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GOVERNORS
Governor Biographies
Julie Dickson – Chair of Governors
I became a Governor at RWBA in February 2022 and was invited to become Safeguarding Link Governor in September 2022. In February 2024 I took on the role of Chair of Governors. I very much look forward to using my knowledge and experience gained over the past 40 years to support the great work undertaken by the staff and pupils of Royal Wootton Bassett Academy.
In my career I have worked in Education as a teacher in a variety of secondary schools in Swindon and Wiltshire. I spent the last 15 years at a Senior Level, including Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral and Safeguarding) and as a Headteacher. I understand how important effective governance is in the smooth running of a school.
I have lived in Royal Wootton Bassett for the last 12 years and I am passionate about our community and endeavour to get involved in local initiatives whenever possible.
Geralyn Wilson - Community Governor and Vice Chair
I am an experienced education leader with a lifelong commitment to helping schools flourish and supporting every young person to achieve their potential. Over more than 30 years in education, I’ve held senior leadership roles in schools across London, the Midlands, and Buckinghamshire, including 14 years as a Headteacher.
I have been a Trustee with Aspire Alternative Provision in High Wycombe for 16 years, helping to guide the development of schools that provide specialist support for pupils with additional or social, emotional, and mental health needs. I’ve also contributed to national education work through my role as a Trustee with the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and as a Course Leader with the Ambition Institute, where I focused on school improvement and leadership development.
Currently, I serve as Vice-Chair, working with dedicated teams to shape high-quality education. I enjoy my role as governor and working with the brilliant team at Ascend Learning Trust has been a real privilege.
I remain passionate about leadership, collaboration, and ensuring that every child has access to the support and opportunities they deserve. My role as a governor at RWBA has been very rewarding and I have enjoyed all aspects of working with staff and pupils at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy.
Karen Beard - Parent Governor
I have always been really passionate about supporting children to be the very best they can be within the education system. I have been a school governor for over 15 years in a variety of different settings including primary and secondary schools, academies and local authority maintained schools. I have experience in strategic HR and finance and have been professionally involved in the financial services, charitable and education sectors.
As a parent I am in a really good position to be able to see different perspectives and understand how tricky bringing all views together to reach a resolution can be. RWBA is the most amazing place for our young people to learn, to grow, to have a positive impact on their local community and to be the best version of themselves – whatever that may be. I am so proud to be part of a team that is able to deliver that.
I love that everyone is made to feel part of our community and that we are part of group of schools in the Ascend Learning Trust family that share common aims and goals. I know it's easy to write that down on paper, but it really is true, come and visit us with your young person so that you can see for yourself!
Jonny Shephard – Staff Governor
I bring a strong background in education and science teaching to this role as a staff governor. My insight into curriculum planning, assessment, and student progress enables me to contribute effectively to school oversight and decision-making.
Outside of school, I enjoy playing the piano and board games.
