Andrea Walker (Executive Headteacher) (term of office (01/09/2022 - )

As Executive Head teacher at Hawes Primary, my role is to help strategically lead and support the whole school team, working alongside Head of School, Miss Caygill, and the Governors. I work in Hawes for up to 2 days each week; when not here, I am supporting other schools within YCAT and also further afield through my other job as a freelance education adviser.

I have lived locally in the Yorkshire Dales for most of my life. Beyond education, my passion is road cycling at home and abroad and I also enjoy hiking the hills and playing the piano. I have many years of experience teaching, leading and supporting schools across North Yorkshire and Cumbria, including 3 different primary headships in village schools (leading the team in 2 of these to Outstanding Ofsted inspections), being a National Leader of Education, an adviser for both Local Authorities and a lecturer in education at the University of Cumbria; I have taught across the primary curriculum, but especially enjoy History (I have a degree in History from Durham University), Music, French and English, as well as promoting outdoor learning. I spent last year as an adviser for NYCC, with special responsibility for small schools across the county. I plan to put all this experience to good use at Hawes, working with the team to help achieve the very best we can for every child. 

Andrea Caygill – Staff Governor & Head of School - (term of office 1/10/19-30/09/22)

Mike Hirst - (term of office 03/02/2022 - 02/02/2026)

My background is in education. With a degree in Geology from Newcastle University, I taught Geography and Geology first in a small Catholic school in Wallsend and then in a Jesuit Boarding College in Derbyshire. Over the years, I have run several outdoor pursuits programme in schools including courses and training in Canoeing and Sailing, Caving and expedition work. I ran a large Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award programme with expeditions in Snowdonia, the Lake District and the Outer Hebrides.

For twenty years my wife and I have been involved in the leadership of King’s Club in Wensleydale. This week long programme in the summer run by the local churches, provided activities for local children and young people aged 6 -16 from the schools in the Dale.

Abbie Rhodes - Chair of Governors - Term of Office (03/01/2023 - 02/01/2027)

As a former pupil of Hawes Primary School, I am honoured to become a parent governor. After gaining my degree in Modern Languages from Newcastle University I spent time living in Europe, Newcastle and Manchester before returning to Hawes in 2002.
As General Manager of The Upper Dales Community Partnership I lead the team who provide the services, and access to services, as needed by the community's residents. This includes the local library, post office, and community transport among others. I am also the current Chair of the Hawes Market House Trustees and a member of the grant panel for the Roger Stott Community Grant Fund. This fund is run by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, which was established by one of my own former primary school teachers, Roger Stott.
Deeply passionate about the sustainability of our vibrant community, I hope that my experience will help me contribute towards Hawes Primary School enthusiastically, responsibly and effectively.

Tom Fremlin - Parent Governor - Term of Office (25/01/2022 - 24/01/2026)

I am Tom Fremlin and I’ve recently taken on the role of parent governor following a move North to Hawes last summer (my wife is a native!). My son is currently enjoying nursery and will start in reception this September (his brother will follow in a couple of

years). I have a strong background in education (I am a Year5/6 teacher myself) and have been involved in teaching (primary and secondary), leading school expeditions (and wider extra-curricular programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh Award/Forest Schools/John Muir Award), working in boarding and in leadership.

I hope that I can bring some of my experiences to this role and would like to support the school and wider community as it moves forwards. I have wide-ranging interests, particularly in music, history and the outdoors.