Glenda Dudley (Chair)
I am a new member of the Governing Body at Holton Primary School although I have served on three other governing bodies and enjoy supporting schools of all kinds.
I been in education for more than twenty five years both in the UK and in international contexts and I have held posts as a teacher, a Headteacher and was the inaugural Head of Centre of Wales’ largest children’s centre; the Ely and Caerau Children’s Centre.
Currently I work at The Learning Partnership Wales and I have been involved with many rich and exciting educational developments at strategic level including ‘Teaching for Understanding’ from Harvard University, Early Childhood Steering Group - International Baccalaureate (IB), and Flying Start (Wales).
I am a big fan of family time, running, walking my dog and lists; which help me equally in keeping the plates spinning!
Alex Saunders (Vice-Chair)
Following a Chemical Engineering Degree, I have spent time working in the Nuclear, and bulk chemical industries. I moved to work for Cabot in Barry in 2008 where I’ve had numerous roles and been part of the site leadership team. My current role is developing projects across the Cabot worldwide locations.
I have two children and always enjoyed taking part in events that brings Engineering to life. In my spare time I enjoy running, sailing and spending time with the family.
Ty Golding
Ty Golding grew up in a small valley's mining town, spent a period of time living in South Africa and has served in the Armed Forces. Ty began his career teaching at Evenlode Primary School in Penarth, was formerly Headteacher at Barry Island Primary School and is currently the interim Executive Headteacher between Ysgol Y Ddraig in Llantwit Major and Holton Primary School, Barry. Last year, he returned to school after being seconded to Welsh Government, working on national education reform, as Head of Curriculum Design & Development. Ty lives in Penarth, is married, and has two children - Morgan and Nansi. He has enjoyed coaching the Vale of Glamorgan U11s district rugby team for the past 14 years and is also studying for a doctorate in education. Initially, in an attempt to raise money for Marie Curie he runs every day - over 1200 days later and he is still running every day.
Pamela Drake
I have been a governor on Holton for several years and I am also a long-standing governor for Gladstone School (which was the first school I attended). I undertook a two year fulltime secretarial course at Barry Further Education College and on completion I joined the National Union of Tailors and Garment Workers as a secretary. In 1991 the NUTGW amalgamated with the General and Municipal Workers Union. I achieved a BA Hons degree through the Open University in 1992 and became an Equality Officer and Political Officer in the GMB, a role I held up until my retirement.
I was elected to serve as a councillor on Barry Town Council in 1996 and represented the town as Mayor in 1999/2000 and I am still a serving councillor on this Council, along with this role in 2008 I was elected as a Vale of Glamorgan councillor representing the Castleland Ward in Barry, this position also I still hold. I serve on several committees in both councils and represent the Vale of Glamorgan Council on the South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority and I hold the position as Chair of the Human Resources and Equalities Committee.
I have many interests, but have had a lifelong love and passion of ballet and opera and enjoy watching and attending live performances.
Nicole Duddridge
My family and friends would describe me as kind, friendly, approachable and a good listener, with a good sense of humour.
I am proud to say that I have a degree in Graphic Design. When I was younger, one of my favourite jobs was as a holiday rep. This job allowed me to travel to some fabulous locations. I started my career in the local authority in 2003, as a Student Support Officer. This role involved processing claims for financial support to enable Vale students to attend university. After having my wonderful children, I secured the position of Business Support Officer, in the Learning and Skills Directorate. This position has given me great insight in to how important it is that all children have access to good quality education provision, that meets their individual needs.
I am proud to say that I am one of the founding members of the newly established Ethnic Minority Network Group within the LA. The establishment of this group is very important to me. I am excited to be part of something that strives to improve experiences for everyone in the Vale.
Although I have been a Parent Governor since October 2020, I have been a parent of Holton Primary School since 2013, when my daughter started nursery. I am looking forward to learning more about the school and supporting the school community.
In the evenings, I am currently enjoying learning Welsh with Learn Welsh Cymru.
Jenny Scott (Chair Curriculum and Standards Committee)
I am a passionate educator and my work has been primary school based for nearly 25 years. I spent the early part of my career as a classroom teacher in Coventry. In my last school I was Deputy Head and an observer on the Governing Body for a number of years before relocating to South Wales in 2015.
