Members of The Priory Witham Academy LGB come from a wide variety of different backgrounds. Below you will find a short biography of each of our Governors. Please click on the link below for details of appointments and attendance:

Governing body details and attendance records 

Patrick Smith-Howell (Chair)

Patrick was born in Norfolk; recently completed over 43 years’ Service in the Royal Air Force as an aircraft technician and is now employed within the NHS at Lincoln County Hospital. He has been involved in School Governance for over 20 years and following a move to the Lincoln area in 2004 took up a role on the Joseph Ruston Governing Body transferring to the Priory Witham Academy when it formed.

Patrick is Chair of the Local Governing Body and is Lead Governor responsible for ensuring effectiveness of Leadership and Management and Lead Governor of the Academy Disciplinary and Appeals Committee.

Patrick is married, lives in North Hykeham with interests in travelling, walking, reading, golf, keeping fit and is a fan of Norwich City Football Club.

Lynda Turton

Lynda has now retired from employment with Lincolnshire County Council where she worked in various roles which included 'Safeguarding and Review', Early Years and was previously employed as a Childminding Development Officer and various administrative posts; self-employed as a Registered Childminder.

Lynda has served as a governor for over 20 years, initially at Sir Francis Hill School and then at Ancaster High School (as it was known then) when her children progressed to senior school. She is currently a governor at Priory Witham and also at Priory Lincoln Academies, where she is keen to ensure all students achieve their full potential in a safe and happy environment.

Elaine Abdul

Elaine is a qualified primary school teacher who works with children and young people that are deaf in Lincolnshire. She has prior experience of working with young people and their families within different social care and education sectors. Elaine is passionate about ensuring all children and young people achieve the best possible outcomes in their lives.

Elaine has two secondary aged children, has attended many school events and is an advocate for the great work that Witham does to support their children, young people, families and the local community.

Di Hardcastle

Di retired in July 2016 after 37 years in teaching with 34 of these being spent at Priory Witham (formally Ancaster High School and Joseph Ruston Technology College). She has 28 years experience in pastoral care and believes, passionately, that the key to children becoming successful, happy and responsible citizens of the future is them being provided with a positive learning environment that encourages independence, teamwork, self-belief and resilience.

Di is married and loves travelling, wildlife and photography.

Anna Humphris

Anna has over twenty years experience in administration and telecommunications. Her areas of expertise are within data interpretation and equality and inclusion. Anna knows the local community having lived near to the Academy for a number of years and is passionate about advocating the Academy representing its values, ethos and parent community. 

Anna's interests lie in continuing professional development and reading. 

Annette Ansell

Annette has over twenty years experience working in education, with expertise in health and safety and people management. Annette is a valued member of the local community.