Welcome to our Governors’ section. 

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

Our Vision

As Governors we will support, as well as challenge, the school to ensure that we achieve the best in all we do, to enable all of our children to realise their full potential throughout their school life and secure their lifelong success.

All decisions made by the Governing Board are based on the following criteria:

"Is it in the best interest of the Yenton child?"

Governing Body

Also see:

Please click on the link below to see Robin Hood Multi-academy Trust's scheme of delegation

Governor Profiles

Dr Rob Arnold: Chair of Governors

My name is Rob Arnold and I am a co-opted Governor. I joined the Governing board early in 2020 and am delighted to now serve as the Chair of the Local Governing Board

I work as a research metallurgist for HyProMag LTD, studying the reuse and recycling of rare-earth magnets. Before this and during my studies, I worked as a private education tutor, focusing on science and maths of all abilities. As a former student of Yenton, it is a privilege to serve as a Governor and assist the school in any way that I can.

Link Role: Safeguarding and SEND
Term of Office: 4/12/2026

Sai Bavane Sivayogaiswaran

My name is Sai Bavane Sivayogaiswaran and I am a co-opted Governor. I became a member of the Governing Board in March 2019.

I work in Human Resources for a global professional services company in Birmingham city centre and bring a wealth of HR knowledge and skills into my Governor position. In 2020, I will be monitoring the use of Sports Premium within in the School, ensuring funds are used as required for additional sport activities and equipment outside of PE lessons.

Link Role: Stakeholder liaison
Term of Office: 27/3/2026

Ishrat Karimi Fini

My name is Ishrat Karimi Fini and I am a parent governor elected for this role in 2020. My son attends the school and as a mother I would like to support the school where I can and give him the best start of his educational life and give other children hope to achieve everything in their capability.

My professional background is working for Local Government I oversee Leisure and cultural services and have a specialist skill in parks management, project management, environmental programmes and community projects.

I'm looking forward to working with the school and providing excellent provision for children and supporting the school to enhance opportunity.

Term of Office: 9/12/2024

Paul Smith

My name is Paul Smith. I work for Robin Hood Multi Academy Trust and I am the Head Teacher at Yenton Primary School. I have been Head Teacher since September 2016.

Previously I was Head Teacher at Robin Hood Academy and have provided leadership support to a variety of schools across Birmingham.

Debbie Ward

Parent Governor

My name is Debbie Ward and I am a parent governor. I became a member of the Governing Board in February 2022. My two daughters attend the school and as a mother I would like to support the school where I can; helping to give my children, and the rest of the students, the best start to their life. I have also taken on the Stakeholder Liaison role. This will allow me to ensure that all the stakeholders are given a fair voice, while also encouraging new ideas for community engagement.

My professional background has always been in the financial industry, where I have over 20 years experience. I aim to use the skills I have acquired in this high pressure industry, to be an effective Governor for Yenton School.

Term of Office - 31st Jan 2026

Nicholas Stamp

My name is Nick Stamp. I work for Robin Hood Multi Academy trust as a class teacher and P.E Lead. 

I joined Yenton Primary School as an NQT in September 2016. I have taught across Key Stage 2 having spent a number of years in Year 4, 5 and 6, which has provided me with great experience and understanding of how our children learn. In 2019, I took on the role of P.E lead and take great pride in enhancing the subject for the benefit of our children. 

In my role as Staff Governor, I hope to bring new ideas to propel our school forward and provide the greatest possible opportunities for our children as it is them who are at the centre of everything we do. 

Term of office 12th Oct 2027

Mrs Rachael Downs

My name is Rachael Downs and I am a co-opted Governor. I am thrilled to join the Governing Board from January 2024. I have been part of Robin Hood Multi-Academy Trust for many years as a Deputy Head Teacher and then subsequently as Head Teacher at Robin Hood Academy.  In 2023, I stepped back from being involved in education full time to start my own business. I have, however, remained involved with schools as a teacher and as a School Improvement Consultant (with a focus on curriculum development) on a regular basis. 

I began my career as an Newly Qualified teacher in 2000, spending my teaching career, and then my time as a School Leader, in schools with a high proportion of disadvantaged children. In these settings, the quality of education and experiences offered at the schools was pivotal to ensuring all children could thrive and reach their full potential. This remains my reason for wanting to stay involved in education and to use my experience to support the school community around Yenton Primary School to continue to go from strength to strength.

Term of Office 22nd Jan 2028

Dan Biggin

My name is Dan Biggin and I am a co-opted Governor. I graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 2015 and then trained to teach via the 'Teach First' graduate scheme which is a charity whose goal is to tackle educational inequality. Currently I work in a local girls grammar school where I have been since 2017.  I have a keen interest in pedagogy, particularly within Mathematics, and am looking forward to learning more about primary education in my time as governor. 

I joined the governing board as I believe all children are entitled to an excellent education and I believe I can help offer a different perspective based off my experience in secondary schools. I would like to help promote high standards and aspirations amongst the Yenton children to give them the best possible outcomes by the end of their time here. 

Term of office 22nd Jan 2028