The Priory Ruskin Academy Local Governing Body comprises:

Mrs Veronica Slater, Community (Chair of Governors)

Veronica joined the Governing Body in 2014 following a successful career as a School Business Manager in the secondary education sector.  She has vast experience in all aspects of running a school and following her time as Clerk to the Governors for over twenty years, a comprehensive understanding of the role of the Governor.  Veronica has been a member of the Grantham u3a for a number of years and since her retirement has served on their committee together with a number of other organisations in the town, including Grantham Foodbank.  She is an active member of the local Methodist Church and currently supports them in a variety of roles both pastorally and administratively.  A mother to four children, two step-children and ten grandchildren, Veronica is passionate about education and the important role it plays in supporting young people to achieve their potential and develop into well-rounded adults.

“I am proud to be Chair of Governors as I watch the Academy continue to grow from strength to strength and expand its curriculum offer to all.  The commitment of staff and amazing facilities which are constantly being increased, are a credit to the overall strategic vision and ensures every student is given the opportunity to flourish at their own pace”.

Mrs Ros Gulson, Community (Co Vice Chair)

Prior to retirement, Ros enjoyed a career in education spanning 40 years.  During that time she was Principal of an 11 to 18 academy with additional responsibilities at both national and local level.  She chairs the school admission appeals for a local authority.   In 2005 Ros was awarded the OBE for services to education and since 2015 has been a governor at Ruskin.

Mr Mos Kalbassi, Community (Co Vice Chair)

A Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology and a Chartered Scientist, Mos was born in Iran and came to England at the age of 16.  Since graduating in Food Technology and Management Studies, Mos has spent over forty years in the Food Industry specialising in New Product Development and General Management.  Married with two grown up children, he is a member of the Rotary Club of Grantham and past chairman of the local Parkinson's Support group . He has been a governor at Grantham College for over twenty years and served as Chairman of the Finance Committee and latterly as Chairman of Governors until 2019. 

Mr Warwick Hardy, Community Governor

Originally from Zimbabwe, Warwick moved to Great Gonerby in 2022 following a long period in the Middle East working as a Bursar for an International School.  On returning to the UK, he completed a 12 month assignment as interim Bursar for Westminster School and is now Bursar at Gordonstoun School.  Having served in the British Army for 10 years, his career has been centred in Education Management at high performing schools.  Consequently Warwick has extensive experience in managing the finance and operations of schools as well as their governance.  With his son, Nathan, having just completed sixth form at Priory Ruskin and gone on to MetFilm in Leeds to study acting, Warwick is looking forward to making a contribution to the continued success of the school and students that it supports.

Mrs Sue Lupton, Parent Governor

Sue is a Director and Administrator for a Railway Engineering company.  Sue worked as a Legal Secretary for 30 years and also at the Head Office of Boots in the IT department and Pharmacy Recruitment.  Since leaving the legal industry, her role mainly involves the day to day running of the business and also supporting and mentoring her two sons who are currently in Year 10.  Sue has been involved in various committees in the local area including the Friends of Barrowby School, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and Witham Wheelers Cycling Club Go Ride and recently worked as a volunteer at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Dr Katie Roebuck, Parent Governor

Katie is a scientist whose career has focused on discovering treatments to improve the quality of people's lives.  She believes in the importance of ensuring every pupil is given the support to reach their full potential and leave The Priory Ruskin Academy with the self-belief and skills to transition into higher education/training or employment.  A mum to two boys, she was a committee member of her local primary school's Friends of the School Association for 7 years and is committed to being a governor at Ruskin.

Ms Sharon Cipieres, Staff Governor

Having developed a passion for all things French living in Paris, Sharon has been teaching French since 1994.  In 2001 Sharon joined St Wulfram’s CE High School as Head of Modern Languages and has worked in Grantham ever since.  Sharon’s career in education then progressed to pastoral care, at Grantham Church High School where she was Assistant Headteacher and was the lead in BIP (Behaviour Improvement Programme).  This programme permitted the development of a large pastoral team which was not previously in place and has shaped the pastoral team that we have at Ruskin today. Sharon continued to work as Assistant Headteacher when Grantham Church High School and Central Technology & Sports College merged to become The Priory Ruskin Academy in 2010.  Sharon continued her career in pastoral care and was Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral) for many years.  Having recently semi-retired, Sharon has gone back to her original passion and teaches French at Ruskin for two days a week.  Sharon enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her family and going on adventures in her motor home.

Mrs Anne Hill, Staff Governor

Originally from Ireland and having lived and worked for ten years in Scotland, Anne came to Grantham in 1999.  She joined the staff at St. Wulfram’s CE High School as a Teaching Assistant, moving to Behaviour Mentor and finally as Head of Year at Grantham Church High School.   In 2011, Anne moved into her new role as Pastoral Manager at The Priory Ruskin Academy.  In this, her dream job, Anne worked closely with parents and carers, staff and outside agencies to support her students to overcome any boundaries that prevented them from achieving their true potential.  Following retirement in 2018, Anne continues to work every week as a Mentor with Sixth Form students at the academy.  Anne has two children and two grandchildren.

Ms Rachel Wyles, Headteacher

Mrs Alison Wilson, Clerk to the local governing body

Governing Body details and attendance 2024-25

Each member of the LGB has a specific focus: Leadership and Management, Outcomes, Pupil Premium, SMSC, SEND, Teaching and Learning, Safeguarding and Behaviour. They are linked  to the members of the senior leadership team with specific responsibility for these areas:

Ruskin Academy Link Governor Structure 2023-24