Scott Primary

Geoff Hayward - Vice Chair of Governors

Until I retired in 2006, I was a Visiting Professor in Human Resource Management. In addition to lecturing at establishments of Higher Education in the UK, I lectured throughout Europe, including the former Soviet Bloc, Mozambique, South Africa and North America.

For many years I was an Associate Examiner and National Assignments Moderator (ER) with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD). For over two decades I worked closely with MPs at Westminster, and MEPs and officials within the EU; and was part of the UK delegation to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 1999. I served as a Governor of Ruskin College Oxford and was a long serving member of the Board of EGIN – a European wide professional educational and research body.

I’ve lived with my family in Bedford since 1979 and currently have two grandchildren at Scott. I am a passionate supporter of Blackburn Rovers F.C.

Anita Barker - Headteacher

I am immensely proud to be the Headteacher at Scott Primary School. Since becoming part of the "Scott family" in 2007, I have seen the school grow from having 135 children to now having over 500 very happy children on roll. We have the most amazing facilities set in the most stunning surroundings. I am privileged to work with such talented staff and children and be ably supported by a team of dedicated, hardworking and committed Governors. We all work together to achieve the very best outcomes possible for our children.

Scott really is a very special place in which to "inspire, believe and achieve"

Gabrielle Dobrady - Co-opted Governor

I first came to the school when it was still Scott Lower and I was working for the Borough in Social, Emotional, Behaviour Support. I used to deliver social and emotional literacy interventions to small groups of vulnerable children and was immediately struck by the friendly, caring atmosphere and ethos, enthusiastic children and obvious dedication of the Headteacher and staff.

I was pleased to become a governor when I retired and have been on the Governing Board for 8 eventful years. Because of my background, I am the link governor for the Nurture Group and Inclusion and (prior to the pandemic) enjoyed visiting the school to meet the staff and witness the progress of individual children as they moved up the school, growing in both learning and self confidence. I am on the Teaching and Learning, and Personnel Committees and continue to be impressed by the hard and imaginative work of the staff as they rise to meet all the challenges and changes since becoming a Primary School and most recently as a result of Covid-19.

Nikki Hester-Robb - Co-opted Governor

I grew up in Bedford, now married with two children who attend Scott Primary School. My career has centred around children and young adults, starting out as a family centre officer for social services before moving into education. I studied at Luton University, have worked in a number of private and state schools, and now work part-time as a teaching assistant in a local village primary school.

I joined the governing board in July 2019 as a literacy link governor, and am delighted to support a pro-active team to help ensure all our children have the best start in their education.

Sam Mellonie - Co-opted Governor

I have been involved with Scott Primary School for many years, as both a parent, a PTA member and a governor. My eldest child is almost at the end of their school life, my youngest is currently in Year 5 at Scott.

Working in local government I bring knowledge of local government financial procedures, and my own financial experience to the pool of governor knowledge and experience, which is beneficial for my position on the Finance & Premises committee. Having spent the last 10+ years volunteering for the PTA I have a comprehensive knowledge of the layout of the school, the classes and the staff.

Born in Scotland, I have lived in Bedford since I was 5 (with a brief spell in London & France whilst at University). I have had a varied working career, my original degree was in French and Business Studies, following which I have worked in bacteriology, credit control and finance, logistics and for the past 18 years, archaeology within a local government setting – in a role which also encompasses budget management and other financial procedures. A few years ago I completed an Open University degree in Environmental Studies.

Outside of work I enjoy swimming, particularly open water swimming (summer only though), running, reading and cooking. I also am a Beaver Scout Leader for Brickhill Beavers, and several children from Scott are part of my colony.

Stephen Peacey - Co-opted Governor

I am a retired Head Teacher which means I can offer a good deal of experience across the education phases.

After studying in Exeter my first teaching post was at Mark Rutherford Upper School in Bedford. After two years I spent a year as head of Geography at Latimer School near Kettering, before taking up a similar post at Lea Manor High School in Luton. Whilst there, I spent a year teaching in the USA, near Chicago, on an exchange programme. Luton was an extremely valuable experience and I spent 23 years there before gaining my first headship at Abbey Middle School in Bedford.

In 2006 I became head of Mark Rutherford School in Bedford as my career turned full circle. At the time, the school was in Special Measures, but after two years it came out of Special Measures going on to achieve consistently good OFSTED reports. Having made a career of working in schools in challenging circumstances I retired in 2015 after 42 years in education.

I have always been a keen sportsman, playing rugby at Bedford before moving to Ampthill Rugby Club. In retirement I still play badminton, enjoy cycling and walking my two dogs.

I enjoy being a governor at Scott Primary School and hope that my experience will enhance the skill set of a very good governing body and school leadership.

Marika Reay - Co-opted Governor

Originally from Sweden, I have lived in the UK for more than 20 years, am a mother of two, a scientist by training and work as a Technology Transfer Executive at Imperial College London. I joined the Governing Board in 2017 and bring with me the experience of different education systems having lived in Sweden, US and the UK.

Both in professional life as well as outside of work, I enjoy interacting and working with people from different disciplines and backgrounds. I was active in the scouts growing up and was later a scout leader. Other voluntary work has included being chairperson of a gospel choir and, in more recent years, involvement with school PTA.

Becoming a school governor is something I see as a great way of supporting the school and the local community.

Anne Sammé - Clerk

Acting as Clerk to the Governing Board, I am very proud to have been involved with Scott Primary School since 2011. The members of the Board encompass many facets of the school community and beyond, and together work hard to ensure Scott is a very successful school.

Rebecca Woolston - Associate Member

I have lived in Bedford my whole life and have been a qualified teacher since 2007. I started my teaching career at Scott when it was a lower school, before working as Director of Primary Education at a large middle school in Central Bedfordshire. I returned to Scott in 2019 as Assistant Headteacher and SENDCo, and am proud to be working alongside such an inspiring and dedicated team on the next step of Scott’s journey.

Outside of school, I enjoy writing, reading and theatre, and love bringing these elements of my personality into my teaching.

Sarah Worrall - Associate Member

I am Assistant Headteacher (KS2). I have been teaching for 11 years and have worked across both KS1 and KS2. I sit on the Governing Board as an Associate Member.