About Us

Derek Angood (Co-opted)

After completing my training at St John’s, I spent 40 years as a Teacher, Deputy-Head Teacher and Head Teacher. I worked in local schools starting at Wigginton, then Clifton Without and then as Deputy Head at Hob Moor. I was Head Teacher at Appleton Roebuck from 1998 until I retired in 2015.

During my teaching career, I had many loose associations with Bishopthorpe school. Bill Matthews, who was Head Teacher in the 80’s, was a college friend and neighbour and we played in the same football teams for years. When Mr Beecham was Head Teacher, his wife was a teacher at my school, and the two schools developed positive sporting and music links which lasted until I retired.

I have lived in Bishopthorpe since 2003 and since I retired, I have been happy to help in school from time to time in various voluntary roles. There are aspects of working in school that are enjoyable and rewarding and I was grateful to be reminded of that. When I heard that the school was short of a Governor, I thought I might be able to help. As a staff representative and Head Teacher, I have served on Governing bodies for about 30 years, albeit in a slightly different capacity to this time. 

Clare Ashton (Co-opted)

I am mother to a daughter and son, both of whom attended AYJS. In my professional life, I am a forensic psychologist, working with individuals with complex and challenging behaviour. This means I bring passionate experience in working collaboratively with everyone (be that adult or child) to explore a broad range of potential alternative solutions to problems and supporting people to find the best way forward in difficult situations. Working as a manager in the public sector also means that I am used to working effectively and efficiently in order to ensure the public get the best possible value for money, which will hopefully come in useful when I serve on the resources committee. 

Revd Simon Bray (Ex-officio)

I took up the post of priest in charge of St Andrew’s (along with St Chad’s and St Clement’s in York) in July 2021, prior to which I worked at Bishopthorpe Palace for three years as Archbishop’s Chaplain. As well as being an ex officio governor I am also a parent at AYJS: our elder son joined Year 6 when we first moved to the village, and our younger son is in Year 6 this year, having joined AYJS at the beginning of Year 3. I am a keen musician, having studied music at university first time round, and an injured and ageing footballer. I look forward to supporting the leadership, staff and pupils of this fantastic school and to maintaining the great link between the church and the school.

Jamie Cooke (Community)

As a father of two who both attend AYJS, I was delighted to join as a Governor in 2021. In my professional life I work in the Insurance industry and am a qualified Actuary with an in-depth knowledge of the financial services industry and lots of experience at solving complex problems. I hope the former comes in handy and the latter is not required too often!

Outside of work and family life I enjoy keeping fit and am a Karate black belt with the British Karate and Kickboxing Association. I enjoy playing football and running. 

Ann Cox (Foundation Governor)

I feel very privileged to have been made a Foundation Governor at AYJS. 

I am now the Chair of the Education and Strategic Planning Committee and a link Governor for Special Needs Children and Religious Education. I am also Vice Chair of Governors at Knavesmire Primary School and have been a governor there for around 14 years. I am a freeman of the City of York and treasurer of the Micklegate Stray.

I moved to Bishopthorpe about 7 years ago to be near to my daughter and family. I have two granddaughters at AYJS, Willow and Rowan Clark. I am a member of St Andrew’s Church in Bishopthorpe and I am a member of the PCC and am on the Finance Committee and take an active part in the life of the Church. In any spare time that I have, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening and reading.

Jane Flint (Parent Governor)

I am a mother of two girls, one currently at AYJS and the other at the Infant School. In my professional life I am a Primary School teacher in York. I also teach French classes in the local area. I was delighted to join the Governing Body in 2022. I have a passion for ensuring all children are given the educational opportunities to meet their full potential and flourish in their individual strengths. In my spare time, I enjoy mountain walking with my family and outdoor swimming. 

Fiona Phillips (Chair / Parent Governor)

I am a mother of two girls that have been through the infant and junior school and now attend Fulford School.  In my professional life I am a Consultant in Public Health Medicine with a passion for improving healthy lifestyles.  I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the best health possible and should have the right tools to be able to achieve this.  I feel privileged to have a role on the governing body, as a good education plays a huge part in determining an individual’s future health outcomes.  As a governor, I would like to share this expertise and support AYJS in ensuring our children have the right foundations and are set on the path to having a healthy and fulfilling life. I am the link governor for PSHE, Physical Education and Safeguarding.

Simon Sykes (Community Governor)

I have been a Governor for a number of years and hold a position on the Resources Committee and Health and Safety Committee.  I have also been involved with various project committees.

In my personal life I am a building contractor and can use my skills to advise on various aspects in School.

My hobbies and pastimes include walking, skiing, travelling and gardening.  I am also involved with the Bishopthorpe Gala and hep with local pantomimes.