Fran Colman - Headteacher

“We encourage independence of mind, curiosity and aspiration, allowing each child the opportunity to maximise their individual strengths and achieve their potential.”

Welcome from Our Head

I would like to extend you a very warm Westville welcome.

I am delighted that you are taking the time to look at our wonderful school in Ilkley, set in acres of idyllic Yorkshire countryside.  As a school we offer a unique educational journey in a warm, family friendly environment.

Westville is full of happy, empowered children who enjoy learning, take ownership for it and develop as lifelong learners.  We provide every one of our pupils the very best teaching, the highest standards of pastoral care and a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities.  We instil confidence, build resilience and nurture mind and spirit, preparing the children for the senior schools of choice but also for life beyond school.

For children, Westville is an exploration that is both inspiring and challenging. We encourage independence of mind, curiosity and aspiration, allowing each child the opportunity to maximise their individual strengths and achieve their potential. 

Academic standards are excellent but we also consider happiness and emotional resilience as integral. Physical health, emotional well-being, moral understanding, an appreciation of culture and the arts, science and the humanities all form part of the core curriculum.  Westville children believe in themselves and aspire to contribute.

When a child leaves Westville they are well prepared for the world – self confident, sociable and articulate – with many special memories of their time here.  Likewise, the parents embrace the vibrant Westville community and enjoy that sense of belonging that emerges in all Westville children.

We hope you will come and visit us so that you can experience what makes Westville House such a special place.

Mrs Frances Colman

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

Simon Cavell

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.

Jonathan Clough

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.

Jeremy Harrison

Governor (Finance)

Jeremy is a Chartered Accountant with extensive business experience culminating in his current role as MD of a Yorkshire based private equity backed property maintenance company. Married and living in Menston for over 30 years both son and daughter attended WHS where their early learning provided the foundation for successful further education and careers. Jeremy has a keen interest in sport and hobbies include sports commentating for Hospital Radio.

Rosey James

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.

Geoff Mountain

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.

Dan Rathbone

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.

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