Meet our Governors

Mrs Diane Osborne (Foundation Governor)

I am Chair of Governors.  I have been associated with St Swithun's for 41 years beginning with my two daughters attending the school. I then became a Teaching Assistant at the School – a post I held for nineteen years – and for the last 15 years I have served on the Board of Governors. It has been a privilege to be a part of so many children’s education in Sandy.  Currently I am Chair of Governors, a role that I have held for the past 7 years.  This position  is both challenging  but very rewarding .   During the  last academic  year St. Swithun's School has joined in a partnership with John Donne C of E School in Blunham.  I joined their Board of Governor's in September 2023 , and was delighted to also be elected as their Chair.  I am passionate about supporting both schools, to ensure that every child can reach their full potential.  In January 2026, John Donne and St Swithun's became part of the Riverbank Federation.   

 Mr Colin Lloyd (Co-opted Governor)

I became a Co-Opted Governor in 2023, returning after 30 years - back then as a parent Governor when my two Sons attended St Swithun's. It is a delight to be back, now having two Grandsons at the school, so now I feel like a Grandpa Governor!

Now semi-retired, I thoroughly enjoyed my career in agriculture culminating in heading up a Research and Development team for many years. My time now is dedicated to consultancy work in Poland and Romania, having more time with the family and supporting The Riverbank Federation as best I can.

There is no doubt in my mind that education is key right from nursery/primary school as this provides the very foundation of learning and interaction between children in a caring ethos.

As in my former term, I am the SEND link Governor which is such a privilege as I firmly believe that each and every child under the care of this school needs to have every opportunity to achieve their potential and flourish during their time here.

So, I want to contribute to the support of the management and staff to ensure all the children at St Swithun's and John Donne get the very best start to their education, it is our duty to ensure so.

Mrs Susan Sutton (Local Authority)

This is my first time as a School Governor and I am looking forward to learning about the school. Many generations of my family lived in Sandy and I have lived here since 1979 having been brought up in Wrestlingworth.  I'm now retired having spent 32 years working for the RSPB in various roles including administration, PA, Volunteering and Community Fundraising.  I believe that the natural environment is a precious resource and we have a duty to ensure that its there for future generations to enjoy and love.  Since 2005 I've been a member of Sandy Town Council and currently chair the Community Services and Environment Committee.  I am also a member of the RHS, National Trust and RBL with the role of President of the Sandy Branch. I'm also the Council representative on the 22nd Sandy Air Training Cadets Civilian Committee.

Mr Matthew Parker (Co-opted Governor)

I completed and gained my NPQH qualification at St Swithun’s and developed an understanding of the school, and an affiliation for the school, during this time. It is a privilege to be able to give something back to the school and to the wider community.

Reverend Jodie Brown (Foundation Ex-Officio)

I am the Rector of St. Swithun’s Church in Sandy. I have around ten years’ experience in Christian ministry, including working with children and young people. I particularly enjoy visiting the school to lead collective worship and I hope to support the Christian ethos of the school community. As a governor, I am excited to develop the partnership between the church and the school so that pupils and staff can flourish. The school community is very much in my prayers.

Revd Graham Buckle (Foundation Ex-Officio)

As Rector of St James or St Edmund Church in Blunham I have a seat on the governing body.  Although this is the first time I have held such a position, my wife served as Clerk to the governors in a previous parish, and so I have some insider knowledge of how a school runs on a daily basis. I also come with an engineering background and I hope these experiences will enable me to play a part in the decisions that need to be made for the good running of the school in the future.

Mrs Samantha Bradbury (Staff Governor)

I have been involved with John Donne since 2016, having had 2 children who have enjoyed their primary school years here. I began working as a Midday Supervisor since 2018 when my youngest started the Nursery. As they moved onto secondary school I have been working as the Office Administrator since 2022. I thoroughly enjoy working with both the children, staff and families and am passionate about supporting both schools.

 Mrs Anita Whitehurst (Executive Headteacher)
I am part of the Governing Board in my role as Headteacher.  I became Executive Headteacher in July 2022 which means I lead both John Donne Primary in Blunham and St Swithun's Church of England VC Primary School.  I have been involved in education for the last 26 years and have been a Headteacher for 16 years.  

Mr Eddie Kirk (Head of School)

I joined John Donne Primary School in September 2022, while also performing a similar role at St Swithun’s Church of England Primary School. I have been involved in classroom teaching for over 20 years and I have also worked in a variety of school advisory and improvement roles, supporting schools and teachers on behalf of Kent and Central Bedfordshire local authorities, the Diocese of St Alban’s and as part of Redborne Teaching Partnership.