numerous courses on children's mental health and wellbeing which he believes alongside physical fitness are fundamental in any child's development. Michael also enjoys different genres of music, spending time with his family and walking his two French bulldogs.
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Samuel Sleight (Vice Chair)DRET Appointed Governor
Samuel Sleight (Vice Chair)
I decided to become a governor because I was previously a pupil at the school, and I am aware of its importance to the local community, and I want to be a part of assisting with the school's continued success in the future. I am a Chartered Legal Executive and I work in the Dispute Resolution Department. I can follow instructions on a wide range of disputes, identify and research applicable law and advise as to the different options, including a recommended option, to attempt to achieve a desired result. I enjoy spending time with my young family, playing and watching football.
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Daniel ShoubridgeDRET Appointed Governor
Daniel Shoubridge
Dan joined the ASC on 14 January 2019. Being a Governor allows him to have a wider impact in education across the region which he finds extremely rewarding. Not only can he effectively support and challenge the decisions and outcomes at Skegness Grammar School but it also mutually supports the provision offered at Humberston Academy, where he is Principal. He brings to the ASC knowledge and understanding of leading an Ofsted Outstanding graded school with World Class Schools status. He enjoys spending time with his family, travelling and a variety of sports.
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Qingfu (Tim) ChaiDRET Appointed Governor
Qingfu (Tim) Chai
Looking to better understand the strategic and operational aspects of a school setting as opposed to higher education, and to share contributions to develop the school Tim joined the ASC in August 2025.
In his paid role, Tim is a University Lecturer.
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Alice SolomonDRET Appointed Governor
Alice Solomon
Alice decided to become a governor because she wanted to play an active role in supporting the school in giving every child the best possible opportunities.
In her paid role, Alice is a Chartered Legal Executive in the Residential Property Department of a local firm of Solicitors.
Outside of work, Alice enjoys spending time with her family and socialising with friends.
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Michelle GreenDRET Appointed Governor
Michelle Green
As she was passionate about contributing to the school community and supporting a positive learning environment, with a focus on sustainability, Michelle joined the ASC in April 2026.
Working in Business Banking for Barclays Bank, Michelle supports entrepreneurs to find and scale their business ideas and strategy with a lean towards climate tech, sustainability and impact for good.
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Bradley JohnsonDRET Appointed Governor
Bradley Johnson
Having spent my career working in higher education, I have developed a deep understanding of how educational institutions operate and the vital role that strong governance plays in driving positive change for students. Becoming a Governor at Skegness Grammar School felt like a natural next step, a way to bring that professional experience to life in a community I genuinely care about.
Skegness and SGS; as a former student; is a place close to my heart and I wanted to play an active role in shaping its future. Above all, I am passionate about improving academic and career outcomes for young people, and I believe that effective governance is one of the most powerful ways to ensure every student has the support and environment they need to reach their full potential.
Outside of my professional life, I have a wide range of passions and interests that keep me grounded and connected to the things I love. I have a long-standing enthusiasm for technical theatre, having been drawn to the craft and creativity that goes on behind the scenes to bring productions to life, primarily in lighting design. Travel is another great passion of mine, and I particularly enjoy cruising as a way to explore new destinations and cultures at a pace that allows you to truly take everything in. Closer to home, I am proud to serve as a Trustee and Event Director at East Coast Pride, a role that combines my professional skills with something I care deeply about, creating an inclusive and celebratory event that brings the local community together and puts Skegness on the map. When I am not working or volunteering, I love nothing more than spending quality time with my friends and family, which I think is so important for keeping a healthy balance in life.
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Martyn KnowlesParent Governor
Martyn Knowles
I became a governor as I was formally a teacher and can offer my experience with students of all ages. I previously taught English, history, maths and sport. I taught English to foreign students in Thailand,Cambodia and Vietnam. I am also a former Town Councillor for Wainfleet. I am interested in football and am a member of the Lawn Bowles in Skegness.
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Andrea GoodsonStaff Governor
Andrea Goodson
I have worked in schools throughout my working life. Before I worked at Skegness Grammar School, I was a headteacher in Staffordshire. I believe that I have a lot to offer, and I am looking forward to understanding the role of the ASC. I am currently the Attendance and Welfare Coordinator at the school. My background is in Education including time as a headteacher, SENCO and curriculum lead. In my spare time I enjoy renovating the house, reading, walking, pub lunches and travel.
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Anna ChesterClerk
Anna Chester
Anna has been clerking academies within the Trust since September 2020. Prior to that she spent 33 years working for HM Revenue and Customs, specialising in complaints investigation, including Adjudicator and MP cases. Anna enjoys gardening, walking her dog and visiting museums and other cities around the world.
