Governing Body
Jodie Laing
Chair of Governors
I left school in 1999 before gaining an NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing. I then started training to support teenage pregnancy and teenage mums in education, using this education to support teenage parents to get them back in to work and with parenting life. I continued to build my area of expertise with mental health first aid training and counselling, working with the local authority to help safeguard and keep children safe.
Watching my 2 younger children grow up with additional needs (ASD and GDD) and start their journey through education has been a real eye opener. I have gained many extra skills and an understanding of how the world can be seen in a different way. I have a qualification in behaviour that is challenging, Level 2 Safeguarding and a Diploma in Autism and SEN. I also have a qualification in speech and language, and other qualifications around children with additional needs.
I originally joined RCS as a parent governor in February 2022 and from this progressed to Chair of Governors. I am hoping to put my knowledge and skills to good use, supporting the students at Rawmarsh to be the best that they can be.
Chris Wainwright
Support Staff Governor
ince leaving University in 2005 I have always worked in Education performing a number of different roles with different responsibilities. I was appointed at Rawmarsh Community School as Student Progress Leader in 2011 with one of my key objectives being to take a lead role within the pastoral support team.
Having worked at Rawmarsh for over 6 years I care greatly for all stakeholders who are involved with ensuring that our students get the best possible opportunities to progress as young people.
The opportunity of becoming a member of the governing body is personally a very exciting one, it will give me the chance to not only give a greater insight to existing members of the daily work that is completed at Rawmarsh but will also allow me to experience other aspects of running a secondary school.
Samuel Ngoma
Co-Opted Governor
Dr Samuel Ngoma is an experienced educator, business professional and dedicated community volunteer with a strong passion for education and making a positive
difference in the lives of others. Having spent many years teaching and tutoring in both France, the Republic of Congo and the UK, he has developed a particular passion for inspiring young people, nurturing their potential and helping them develop a genuine enthusiasm for learning.
Throughout his career, Samuel has worked across a diverse range of professional
roles. He has served as a lecturer in France and Congo, Commercial Director within
the sugar industry, ESOL Teacher in the UK, Data Processing Team Leader, and currently works as an Inside Sales Specialist for a global leader in food safety. These varied experiences have enabled him to develop strong communication, leadership, organisational and problem-solving skills, together with a broad understanding of business, education and professional development.
Samuel is particularly passionate about supporting the younger generation and
helping young people succeed in education. He believes that every young person has potential and that, with the right encouragement, support and opportunities, they can overcome challenges and achieve their goals. His experience as an educator
has reinforced his belief in the transformative power of education and the importance
of inspiring young people to believe in themselves.
For more than 15 years, Samuel has also given his time to volunteering and serving his local community through organisations including Voluntary Action Rotherham, SHILOH, Christians Against Poverty and New Life Centre Rotherham. Through these roles, he has supported individuals and families facing a range of challenges and has sought to make a practical and lasting difference in people’s lives.
In recognition of his commitment to volunteering and community service, Samuel
received the Voluntary Ambassador Award in 2013 and subsequently served as a
Rotherham Voluntary Ambassador for five years.
John Green
Teaching Staff Governor
I started work as a Science teacher at a small school in Barnsley in September 1993. I arrived at Rawmarsh in 2001 and have been a member of staff at the school ever since.
I care deeply about the young people of our school and the wider community in general and I hope that being appointed to the Governing body at Rawmarsh will allow me to support the Leadership Team in moving the school forward over the coming years.
Mark Richmond
Parent Governor
For virtually all of my career I have worked in the IT sector for a large bank. I currently manage a global team of IT staff focussing on global payment technologies.
I moved to Rawmarsh 20 years ago and once my children were born I took more of an interest in education. This led me to become a parent governor for a number of years at an RCS feeder school.
Personally I believe that education, both in academic subjects but also in people skills, is key to setting up our youngest members of society with the best chance of success in the future.
Andrew Costello
Co-Opted
I have worked in a variety of roles in education and employment throughout my career. Early on I worked in careers advice and guidance in South Yorkshire. After this I progressed in to the development of qualifications, apprenticeships and related products. I have experience of working for professional bodies and employer led organisations in a range of occupational areas.
Since 2018 I’ve worked for an awarding organisation called NOCN. I currently work as Product Manager for Maths, English and Digital qualifications. In this role I use a range of techniques to evaluate, enhance and manage products and services.
I hope to be able to use my experience of working in the further education sector to help the senior leadership team at RCS to continue to create and develop a supportive environment where every student can thrive and progress.
Ian Whitehouse
Co-Opted
I have worked within educational settings for several years, gaining experience across primary, secondary, and alternative provision. I began my career with Wickersley Partnership Trust as a sports coach at Rawmarsh Community School, before progressing to the role of Teaching Assistant and Learning Mentor.
Following this, I moved into alternative provision, where I delivered a sports course across the Trust for 12 months. In January 2026, I started my current role as Isolation Manager at Wickersley School and Sports College, where I support student behaviour, engagement, and positive outcomes.
As a governor, I would bring a practical, student-centred perspective, alongside a commitment to supporting staff and leadership in delivering high-quality education. I am keen to contribute to strategic decision-making, ensure accountability, and help the Trust continue to provide the best possible outcomes for all pupils.
Contact the Chair of Governors
To get in touch with Jodie Laing, Chair of Governors, please email jlaing-gov@rawmarsh.org.
Become a School Governor
INSPIRE. CHANGE. DEVELOP.
Wickersley Partnership Trust encompasses 13 schools across Rotherham and Gainsborough. It exists to further the interests of the young people it serves.
Becoming a School Governor can have a positive impact on the young people in your local community and help to drive school improvement. A Local Governing Body plays an integral role in a school’s success; working together with senior school leadership and guiding their strategic direction.
Why not give back and help give children and young people the best start in life, whilst developing your own skills in a way which can benefit your career. We like to think of it as a win-win situation!
