Who are our Governors? October 2025
Some Information about our backgrounds:
Brian Queally
Chair of Governors
I currently work as an Airworthiness Surveyor for Jet2 and previously spent 20 years working for British Airways Engineering at Glasgow in various roles. We moved to Otley in 2017. My two children have attended the Whartons with my youngest now in Year 6. Becoming a governor allows me the opportunity to give back to the community and to support the school. I have friends and neighbours who have children who also attend The Whartons. I have been a Governor since 2020 and have enjoyed getting to know the school and am very proud to be part of the Governing Body.
Naomi Bacon
Parent Governor
Naomi Bacon has been a Governor since 2019 and sits on the Pupil Support Committee. Naomi is also the named Governor for Safeguarding. Naomi lives in Otley and her three children attend the Whartons. Her position as a Governor allows her to be involved in the ongoing improvement and development of the Whartons Primary.
Naomi works as a GP in North Yorkshire and a Medical Examiner at Airedale Hospital. Within these roles Naomi is very involved in training junior doctors and teaching medical students. She is also the lead GP for safeguarding within her practice so has experience in a safeguarding role. Outside of work Naomi enjoys spending time outdoors with her boys and baking together.
Christine Paterson
Co-opted Governor
Christine is a member of the Bridge Church where she is the Beaver Scout Leader. Christine also assists with audio & visual production during services.
Before retiring Christine worked in the education department, at Wetherby Young Offenders’ Institute. As part of her duties, she assisted the class teacher in the classroom and also taught IT as a vocational subject. Christine also attended safeguarding meetings and belonged to the substance misuse panel.
Prior to working at the Young Offenders Institute Christine worked as a Nursery Nurse in a primary school in Leeds, working mostly in Early Years, but also, worked with Key Stage 2 children, supporting I.T.
Christine’s own children attended The Whartons (many years ago!) and she recognises what an important role the school plays in the local community.
James Armstrong
Co-opted Governor
I have served as a Co-opted Governor at The Whartons Primary School since 2022. My professional background is in Higher Education, where I have held various administrative roles before transitioning into Business & Enterprise. In this capacity, I worked closely with the education sector, collaborating with senior leaders, governors, local authorities, the Department for Education (DfE), and multi-academy trusts. My focus has been on delivering resources and training in key areas such as mental health support in schools, anti-racism, supervision, and coaching.
Currently, I am the Contracts & Business Manager at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, where I support the delivery of large-scale scientific research and infrastructure projects.
I have been continually impressed by the dedication of the school's staff and the enthusiasm of its pupils. As a member of the Teaching & Learning sub-committee, I look forward to continuing my role on the Governing Board, contributing to the ongoing success and development of the school.
Phoebe Cowen
Co-opted Governor
Phoebe joined as a governor at The Whartons in October 2023, shortly after her eldest son started at the Whartons in reception. Phoebe lives locally with her family in Otley having moved here in 2020. She is a member on the Resources Committee.
Phoebe is a chartered accountant with 15+ years professional experience working with organisations driving rapid transformation and turnaround through reducing costs, improving cash and supporting tech enabled and sustainable solutions. This includes performing diagnostic reviews, strong programme management, financial planning, forecasting, understanding funding flows and giving advice and support to leadership teams and their staff. She has a breadth of experience across Private and Public Sector organisations.
Claire Summerscales
Co-opted Governor
I have lived and worked in Paris and London organising international conferences and exhibitions at home and in Europe, moving back up North in 1999.
As a contrast to my previous work, I have, since 2003 manufactured traditional laundry starch - quite a niche product but we're still going!
In 2006, I became a magistrate in North and West Yorkshire and have been involved with The Whartons since 2021.