Dinah Papworth – Chair of Governors
I have been a Foundation Governor for Conington Parish since 2018 and have been Vice Chair for the last four years. My background is a business one, working in the food industry for over 20 years and for the last 20 years in property management. I became a Governor at Elsworth C of E Primary School as I wanted a new challenge and give something back into the community. This year, I feel honoured to be Chair of Governors, to continue serving this wonderful Church school ensuring our children are given the best opportunity to learn and thrive.
Clair Harrison – Vice Chair
I became a Governor again at Elsworth school last Summer after a break of a few years. My background is Primary teaching and so I try to bring my knowledge and understanding of education to my role as Governor. Both my daughters came to the school and loved their time here. The school is very close to my heart and I love to spend as much time as I can working with the staff and children!
Kirstin Bicknell
I am an integrative psychotherapist and counsellor who runs a private practice in Elsworth. I was Chair at Elsworth Pre-School and have over 18 years experience in the voluntary sector, most recently as a trustee for Evolve Community Counselling Charity. My background includes arts administration, project management, marketing and fundraising and I’m a qualified secondary school teacher. I became a Foundation Governor in September 2020 and have a particular interest in wellbeing and inclusivity.
Hannah Holland
I’ve recently become a parent governor. I have one child, in Year 2 and another who will join in 2024. I have spent my whole working career in Education, working for two of the largest educational publishers and assessment awarding bodies in the world. The last 8 years being with Cambridge University Press & Assessment, as a Principal Business Analyst. My role is to help turn ideas into sustainable, fit for purpose solutions. I feel privileged to be working with the other members of the Governing body, to work towards ensuring our children have the best possible learning experience at our school.
Jenny Fordham
I have been a primary teacher since completing my PGCE in 2013, and over the past decade I’ve developed a deep passion for supporting children’s learning, confidence, and wellbeing. I currently work at a school in central Cambridge. Outside of school, life is wonderfully busy. My husband, Harry, and I have two young children: Lyla, who is hoping to join the school in September 2026, and Oscar, who is 1. We love spending time outdoors, especially going on long family walks with our dog. I’m excited to use my expertise as a teacher to contribute to the governing body and support our school community.
Jack Jones
I’ve recently joined the Governors and I have two children at the school, with a third joining in 2027. My background is predominantly Construction related, having both practical and professional experience in leading a variety of projects. I look forward to helping and supporting the Governing body, utilising my experience outside of a school environment.
Where time permits outside of work and family life, I enjoy getting outside and a variety of sport.
Reverand Matt Phillips
As the Team Rector of the Papworth Team of churches, I serve as an ex-officio Foundation Governor. I have previously worked in rural parishes and as a theological educator, but immediately before arriving here my role was as Chaplain and Assistant Head of a large secondary school in Lincolnshire, where I taught Religious Studies and Philosophy and was part of the safeguarding leadership team.
I am deeply committed to supporting young people in their full development: intellectually, spiritually, morally, and socially. I value the close partnership between school, church, families, and the local community, and I am dedicated to helping children grow into thoughtful, confident, and compassionate individuals.
Kate-Lyn Piek
I’m excited to be joining as a new parent governor at Elsworth C of E Primary School. My background is in HR, where I am used to supporting people, listening to different perspectives, and helping make fair decisions. I put myself forward because I want parents’ voices to be heard and to make sure every decision we take benefits the children. I’m looking forward to working with staff, governors, and families to keep building a school community where our kids feel happy, supported, and ready to shine.