For the last 5 years I have been the Head Teacher at Ninian Park Primary School in Cardiff. My particular interests are Curriculum Design and Early Years Education.
This is my first term as a Local Authority Governor. As a resident of Barry I want to share my skills and knowledge at a school which is local to me.
I am a keen musician and enjoy rehearsing and playing concerts with several orchestras in the local area.
Gareth Jones
I grew up in Cardiff but have been living Barry for a number of years now, I am currently studying for Law degree with The Open University. I am currently an elected member of the leadership team of the OU Students Association, with a responsibility for the Business and Law Schools. I currently have a daughter and son studying at Holton Primary School, though I do have family on my wife’s side that studied here in the past too.
Sandra Perkes
Originally from the North West of England, moved to South Wales in 1970s and went to school in the Vale. I left school with few qualifications but have returned to learning a few times, gaining a BA Cultural Studies, Post Graduate Diploma in Careers Guidance and Counselling and my Maths GCSE. I lived in London for 12 years and began working with the public in the jobsearch support field. I have over twenty years of experience in this area, the majority of which has been helping residents of the Vale of Glamorgan to gain employment. It’s a job I thoroughly enjoy and get a great deal of satisfaction from. I have previously worked for UNISON and represented people in the workplace. I am Councillor in Court Ward for both Barry Town and Vale of Glamorgan Councils and sit on a variety of committees. In my spare time I like meeting up with family and friends, reading fiction and watching films.
Sam Osborne
I started my teaching career on the Isle of Wight at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy coaching children, and adults how to sail, kayak and windsurf. I quickly realised that teaching residential school groups was one aspects of the job I particularly enjoyed. After jumping at the chance to gain work experience in a primary school, I was soon completing the Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
Since graduating, I have been teaching at Holton Primary School and now have the responsibility of ICT and Digital Learning across the school, alongside leading the development of Science and Technology within the new curriculum.
Outside of school, I am a keen runner and all round exercise lover. Sport has always been a huge part of my life and takes up most of my spare time, which has drastically been reduced since getting married and having a child who clearly likes running around as much as his dad.
Shoaib Shahzad
I am enthusiastic, adaptable and passionate about many things in life. Day to day I am kept extremely busy within my job as a taxi driver across the Vale of Glamorgan, as well as single handedly raising my loving 5 year old son. I enjoy watching cricket but one of my main passions is contributing and positively impacting the local community and the environment.
In 2006, I was awarded the best volunteer shield by the Prime Minister of Pakistan for my work towards helping the people affected by the disastrous earthquake that occurred in 2005. My experience of previous charity work and the local area gave me the opportunity to manage and supervise the rebuilding of 5 new schools in 5 local areas of Pakistan. After gaining a wealth of charity experience my brother and I set up the HEED foundation to help and support, health, education and environment of local areas.
In 2013, after finishing my schooling in Pakistan, I completed a Higher National Diploma in Business, which led to starting a degree in Business Management at the Greenwich University of London. Pakistan is a developing country and I believe there is a limited skilled based workforce and as a result my brother and I have set up and established the School of Art and Design in Pakistan that offers skill based courses to young people, which will allow them to build a strong future in the creative sector.
Becoming a Parent governor has allowed me the opportunity to give something back to the school and contribute to the fantastic learning and development opportunities it is offering my son and many other children in the local area.
Emily Cate
I am looking forward to joining the Governing body at Holton Primary School as a Parent Governor.
I have worked in Education since graduating in 2011 covering a number of roles including, Admin Officer, Assistant Head of House, Attendance Officer, Cover Supervisor and providing SIMS support within the Council team.
I was born in Barry and have recently moved back to the area after moving away in 2017. I attended Holton along with my siblings and have very fond memories of my time at school. My best memory is when I got to play the part of Dorothy in the Year 6 Christmas production. I completely skipped a scene and left the munchkins behind the stage for the rest of the show having skipped their song! I’m still very sorry about that.
My husband and I are proud parents to our two wonderful daughters and attend a local Church which I am very much involved with. I have a heart for Barry and the community around us.