Mary Wood – Local Authority Governor

I became a Local Authority Governor at Ralph Thoresby in 2012. I had recently retired from teaching and my husband and I relocated to Yorkshire to be near our daughters and grandchildren.

I taught for over forty years in London and Bedford. I became a Head of the Geography Department at a large upper school in Bedford. I then moved on to be Head of Year, and with a change to vertical tutor groups I became overall Head of the House system. My final role was as Assistant Head Teacher with responsibility for Inclusion. I taught at my last school for 22 years, it had many similar qualities and characteristics as Ralph Thoresby and I immediately felt at ease within my new role.

I enjoyed teaching and found it to be a very fulfilling career. Every day was different and one never became bored. I also enjoyed the interaction with young people. I still get great deal of satisfaction from working within education and feel that I can make a valuable contribution.

In 2017 I became a school Governor at the local village primary school. This was a completely new for me as I had very little experience of primary education. I have thoroughly enjoyed my new role and despite the pressure of more meetings I value the insight it has given to me in the full range of education from Reception to Sixth form. It has also given me huge respect for primary school professionals.

In my leisure time I enjoy travel, reading and spending time with and caring for my four grandchildren.