I have been closely associated with St. Mary‘s for nearly all my life. 

I first attended the School as an Infant as long ago now as 1955 in the days when Mr. Gleeson was Head Teacher.  I left the school for De La Salle Grammar School in Salford in summer of 1963.

From there I went on to study for a Law Degree at Manchester University and in 1977 was enrolled as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court. 

It was our Parish Priest and Chair of Governors, Father Vincent Cavey who recommended to the Bishop of Salford that I should become a Foundation Governor 20 years ago now, during the time when Mr. Brierley was Head Teacher.

During the past 20 years or so, our three children have attended and thrived at St Mary’s, in common with so many other children who have attended the school.  It has proved a wonderful launch pad for their future careers and later lives.  During this time the present headteacher, Ms. Reeves, has overseen such an improvement in all aspects of School Life that when last inspected by Ofsted, in 2013, St. Mary’s was adjudged to be Outstanding.

I was pleased and privileged to hold the position of Chair of the Governing Body from Easter 2010 until the Autumn of 2015, and I have been proud to be able to support our School Community in my role as a Foundation Governor.

Pope Francis’ said:

“Find innovative ways to create dignified jobs for young people”. 

The role of Governor at St. Mary’s is one way to help the School Community to achieve that wonderful goal.

I work for HMRC where I am a Technical Customer Service Leader. I have spent 15 years as a manager of several teams from trainees to experienced staff.  As a governor, I believe if we invest in our children and support them in their personal and spiritual growth they can develop their own unique character, realise their full potential and lay the foundations for a happy and successful life.

I am proud of St Mary’s School and of the parish of St Mary’s where I attend Mass each week with my son. I am keen on strengthening the links between the two as well as the wider community.   I am also a member of the PTA. I have come to realise we have a lovely strong support network here at St Mary’s with lots of supportive parents and dedicated staff.  I am delighted to have the opportunity to give more to St Mary’s school and the parish. 

After teaching in Catholic Schools in Rochdale and Manchester, I joined St Mary’s in 2004 as Headteacher.  I have been a member of the Governing Body since my appointment.  I am a National Leader of Education and a Diocesan Leader of Education and offer support to schools in challenging circumstances.  I also act as a Diocesan Adviser to governing bodies for Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher appointments.

As Headteacher, I report to and attend all committee and full governing body meetings.  It continues to be a pleasure to work alongside such a talented team of dedicated staff and committed governors.

In January 2016, I had two children attending St Mary’s RC Primary and Nursery School and felt it was time to give ‘something back’.  I already helped on the PTA, something any parent can get involved in.  When a vacancy arose in January 2016, I put myself forward to become a Parent Governor.  In February 2016, I was elected by other parents to become one of the school’s two Parent Governors, for a term of up to 4 years.

In January 2020, my term of 4 years was almost up.  As I’d learnt so much during my first term and enjoyed the role, I decided I would put my name forward again, for a further 4 year term, starting in February 2020. No other parent put their name forward, so an election wasn’t necessary and I began my second term.  I still have one child attending the school.

I am the link governor for Maths and Science.  The roles I have taken on suit my background skills the most, being a practical type person, as I’ve been an avionic engineer for my whole career.  I completed almost 15 years in the military.  Since then, I’ve been working on civilian aircraft, as a UK CAA B2 Licenced Engineer, working all over Europe and the Middle East.

Since I became a parent governor, I have completed many courses, which have helped me a great deal, as there was a lot to learn.  I have worked hard to understand the workings of the school and find it very interesting.  These courses have definitely helped me become an effective member of the team of School Governors.

As we all know, the last school report from Ofsted classed St Mary’s “Outstanding”.  That is no mean feat and is testament to the hard work of the Headteacher, teaching staff, governors and children alike. Everyone is working hard to keep this level of attainment by way of continuous improvement.

I have no family ties in Denton/Manchester (they live on the East Coast in Scarborough).  This school, which I and fellow parents should be proud of, is one of the main reasons we will be staying where we are.

Curriculum and Pupil wellbeing Committee

I joined St Mary’s in September 2022 as Deputy Headteacher, having previously taught in catholic schools in Salford, Wigan and Trafford since beginning my teaching career in Bedfordshire in 2011. 

I have experience teaching across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and have led a research group with the Open University in Trafford, focusing on developing reading for pleasure pedagogy in schools. 

I am passionate about ensuring that all children at St. Mary’s receive an enriching and inspiring curriculum that will enable them to develop their God given talents to the best of their ability, working with staff, families and the community to achieve this. 

None

Education has always been a part of my life.  In my career I have taught at schools in Manchester and Stalybridge before completing my teaching career as Head of Music at St Thomas More RC college in Denton before retiring in 2017. 

I am an active member of St Mary’s parish where I am involved as a musician and reader.  I have recently been appointed as a Parish Safeguarding Representative and assist with Baptism preparation courses.  Both of my daughters attended St Marys, and my husband is a former governor, so I have always had close links with the school.  During my time at St Thomas More and through the parish I have been fortunate to witness and work with a number of pupils from St Mary’s, and I have always been impressed by their behaviour, positive attitude and respect for others. 

I was honoured to be asked to become a foundation governor of the school and believe that with my educational background and parish links I will be able to contribute towards continuing success of St Mary’s school.