ST. PETER'S C.E.

GOVERNOR PROFILES

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As School Governors at St Peter's C.E. Primary School we bring perspectives and experience from our life and work. Our task is to strive for excellence in the care and education of all children at the school. All School Governors volunteer their time to work in partnership with the Headteacher. Together we oversee the strategic development of the school with a common goal: to provide a high standard of education for all pupils, whatever their ability and needs. Let us introduce ourselves:

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Fred Kershaw – Chair of Governors [Foundation]:  

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I have recently been appointed as a governor and was elected as Chair at the Governing Board in April 2021. I am currently chair of governors at Blackburn St Matthews Church of England Primary School with Brunel Nursery and Blackburn St Luke & St Philips Primary a Church of England Academy. Education is one of the most important ingredients to a happy, successful and constructive life. In fact, having access to a good education during childhood and early adulthood can make a real difference in later life. This is why I am a governor so that young people have the opportunity to receive a life changing experience through teaching and learning, which develops their creativity, which is the key to success in the future.

 

Prior to retirement in 2015 I was Deputy Director of Education at Blackburn Church of England Diocese, a position I held for 15 years, my main responsibility being for school buildings, for 2.5 years I was Acting Director. I also serve as a Trustee of the Ripley Educational Trust, which is based in Lancaster, I also served for a short time, 3 years on the Board of Cidari Multi Academy Trust. I believe I bring to the Governing Board a wealth of experience in education both at a local and national level. Prior to my time at the Board, I worked in industry in finance as an Account, Divisional Account, finishing as Divisional Financial Director. I then decided on a career change and held the position of Administrator in an independent girls’ school. My skills mix is various from Finance, HR, Legal, Buildings and Safeguarding. I am a committed Christian and currently worship in Preston at North Preston Evangelical Church, and currently hold the position of Designated Person for Safeguarding. I have held numerous positions during my 60 years as a Christian, including Youth leader, Deacon Treasurer, and Elder. I am an active member of Good News for Everyone (Formerly the Gideons) and held the following National positions, Trustee, Vice-President, and President. For a period of 27 years, I served as a Magistrate on the Criminal, Youth and Family panels.

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Mrs Susannah Burgess [Headteacher] 

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Mrs Gillian Clanford [Staff Governor]:

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Ashley Bloomfield [Local Authority Governor]: 

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I am committed, passionate and enthusiastic year 6 teacher and computing lead at Lower Darwen Primary school. I inspire and motivate children to embrace the modern world and to become well rounded members of society. I have a strong passion for teaching and ensure that all children are exposed to as many opportunities as possible during primary school. As computing lead, I hope to seamlessly integrate technology well within the school and to deal with tasks in a creative and innovative manner. I have a plethora of expertise that will equip me well to deal with a variety of issues that arise within schools such as: understanding and the implementation of the modern and creative curriculum, being certified Apple teacher gives me to the tools to embed and show the advantages of modern -day technology, BA Hons Law degree allows me to deal well in policies and procedures and a history of working in finance. I look forward to being a fundamental part of St Peters’ governing body and to make a difference to children and the school they are in.

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​​​Becky Sumner  [Foundation Governor]:

 

My husband and I, both attended St. Peter’s school (many years ago) and now both of my children have as well. My son left in 2020 to go to St Wilfrid’s and my daughter is currently in year 4, therefore being part of this school is a privilege. My son left St. Peters winning the “contribution to the school community” award and I feel this is how we as a family view the school. I am, as a new governor, willing to support the school in any way that is needed and look forward to the experience I will gain in this position. We are part of the St. Peter’s Church congregation and have been for many years, therefore my Christian values will be shown in my new role.

I have run my own successful business since 2004 and prior to this had experience in 5-star Health Spas and Cruise Liners. Therefore, my knowledge and work experience will help to support the school, staff and children in helping make the right choices for the children of our future.

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Gillian Clarke [Foundation Governor] 

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I have been a Foundation Governor at St Peter's since February 2022 and I regularly worship at St Peter's Church.

 

I am a fully qualified retired Human Resources professional and have worked in both the public (local government and NHS) and the private sector. During my career I have delivered HR services to schools and have worked with Headteachers and Governors in nursery, primary, secondary and special schools. I currently work on a casual basis for Lancashire County Council as a Clerk to School Appeals Panels. I have managed teams and have worked with associated professionals such as finance, legal and communications. I was the HR lead for the local Primary Care Trust during a national reorganisation of Primary Care – this was a time of significant change and I worked closely, both locally and regionally, with Trusts across the North West to implement a whole scale reorganisation. As a Foundation Governor I hope to give something back to the school drawing on my knowledge, skills and experience.

 

I am enthusiastic, motivated and committed to the governing body to ensure that the school delivers the best quality education and life experiences so that the children have the best start possible. I am proud to be a governor at St Peter's and look forward to being part of the continuing development of the school.

 

Margaret Massey [Foundation Governor] 

This is my first year as a Governor. I regularly attend St Peter's Church, am a member of the PCC and volunteer at the Mother and Toddler Group. I was a registered child minder for 7 years and helped to set up and run a playgroup in the Whitehall area, before my youngest son became a pupil at St Peter's. I hold strong beliefs in the importance of Christian values being instilled in our children and look forward to actively meeting them in school and at church services. I am qualified at post graduate level and my career was in Financial Services at senior management level. My last post was as General Manager for our local Credit Union, and I maintain this connection as Vice Chair and voluntary Compliance Manager in my retirement. I have worked across wide-spread communities and schools in BWD, which has given me an in depth understanding of the challenges many face living in disadvantaged, multi-cultural communities, or on the margins of society. My skills cover all areas of office management, staff training, government legislation, finance, budgets, accounting, funding streams, monitoring and evaluation. I hope some of these skills can be utilised by the Board of Governors and school, to help build on the strong foundations that already exist at St Peter's.

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David Davies  [Parent Governor] 

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I am excited to take on the role of Parent Governor at St Peter’s. St Peter’s has played a huge part in mine and my family’s life. My wife and I both attended the school, as did my brother and my wife’s siblings. Now our 2 children and our niece and nephew are all pupils at the school. Although the fabric of the school has changed and staff have come and gone over the years, one thing that hasn’t changed has been the loving and nurturing environment afforded to the children that are in the school.

I jumped at the opportunity to become a parent governor and be involved in supporting and developing the school to ensure our children get the best education in their formative years and beyond. I hope over the next 4 years I can do my part in helping the school go from strength to strength.

Professionally I work as a Production Manager for United Utilities where I manage a team of 22 engineers to operate over 50 wastewater treatment plants across Lancashire. I have been in the utilities industry for over 15 years and prior to that served in the Royal Airforce for 7 years. I bring with me a range of transferable skills from a highly regulated industry.