My name is Jo Basford, and I am Chair of Governors. I work at Staffordshire University in the Institute of Education. Before University, I was a primary school teacher, specialising in the early years foundation stage in three different schools in Shropshire. I joined the Governing Body at Market Drayton Junior School as I wanted to be able to offer my support and expertise to help fulfil our vision statement of ‘Passion for Learning, Skills for life’. I am proud to be a member of such a happy, thriving and aspirational school community. 

My name is John Cole, and I am a Trust Governor. A retired surveyor and valuer with two offices locally. I spent the vast majority of my career in and around North East Shropshire, and have a wide range of interest in the town as a proud Salopian and Draytonian, including founder Chairmanship of M.D. Sports Association, Vice Chairman of M.D. Mencap and Trustee of Shropshire Historic Churches among others. As the longest serving member I joined the Governing Body in 2012 having attended the school in 1959 and felt my non-educational background enabled me to bring support and expertise over a wide non-educational range to fulfil our avowed vision of ‘Passion for Learning, Skills for life’. I am honoured to be a member of such a contented, flourishing and ambitious school community and am pleased to be able to repay the wonderful education I was privileged be given in some small part. 

My name is Samantha Scott, I have been the Executive Headteacher over Market Drayton Infant and Nursery School and Market Drayton Junior School since September 2020. I am committed to improving the education and standards within our schools and beyond. Through collaborative work across the two schools, we have developed a broad, balanced curriculum, underpinned by our values, to provide a clear curriculum offer that runs from early years, through to the end of Key Stage 2.  

I am dedicated to working collaboratively across schools in Empower Academy Trust and beyond.  I have worked with the local authority as a consultant headteacher, worked with the teaching school to secure a bid for early years’ development in North Shropshire.  I currently represent North Shropshire academies on the Central Policy Group with the Local Authority.  

My name is Sally Brayne and I have been Head of School since September 2020. Working closely with our Executive Head and the Head of School at the Infants has ensured that we offer the children of Market Drayton the best possible start to their education, whilst preparing them for the next phase. We strive to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that offers every child the chance to shine. In addition, through the use of our school values we endeavour to safeguard our pupils and promote their emotional and social welfare in order to create happy, thoughtful learners who aspire to do their best. 

My name is Laurie Johnson and I am one of the parent Governors. The curriculum areas that I am link governor for are Science and the school Sports Premium.  

Some parents and children may know me as a teacher from Market Drayton Infants and Nursery school. I have been teaching for 16 years and in that time have had three children of my own, two of which have attended Market Drayton Junior school and thrived in the supportive teaching and learning environment that is instilled by all staff.