Governors
Our School Governors
School Governors are people who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education. Governors are one of the largest volunteer forces in the country and have an important part to play in raising school standards. The role of the Governing Body is absolutely key to the effectiveness of a school. School Governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools. The Governing body is made up of different types of governors including foundation, parent, staff , Local Authority and Co-Opted governors. As a Catholic school, our foundation governors play a crucial role in preserving the Catholic ethos and Character of the school. For more information about becoming a foundation governor, see information below to find out about the Governors of St Gregory's.
All foundation governors are appointed by the Liverpool Archdiocese.
Foundation Governor & Chair | Margaret M Scard MBA |
Background - Educated at St. Gregory's Primary and Junior schools, I've been a parishioner since a young child. I completed a Masters Degree in Business Administration during my 30 years in the IT industry as a Services Manager. In my personal life I have a passion for flowers and floristry and I run my own business. Committees -
Nominated Governor Responsibility - Special Educational Needs, Safeguarding/PREVENT Business Interests -
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Foundation Governor / Vice Chair | John Sharrock |
Background - With a background and passion for horticulture I have worked for over 35 years in the environmental sector. Several years ago, following a long period running local authority grounds maintenance contracts for a large national company I gained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and di head up grounds maintenance and street cleansing services for Bolton Council. I am now happily retired and enjoy my spare time playing Golf and spending time with the family. Born and bred in Preston I moved to Chorley ten years ago with my wife Sara and we have a son who is currently in his final year at high school. Committees -
Nominated Governor Responsibility - Finance & Maths Business Interests -
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Foundation Governor | Mary Wakeman |
Background - I have lived in St. Gregory's parish for over 25 years and all of my 3 children have attended our school. Before having children I was a primary school teacher in South Wales. I have been a Governor for several years and recently retired from working as a teaching assistant in KS1 - a very rewarding job. Committees -
Nominated Governor Responsibility - Early Years Foundation Stage & English Business Interests -
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Foundation Governor | Carla Grady |
Background - Having gained qualified teacher status (QTS) in 2003, I have held positions from teacher of mathematics to Assistant Headteacher in a number of secondary schools in the north west. I have a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience in improving standards in schools having successfully completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL). I have lived in the parish of St. Gregory’s since moving to Chorley in 2004. All 3 of my children have attended or are still attending St. Gregory’s school. Outside of work, I love watching musicals at the theatre with my daughters and going camping as a family! Over a number of years, I was privileged to volunteer in Lourdes looking after sick pilgrims with the Salford Diocese.
Committees -
Nominated Governor Responsibility - Pupil Premium and Religious Education Business Interests -
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Foundation Governor | Matt Pape |
Background - "I have been a parishioner at St. Gregory's since moving to Chorley in the early 1990s. I have a degree in Physics with Electronics from Manchester University. I am also a Chartered Engineer through the British Computing Society having worked in software & system engineering development for over 30 years. My two daughters studied at Holy Cross with one now at University and my younger daughter in second year of A levels. Committees -
Nominated Governor Responsibility - Design & Technology & Computing Business Interests - None |
Local Authority Governor | Kevin Slater |
Background - I am a retired (ish) Senior Mental Health Nurse, married with two children one at Holy Cross and one at St. Gregory's. I have over many years been involved in helping out with school trips and events, also with the walking bus on a regular basis. I currently run the change 4 life programme at the school. I have also been involved with other community projects such as running a scout group and am a football coach through which I believe this helps children develop and reach their full potential. I am delighted to take on the role of Parent Governor and its challenges. Committees -
Nominated Governor Responsibility - Physical Education / Sport and Personal Development. Business Interests -
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Foundation Governor | Paul Loy |
Background - During the day I am a senior Healthcare Scientist and laboratory manager working in the NHS. As a STEM ambassador I regularly visit schools and colleges to promote and encourage learning in science. Any remaining waking hours in my life are spent with the fun/challenging task of raising four children, three of whom currently attend St Gregory’s. We all like to get out and about as much as possible, hiking, camping and biking. I hope being a Governor allows me to give something back to the school. Committees -
Nominated Governor Responsibility - Science & PSHE Business Interests -
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Parent Governor | Neil Rowson |
Background - I am married with 4 children, 1 is an ex-pupil of St Gregory's and now attending Holy Cross, 2 are currently at St Gregory's in years 3 & 4 and 1 infant who we hope will attend St Gregory's like his siblings.
As my day job, I work for a large international company and in 2019, I achieved my data protection officer qualification. In my spare time, I am the Special Police Inspector for Chorley & South Ribble where I support our local Neighbouring Police team by running a team of 32 Special Officers, offering additional support for Policing requirements in the community.
I love to see children reach their full potential through learning and believe this helps them develop into key members of our community. I believe that supporting children in their early years is the first positive step to creating the well-rounde individuals of tomorrow.
I am looking forward to my role of Parent Governor and the challenges that come with it.
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Parent Governor
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Bev Murray |
Background - I have lived in the Chorley area all my life and have two children. I currently have one child at St Gregory’s, with the older one attending Holy Cross. I work part time for Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP in the constituency office and I am also a local Chorley Councillor. As a governor I want to play my part in helping support and develop the school’s ethos and purpose in providing quality education as well as supporting the emotional wellbeing of the pupils, staff and all those involved with the school. I look forward to the challenge of being an elected parent governor and working alongside the more experienced governors. Committees - Nominated Governor Responsibility - MFL Business Interests - None
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Foundation Governor | Sharon Hobin |
I have lived in St Gregory’s parish all my life and attended St Gregory’s infant and junior school as a child. My own son also attended St Gregory’s and Holy Cross High School. Upon leaving school I qualified as a nursery nurse and spent 13 years working at Duke Street Nursery school in Chorley before returning to higher education to complete my degree and gain qualified teacher status. I am currently a reception class teacher with responsibility for Early Years at a primary school in Wigan. I also work across the Local Authority supporting other reception class teachers. In my spare time I like to get out walking and have recently taken up crochet. Committees - Nominated Governor Responsibility - History & Geography Business Interests - None |
Governor Support
Chaplain to Governors and Pastoral Support:
Father Graeme Dunne
Teacher Governors:
Mr. Darbyshire & Sarah Lewis
Clerk to Governors:
Mrs Gill Donuhue
Chief Education Officer:
Mrs. Helen Denton
County Hall, Preston, PR1 8RJ