Current Governors
| Name | Governor Type | Appointed By | Term of Office | Term From | Term To | Declarations of Interest and other Governance Roles | Governor Assigned Responsibilities | Attendance 24/25 | Attendance 25/26 |
| Qingfu (Tim) Chai | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | First | 28 Aug 2025 | 27 Aug 2029 |
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Not applicable, not in post | 2 of a possible 3 | |
| Michael Cowley | Parent governor | Elected by parents | First | 20 Feb 2023 | 19 Feb 2027 |
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4 of a possible 4 | 3 of a possible 3 |
| Michelle Green | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | First | 27 Apr 2026 | 26 Apr 2030 |
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Not applicable, not in post | Not applicable, not in post |
| Andrea Goodson | Staff governor | Elected by school staff | First | 08 Jul 2025 | 7 Jul 2029 |
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Not applicable, not in post | 2 of a possible 3 |
| Jude Hunton | Executive Headmaster | Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/ principal |
Not applicable | 20 Apr 2020 | Ex Officio |
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3 of a possible 4 | 2 of a possible 3 |
| Bradley Johnson | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | First | 12 May 2026 | 11 May 2030 |
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Not applicable, not in post | Not applicable, not in post |
| Martyn Knowles | Parent governor | Elected by parents | First | 26 Sep 2024 | 25 Sep 2028 |
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1 of a possible 4 | 2 of a possible 3 |
| Daniel Shoubridge | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | Second | 29 Nov 2024 | 28 Nov 2028 |
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2 of a possible 4 | 3 of a possible 3 |
| Samuel Sleight | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | First | 22 Sep 2023 | 21 Sep 2027 |
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2 of a possible 4 | 0 of a possible 3 |
| Alice Solomon | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | First | 9 Sept 2025 | 8 Sept 2029 |
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Not applicable, not in post | 2 of a possible 3 | |
| Lorraine Walker | Principal | Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principal | Not applicable | 23 Jun 2025 | Ex Officio |
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1 of a possible 4 | 2 of a possible 3 |
Former Governors
Below is a list of governors that served in the past 12 months.
| Name | Governor Type | Appointed by | Terms Served | First Appointed | Leaving Date | Declarations of Interest and Other Governance Roles | Attendance 2024/25 | Attendance 2025/26 |
| David Orton | Staff governor | Elected by school staff | 1 | 8 Jul 2021 | 7 Jul 2025 |
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1 of a possible 4 | Not applicable, not in post |
| Joanne Wallace | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | 1 | 19 Sep 2024 | 29 Oct 2025 |
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2 of a possible 4 | 0 of a possible 1 |
| Alex Green | Staff governor |
Elected by school staff |
2 | 08 Jul 2021 | 27 Nov 2025 |
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2 of a possible 4 | 1 of a possible 1 |
| Michael Burke | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | First | 11 Feb 2022 | 21 Jan 2026 |
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4 of a possible 4 |
2 of a possible 2 |
| Jimmy Brookes | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | 2 | 12 Jan 2025 | 1 Feb 2026 |
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3 of a possible 4 | 1 of a possible 2 |
| James Dean | Appointed governor | Appointed by foundation/Trust | 2 | 01 Jun 2022 | 31 May 2026 |
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0 of a possible 4 |
2 of a possible 3 |
Contacting Us
The Governance Officer for Skegness Grammar School is Victoria Linthwaite. Victoria can be reached at governance@dret.co.uk.
To contact a governor, please contact the Trust Governance Team by emailing governance@dret.co.uk.
If you are looking to contact a Governor to make a complaint or share a concern, please note that as per our Complaints Policy, governors do not investigate complaints at Stage 1 or Stage 2. This enables them to be impartial should a complaint be escalated to a Stage 3 governor panel. If you wish to make a complaint, please complete this form and your complaint will be investigated accordingly.
Scheme of Delegation
Information about the David Ross Education Trust's scheme of delegation is available here.
Minutes of the Academy Scrutiny Committee
Should you wish to view a copy of the minutes of the ASC at this academy, please contact the Trust Governance Team (governance@Dret.co.uk), who will be able to provide you with an electronic or paper copy of the minutes.
Are you interested in becoming an academy governor?
We are looking for new governors to support our academies. Our governors work closely with their academies to support the Trust’s goal of broadening the horizons of young people through a world-class education, equipping our students with the skills and experiences to become their confident, academic best, no matter what.
If you have an interest in, and commitment to, improving education and would like to make a difference within your community, please register your interest in becoming a governor by completing our governor application form. If you have any questions about a governor’s role or responsibilities please contact us at governance@dret.co.uk or review our information pack below.
aug 2025 governor recruitment booklet.pdf
What is it like being a governor with DRET?
To understand what it is like to be a governor with us, take a look at our main Trust page which features a testimonial booklet and videos which contain insights from serving governors.
What training do Governors receive?
We offer an extensive range of training opportunities. Take a look at what is on offer for the current academic year.










