I was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, and grew up in a small village called Notton near Wakefield. I have lived in Wakefield since marrying in 1979, and although I have moved house a few times, Wakefield has always been home. Looking back, I know my family and early life shaped me deeply. My parents encouraged me never to give up and to always strive to achieve, and those values have stayed with me.
My Career Journey
After studying at Wakefield College, I continued my education at the University of Huddersfield and later at Loughborough University, where I combined part-time study with work at Dunlop in their sports division. That start led me into HR and training, and eventually into the field that would define much of my career - small business support and consultancy.
For over 20 years I worked across the UK and overseas, supporting small and medium enterprises. I was fortunate to be involved in major projects with the European Commission, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Much of this work was in Eastern Europe during the 1990s, helping countries preparing to join the European Union. I spent time in places like Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Baltic states - even in Ukraine’s Donbass region, which of course is very different today.
Becoming a Governor
My connection with Notre Dame began through family: my three stepsons all studied here at different times. That link encouraged me to volunteer as a parent governor in 2002. Since then, I have served with the Bishop Konstant Multi-Academy Trust, chaired governors at St Thomas à Becket, and taken on various regional and national roles in governance.
I became Vice Chair of Governors at Notre Dame in 2013 and Chair in 2018. In 2022, I was honoured to be appointed a National Leader of Governance for Further Education, one of just twelve in the country. This role has allowed me to support governing bodies nationally, working alongside the Further Education Commissioner.
Leading Notre Dame
Being Chair is about service, community, and upholding the Nolan Principles of Public Life. At Notre Dame, I have had the privilege of working with an exceptional team. Together we have achieved two outstanding Ofsted inspections, including a recent ‘strong’ rating for skills. Student numbers have grown, and our reputation has strengthened locally, regionally, and nationally, especially through our work with T Levels.
These are not individual achievements - they are collective successes, made possible by dedicated staff, governors, and students.
Beyond Governance
Outside college life, I enjoy travelling and walking with my wife. We love exploring the coast, the Dales, the Lakes, and recently returned from a walking holiday in Malta. Sport has always been a passion of mine - football, rugby, cricket, and horse racing. I am a lifelong Leeds United supporter, follow Wakefield Trinity and Yorkshire cricket, and co-own a couple of National Hunt horses. I’ve also been a member of York Racecourse for more than 20 years.
Cooking is another interest, especially Mediterranean and Italian dishes, and I take pride in preparing meals at home. I am also involved in fundraising, particularly for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of my late mother.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
If asked which historical figure I would most like to meet, I would choose Queen Elizabeth II. I admired her strength, character, and her passion for horses, and it would have been fascinating to share a conversation with her.
As I reflect on my years as Chair of Governors, I hope to be remembered as open, transparent, and effective. More importantly, I hope I have helped Notre Dame continue its journey as an outstanding college. I believe I have left a strong board in place, and I am confident the college will carry on moving forward with the same pace and determination that has inspired me throughout my time here.
For me, the greatest reward has always been the people - staff, students, and the wider community. Serving Notre Dame has been a privilege, and I will continue to support the college for as long as I can.
On behalf of the whole Notre Dame community, we thank David Wright for his dedication to education and as such was awarded the Platinum Stella Maris Leadership Award. At the end of the year, David was presented with the Bishop's Diocesan Medal in recognition of more than 25 years of dedicated service to Catholic education across the Diocese of Leeds. The presentation took place on the day of David's final Corporation Board meeting, marking the conclusion of his tenure as Chair of the Corporation. Presenting the medal on behalf of Bishop Marcus, Kieron Flood, Diocese of Leeds’ Director of Education praised David as a tireless champion of Catholic education and a beacon of selfless service, commending his faith, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the communities he has served as a governor.
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