Governor Profiles

Paul Marshall
I joined the governing body in May 2015 and was Chair for eight years, from November 2017 - 2024. In November 2024 I became vice chair. I am married with two adult daughters (one a Primary School Teacher) and have lived in Norton since 2012. I am semi-retired having been a police officer in Suffolk for 32 years.
I now work part time as a Management Consultant and also provide advice to Headteachers and governing bodies on effective Headteacher performance. I am a Board member for several Trusts and Charities and I am also a volunteer helper at Norton CEVC Primary School, assisting children with their reading skills.

I strongly believe that the first years of a child’s education are crucial to their later academic achievements and to the development of social and other life skills. Being a governor means I can contribute towards this. In my leisure time I enjoy walking and most forms of sport albeit as a spectator nowadays.

Revd Katherine Valentine

I am Priest-in-Charge of the six villages in the Pakenham Benefice, all of which have children attending Norton CEVC Primary School: Pakenham, Norton, Tostock, Hunston, Great Ashfield and Stowlangtoft. My husband and I have lived in Norton for six years now, and our two grown up children make regular visits - along with Sam the retired greyhound, my daughter’s dog. We often look after him while our daughter is on holiday, and he has come to regard the streets, fields and footpaths of Norton as his second home. One of my great pleasures is going in to school once a fortnight to take assemblies when the children are always so interested and full of ideas. I am also pleased that we are able to welcome classes to Norton church as part of their RE lessons, as well as for worship on special occasions during the year. I enjoy working alongside Salvation Army and Baptist colleagues and friends in supporting the school in its Christian witness to the love of God for all our children.

Andy Richardson

I was delighted to be appointed a parent governor to the governing body in September 2016. I have lived in Hunston for 12 years, am married and have two children one of which is at Norton CEVC Primary School. I work in the food & farming industry and have a wide experience of strategic planning, marketing and corporate affairs in international private and PLC businesses. I currently chair the Welsh Government’s Food & Drink Board and Dairy Industry Leadership Board and am heavily involved in developing the Welsh and UK Brexit strategies. I care passionately about food, farming, the environment, innovation, skills and education.

I believe children should be able to fulfil their potential in a way which comes naturally to their own particular character. Norton CEVC Primary School is an outstanding place for our children to realise this ambition and I look forward to working with the governors to ensure we evolve a strategy which will continue to ensure Norton CEVC Primary School performs at the highest level.

Rebecca Mabbitt 

I became part of the Governing Body in April 2017, when my eldest son was in Stars class. Since then, my youngest son has joined the school, and my husband, as the Deputy Headteacher. We have lived in Norton since 2012, although I grew up in nearby Pakenham. I spent twenty years as a secondary school science teacher, working with Year 7 through to Year 13. Much of my teaching experience in Suffolk was in the Middle School system. I have had a variety of leadership roles, helping to lead school improvement through development planning, data analysis and supporting staff. I take an active role in school, working as a parent reader as well as visiting regularly as a governor. I hope that I will be able to help shape an ever-improving experience for the children of the school, and encourage in them a lifelong love of learning.

Mrs Nicky Broughton

I was thrilled to become a parent governor in November 2021. I have just become Chair in November 2024, having spent a year as Vice Chair. My family and I moved to Norton in 2013 and we have 3 children, all of whom attend Norton CEVC Primary School,. I graduated as a Physiotherapist and specialised in musculoskeletal care for both adults and children. A large part of my role involved multi-disciplinary working, team management, service development and teaching. Sadly, our first child was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 2 and I consequently gave up work to care for him during 2 years of treatment before he died 6 years ago. Since then, I have concentrated my time on setting up a charity in his name to raise funds into paediatric brain tumour research. I take an interest in watching the development of all children and especially advocating for those children with additional needs given both my experience professionally and personally. My role as a parent governor will be on learning and achievement with particular emphasis in early years. Home schooling has given me an even greater understanding and experience of teaching young children, but also just as important is a holistic balance so that children can develop their confidence, life and social skills. I am usually on the school run so please come and find me if you have any issues you would like to discuss. I hope that both my professional skills and personal experiences will be of value to the governing body, and I am looking forward to working with the school to maintain their high levels of care and education.

Mrs Alison Bass

My name is Alison Bass and I have recently joined the Governor Team as a co-opted Governor, attached to the ‘Learning and Achievement Committee’. This is an exciting role as I’ve always been on the other side of education as a teacher of Mathematics.

I have lived in Norton since the mid 1990’s with my husband and children (they are in their 30’s so thankfully are now independent!) We are extremely settled in Suffolk and consider ourselves fortunate to live in such a beautiful area. We are both active people, and enjoy a range of sports including skiing, golf, and walking. Covid has certainly initiated a cohesive community spirit and we have met many new residents through our walking jaunts.

I started my career in Kent, followed by 11 years in Sussex and then the last 27 years in Suffolk. My focus during this time has been in Senior Schools, teaching locally at Thurston Community College, where I was an Assistant Principal, and West Suffolk College as Course Director for Mathematics. In all the educational establishments I have had the privilege to work in, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the students, inspiring them that Maths can be accessible to all and not be the ‘most hated subject!’

Although now retired, I did teach for a short period of time at Moreton Hall Preparatory School. This gave me the experience of working with younger students; an age range I had not had the pleasure of teaching before but what a delightful experience. So, when asked if I would like to be a Governor of Norton Primary School, I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to give back to the local community. You are extremely fortunate to have an excellent school to attend and I look forward to supporting Mrs Sparkes, the staff, and the Governing Team.

Mr David Moland

I was delighted when I was invited to become a Co-Opted Governor for the school. Having retired last year, the time is right for me to give back and to make use of the experience and knowledge I have built up since starting my working career.

The school is a central part of our community and its connection to the church is one of its key strengths. I understand the transformative power of education in children’s lives and I am sure that the skills that lead me to having a successful career in banking and Compliance over 40 years can be put to good use helping the school continue to achieve its ambitions for its pupils.

I have plenty to learn about the education system and the terminology/jargon that comes with it, which is an exciting challenge for me. Balancing that I know my enquiring mind and experience of governance will be put to good use.

I moved to Norton three years ago and since then have become an active member of Norton’s Community Speed Watch team. I live just up from the school in The Street and can be seen walking around the village with my small black and white dog Boris.

Diversity Statement

As a school, we recognise that diversity of thought, voices and perspectives is essential to good governance and the effective running of any organisation. We regularly collect diversity information from our governors and, depending on current data, can use this to:

- target recruitment to address gaps in experience and diversity

- develop and adapt board practices to ensure full participation

- prioritise training and awareness-raising in identified areas

- address potential 'blind spots' through seeking wider advice and perspectives on current and upcoming opportunities, challenges and risks

However, we are unable to publish this information as it would mean that individual members of our governing body are identifiable.