Governors

To view the Trustees for the Tilian Partnership, follow this link.

Meet the governors

Mrs Rebecca Spurling (Chair of Governors & Foundation Governor): I am a parent of two children at Wilby School and have been part of the school community since 2021. Whilst I joined the Governing Body as a Parent Governor, I am now in a Foundation Governor role and have been Chair of Governors since September 2025. I have been a secondary school English teacher since 2013, working before that as a PA. I joined the governing body as a way of giving something back to my local community and I am really enjoying working with the school staff, other governors, and parents to help set and maintain a clear vision for the school.

Mrs Sally Brightwell : Having been fortunate enough to grow up in the lovely village of Wilby and attend Wilby Primary School, it was a great honour to be appointed as Parent Governor in January 2020. I have two young children, both of whom attend the school.  I qualified as an accountant in 2005, and have remained working local to the area, where I am also actively involved on our family farm. I feel very passionate that every child should be given the best opportunites to maxmise their full potential. I look forward to bringing my own personal skills and experience to assist and support the school as much as possible as it moves forward and continues to provide the highest quality of learning experiences.

Mr Joseph Cordy (Parent Governor): I was fortunate to become a Parent Governor in 2023 and was inspired to do so as I strongly believe in the power of a brilliant education to help all children reach their full potential and become the stars of the future. Having grown up in Norfolk, I went to The University of Birmingham and then lived in Warwickshire for my early career before returning to Suffolk when starting a family. I have had a career in various sales, marketing and commercial roles, working for some brilliant brands and businesses and hope that some of the skills and experience I have picked up in those roles will be able to help the governing body.

Mrs Lynsey Smith (Parent Governor): I attended Wilby Primary School as a child and now being a parent of two children here, I am delighted to become a parent governor and contribute to the continued success of our school community. I am particularly proud to serve as the SEND Governor, supporting the school's commitment to ensuring that every child feels included, supported and able to flourish. I enjoy working alongside the leadership team, staff, fellow governors and parents to champion the school's inclusive values and help every child thrive. My professional background combines creativity, education and communications. I have worked in a strategic role within the fashion design industry, lectured at the University of the Arts London (UAL), taught Art at a local secondary school, and now work in marketing and communications for a local community events hub. These experiences have shown me the importance of community, collaboration, nurturing confidence, creativity and a love of learning in every young person.

Revd. Richard Court (Foundation Governor): I am married with two adult children and two grandchildren. I am still active in ministry helping out at various churches in the area. I enjoy walking, running, swimming and cycling having completed several triathlons and run half marathons. I was a school Governor for ten years whilst ministering in Worcestershire.  Having now retired from full time ministry in the Church of England and returned to Suffolk, I was approached to become a Foundation Governor, a role I was happy to accept. I think that education is the fundamental building block for the whole of our lives and am happy to offer my experience to Wilby School.

Mr Simon Hipwell (Headteacher): I have been teaching for over 15 years across Norfolk and Suffolk, most recently moving from an Assistant Headteacher role in Diss to become the Headteacher of Wilby. Teaching has always been my dream job as working with children is so rewarding. Apart from a brief stint in Bath while at university, I have lived in the Waveny Valley for my whole life and couldn't dream of living anywhere else. I am a keen sportsman, playing hockey for Harleston Magpies as well as belonging to Diss Golf Club.  

Charlotte Atkinson (Additional Governor): I moved to Wilby with my husband in September 2016 and established ‘Charlotte’s Wood’ as a centre for Forest School sessions, Forest School Leader training, woodland activities and Nordic Walking.  I was born in Suffolk and am a former primary school teacher and headteacher with over 25 years’ experience of working in schools, with children and families.  In addition to my Forest School activities, I work with schools in Suffolk, delivering training for governing boards and as an external adviser for headteacher appraisal.  I am also a member of the Wilby Coronation Hall Committee and volunteer regularly at local events.  I am passionate about the importance of connecting people (especially children) with nature and hope that this passion, along with my educational experience, will be of value to the governing board.

Who does what on the Governing Body?

Each Governor has a range of responsibilities. These may change from time to time, depending on the needs of the school and the individual. The current roles and responsibilities for other Governors are listed below:

Mrs Sally Brightwell: Chair of the Finance/Personnel Committee.  New Governor Mentor. Policy and Resources Governor.

Revd. Richard Court: Vice Chair -Foundation Governor - Safeguarding Governor-Well-being Governor

Mr Joseph Cordy: Parent Governor. Member of of the Finance/Personnel Committee. GDPR Governor,  Website and Health and Safety Governor

Mrs Rebecca Spurling: Chair of Governors. Foundation Governor. SRE Governor.

Charlotte Atkinson: Governor. Member of Finance/ Personnel Committee.

Mrs Lynsey Smith: Parent Governor. SEND Governor. 

Mr Simon Hipwell: Head Teacher - Membership of Finance/Personnel. Named Governor for Ethos, Learning and Achievement. New Governor Induction Governor. Policy and Resources Governor.

Jane Balls: Additional governor to work within the Finance/Personnel Committee. Clerk for WGB Meetings. 

as at 18/03/2026)
Previous Chair/ Parent Governor