Our Chair of governors is Paul Stratford, who can be contacted via the school office or directly by emailing chair@aldermanpayne.cambs.sch.uk 

Our Governors

Sarah Mulford

I joined Alderman Payne as Headteacher in September 2024. I am passionate about children's holistic education, including academic excellence, social and emotional wellbeing and wider opportunities to help children to discover and develop their interests, passions and talents. The primary phase of education creates the foundations on which children's whole lives will be built and the school role in this vital. Although not living locally, I believe in a strong community, both within the school and within the local area and I plan to ensure the school continues to be 'a part of village life.' However, we also need to prepare children for the wider world in all its diversity and with all it has to offer, accepting our own roles and responsibilities to sustain a healthy future and engage in the modern world. I am thrilled to be part of this community and to join the children, families and staff in their educational journey.

Paul Stratford

I was a teacher for nearly 30 years, becoming Vice-Principal at Neale-Wade Community College, but left the profession in September 2012. I now have a part-time role with Cambridgeshire County Council as an educational ICT consultant. I moved to Murrow in 2015 and you may have seen me running around Murrow and Parson Drove trying to keep fit.

I want to be a governor as I feel that I have an understanding of schools and the way in which the education system operates. It was important for me to become a governor of a school close to home as I want to support a local school to improve the life chances of the children in the community in which I live.

Derek O’Sullivan

I started as a Co-opted governor at the Peel Community College in Long Sutton whilst my son was attending. It seemed right to give back some of my time to try to make sure that children have the best start in life as they can.

I was then asked if I would come along as an associate member of the Governors at Alderman Payne to give a little more experience. Subsequently I became a full Co-opted Governor. This allows me to see children's progress through their school lives. From reception to Yr 6, transition to Yr 7 and senior school, with its challenges through to Yr 11, it is worth the effort to see the progress of all children of all abilities. Being a Governor is for one purpose: making sure that every child matters.

Alex Craig

I am a parent to two children. I am married to Steven Craig and we are both teachers in a large secondary school. Steve is Head of House and I am Deputy Headteacher. I have worked at the school since 2005 and my responsibilities include the curriculum attainment, assessment and departmental/House line management. The school recently became part of a Multi Trust Academy with four feeder Primary Schools and therefore I am now working with each primary's attainment lead to share good practice and identify and address common targets such as reducing the disadvantaged gap. My son has had a fantastic start at Alderman Payne and I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute and support the school further.

Colin Killingworth

I had 37 years working for the Post Office and was an official representative of the CWU (Communication Workers Union) for the Royal Mail. I represented the drivers in their duty changes. I bring these skills with me to my role as governor.

Being a school governor gives me the opportunity to support the staff and children in different ways on their journey from reception to year 6.

Anna Lee

My two sons attended Alderman Payne Primary many years ago, they are now 29 and 27! However, they both enjoyed and benefited greatly from their attendance and have fond memories of the fabulous and infamous Mrs Goose in Key Stage 1. Back then I was very busy with work and had little time to support school activities. Having recently taken early retirement from my commercial career in manufacturing industry, I would now like to see how I can assist the school, hopefully utilising my work/life experience. I am also very interested in environmental and human health and will be keen to see how we can encourage our primary students to also gain a key interest in these important topics, which will stand them in good stead in the years to come. I am looking forward to joining the governor team and supporting the staff to continue to deliver a high quality and happy learning experience for all children.

Danielle Gibbs

I have a background in scientific research although I currently run my own genealogy business. I am interested in science, history, literacy and fostering a love of learning in children. Diversity, inclusion and removing barriers to learning are close to my heart. My two children attend Alderman Payne and we have found it to be a welcoming and supportive community to aid them in their learning and development. I look forward to using my role as governor to maintain and build upon this.