Meet the Governors

At Ravensdale Primary School we have a committed and hardworking Governing body that is actively involved in challenging and supporting the school, meeting together at least once a term. Our governors ensure accountability as the school works to shape and deliver a strategic vision for Ravensdale that will support our pupils in being the best they possibly can be.

Our Governors

Governor Pen Portraits - click here to find out more!

Tim Gordon – Chair of Governors

I have worked in Manufacturing at Jaguar Land Rover for 12 years now, most recently as a Lead Industrial Engineer. Prior to that, I worked as a musician, teaching and playing the drums. I also have experience within the charity sector, having worked in Operational roles for various events over the years.

Prior to becoming Chair, I was a co-opted Governor for three years at Ravensdale; I am good with numbers, have an eye for detail and I am passionate about children receiving a well-rounded, creative education.

Kathryn Gardiner – Parent Governor /Vice Chair

I have been a Ravensdale parent for the last eight years. My daughter has just left for secondary school and my son, Thomas, is now in Year 6. I’ve been a governor of the school since 2017.

Aside from the Ravensdale school staff on the board, I’m the only governor currently working in education. Having taught for over twenty years in primary schools across Coventry, I have a sound basis from which to provide both support and challenge to Ravensdale's leadership team. I enjoy visiting the school and having the opportunity to meet with both staff and children; it's a privilege to get such a unique insight into the life of Ravensdale and I thoroughly enjoy being able to contribute both to the strategic development of the school and the education that we provide for the children in our community. 

In my spare time, I love volunteering with the Ravensdale PSA, cooking, and playing badminton!

Bill Day – Local Authority Governor

I was first elected as a Ravensdale parent governor back in 1993 when my two children attended the school. In time I became vice-chair of governors and was then proudly elected to the role of chair, which I held for 20 years. I continue to sit on the Governing Body to the present day, currently serving as the local authority governor. 

In my working life, I had a finance background within manufacturing and am now enjoying retirement.  I have seen many changes at the school and have worked with 5 permanent head teachers as well as several interim heads.  My long service as a governor reflects my ongoing determination to do my best for the children and the wider Ravensdale community.

Revd Claire McArthur – Co-opted Governor

I have been privileged to be part of local governing bodies for the last 18 years, first in role as a parent governor for my children’s school and then subsequently in other schools throughout my life as a vicar. My governance experience has been in both local authority schools and in academies too.

I am passionate about our children being given the best education, tailored to their needs, so each child reaches their full potential.

Before ordination, for over twenty years, I was at the BBC, producing output across Radio, TV and Digital services. I have also worked in the charity and university sectors. My main area of expertise is in marketing, communication and strategic work.

Natalie Collins – Co-opted Governor

I am thrilled to have joined the Ravensdale Governing Body as a co-opted Governor.

Originally a primary teacher starting out in Leicester City, I continue to work within the education sector and am passionate about the power of education to close the disadvantage gap and create equality for all. I have worked across schools in Leicester, internationally and in London and as a teaching and learning consultant In London for a Local Authority.

I have really enjoyed getting to know Ravensdale and the children always astound me with their fantastic behaviour for learning and attitudes around the school. I look forward to getting to know the school more and becoming part of the Ravensdale community.

Shilpa Patel - Parent Governor

 My connection with Ravensdale Primary School started over eight years ago when my eldest attended the school. At the time I played a role in the PSA and enjoyed supporting the school to raise funds for key projects and resources. My eldest has now moved onto secondary school but I have a younger son currently in Year 2.

By background I am a qualified Health Psychologist and have worked in the NHS, academia and consultancy for over 20 years. I am passionate about education, health and wellbeing all of which are central to any school. Creating an environment that is nurturing and recognises the individual needs of each child to allow them to flourish is really important to me. I am keen to bring my knowledge and expertise from my specialist field to help support the school moving forward to embrace the future.

I have lots of experience of sitting on committees and steering panels where I have been actively involved in setting the aims and objectives, followed by clear plans for achieving, monitoring and evaluating progress. I am excited to be able to bring this experience to my new role of parent Governor.

Outside of work, I love to cook, travel, do yoga and watch sports like tennis and F1.