Meet our Governors

I am the Headteacher, of an ‘Outstanding’ Academy and have been part of leading, supporting and shaping the school on its journey to Outstanding. I understand the role of a governor as a critical friend to the leadership, whilst offering experience, support and appropriate challenge where needed.

A governor at Nelson for 8 years initially as a parent governor and now as a community governor, determined to support and challenge Nelson to provide a safe and inspiring learning environment both inside and outside, to help attain positive progress and high standards throughout the school. Also a governor at a local secondary school and interested in the transition and journey beyond Nelson Primary.

Working as an architect on projects from housing to airports I am able to contribute to aspects of the school from Health and Safety to the whole school environment.

I was appointed Head of School in September 2021 and was previously the Deputy Head. I have worked at Nelson School for over 12 years and have an incredibly strong commitment to the pupils, the staff and the community. I have a passion for raising standards and improving outcomes. It is a huge privilege to be part of the Nelson community where I have already developed positive relationships with children, parents and staff.

Meg Wiggins is a co-opted community governor, appointed in October 2019, but her history is as a parent at Nelson for 9 years. During that time, she was Chair of the PTA for several years and experienced firsthand both the joys and challenges of Nelson’s journey. Meg is a senior researcher and lecturer at the UCL Institute of Education.

Through this work, she has conducted research in many English primary schools and has skills in collecting, managing and interpreting data relating to teaching and learning. Meg hopes to bring both her personal and professional experience to the role of governor, to provide support and insight to the Nelson staff, students and parent community.

David Algie was appointed as a Governor in 2021. I want Nelson to produce confident, happy children with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in whatever field they choose to pursue. Alongside my son, we have two younger children who will keep our family involved with Nelson for at least ten years.

My intention is to support positive progress in the short term while never losing sight of the long term. My background in marketing and communications will contribute to working with the key stakeholders including children, parents, staff and the wider local community to continue and progress Nelson’s developmental journey.

Having served on the PTA Committee for several years, I joined as a parent governor in 2021 with the intention of supporting – and challenging – the school to continue its journey of improvement. I have extensive experience in the hospitality and HR sectors and hope to be able to use those skills to help Nelson develop further. I have three children at the school, including one in reception.

I am a parent to four children who attend / attended Nelson and I am very passionate about the success of the school, ensuring all pupils have access to the best opportunities inside and outside of the school setting. For the past 9 years I have volunteered at Nelson in many different capacities, including Chair of the PTA, where at the time the focus was to transform the outdoor spaces from the early years’ playgrounds to the Nelson Ship, and promote Nelson in the community with a wide range of events.

My previous career in finance as well as my new role as a trainee maths teacher in secondary education puts me in great stead to support the school in its drive for success, while being able to hold the school accountable for excellence in education.

Carolyn Harwood was appointed as a Governor in 2024.
I am excited to join such strong team of committed Governors and add my support to the great strides the school has made in recent times. I’m inspired by the way Nelson teachers enthusiastically encourage a love of learning in the children, while caring for and nurturing the children on their journey and creating an exciting learning environment in which the children can thrive. My son has loved his time at Nelson since starting in reception.
I have a legal background and currently work as an insurance ombudsman at the Financial Ombudsman Service. I have extensive experience of working within a regulatory environment and helping to resolve complaints in a constructive and positive way that helps to repair relationships and guide things back onto a positive footing. I’m also passionate about encouraging life-long learning and development in my workplace and I love to learn new things in my own life. I’m looking forward to helping Nelson grow from strength to strength, building on the great work of those who have gone before me.