Governor (Safeguarding & Secretary)

Simon has worked in financial services for nearly 30 years and now advises UK banks on subjects including strategy, service, transformation, and compliance. Whilst he recently completed a Masters in Leadership, Simon’s original degree in English Literature and History reflects a long-held love for the arts. He served as a primary school governor (including Chair) for 10 years and was a founding director when 9 schools with shared values formed a Co-operative Educational Trust. Simon has lived in Yorkshire for the past 14 years, along with his wife and two teenage children. When he’s not enjoying a match from the sidelines with other parents, Simon’s interests include music, running, reading, cinema, and travel.

Governor (Business Development)

Jonathan is the founder and CEO of STRAT7Researchbods, a global data and insight consultancy which is part of a private equity backed group STRAT7. His background stems from an understanding of how customer insights and marketing play together, and has helped global brands be more customer centric. He has two children at Westville and is passionate about sport, fitness and wellbeing.

Governor (Finance)

Advisory Governor

Rosey James trained at the University of Cape Town where she majored in Maths and Chemistry and completed her PGCE. Her teaching career spanned 36 years during which she taught in 4 countries, in state, independent and international schools. She joined Westville in 1996 and through her 19 years held a variety of roles culminating in the Headteacher position. Rosey retired in September 2015 and now enjoys mentoring Heads and working on governing bodies.

Governor (Buildings & Facilities)

Geoff Mountain lives near Harrogate and has been married for 35 years to Helen. They have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Geoff was the founder and CEO of PM Group PLC, is Chairman and shareholder of MSL and Pitts Wilson. Geoff has extensive knowledge of PLC Corporate Governance, manages an extensive property portfolio and is involved with local beef and sheep farming.

Chair of Governors

Dan has two children at Westville. Dan has a Masters degree in electronic engineering from the University of York but chose to pursue a career in software engineering. After working in the tech departments at companies such as EE and Sky, Dan went on to found tech consultancy Infinity Works Consulting in 2014, growing the business to 450 staff before the business was acquired. Dan is now working on a new tech FinTech start-up which is in the very early stages of growth. Dan is a keen musician, fisherman, petrol-head, runner and investor and brings his technology know-how to the board.

Governor (Education)

Phil is the Head of Ashville Prep School in Harrogate. Previously he has had Headships in South London and Derbyshire and has 17 years experience leading Independent Prep Schools of all sizes. His educational philosophy centres around providing a balanced curriculum, with opportunity and experience for all.

He has been heavily involved with the Independent School Association, of which Westville are one of 650 members, last year having the honour of being their National Chair.
His wife is also in education, being the Deputy Head at The Froebelian School in Leeds. His son attends Ashville College and his daughter is studying Urban Planning at Sheffield University.