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 - 

  • Full Governing Body - Chair
  • Resources
  • Standards & Effectiveness
  • Performance Management & Pay (HT)
  • FOSG Sub-Committee

Nominated Governor Responsibility -  Safeguarding​​/PREVENT, Equality, Wellbeing support and FSMS

Business Interests - 

  • None
Parent Governor Nick Forbes

Background -

I have lived in Chorley since 2017 with my fiancé, originally from Blackburn. I have two children, my son started school at St.Gregory’s in September [2023]- doing really well and I hope that my daughter will attend here in the coming years. I have worked in the NHS as a nurse since 2009 working in Accident and Emergency and briefly in NSW, Australia. I was also an emergency nurse practitioner treating trauma and minor illnesses in Adults and children. Most recently, I am a clinical educator; responsible for the training and support for around 500 student nurses and midwives. I am very passionate about teaching and work closely with GM universities and NHS England. I hope to assist in maintaining excellent standards at St. Gregory’s in any way I can. I really look forward to getting up to speed with what it takes to be part of the school governing body.

Committees - 

  • Resources 

Nominated Governor Responsibility - MFL and Music

Business Interests - 

  • None
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 - 

  • Admissions committee chair.
  • Resources
  • Pay committee chair

Nominated Governor Responsibility -  English & Sacramental programme

Business Interests - 

  • None

Foundation Governor

Vice Chair of Governors

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 - 

  • Standards & Effectiveness committee chair
  • Resources
  • Admissions
  • Performance management and pay (HT) 

Nominated Governor Responsibility - SEND, Pupil Premium and Maths

Business Interests -

  • None
Foundation Governor Matt Pape

Background -

 

"I have been a parishioner at St. Gregory's since moving to Chorley in the early 1990s. 

I am a Chartered Engineer through the British Computer Society and have worked in aerospace software and systems engineering for over 30 years.

My two daughters studied at Holy Cross before moving onto Cardinal Newman and are now studying STEM subjects at university.

 

Committees - 

  • Resources
  • Pay committee

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 - 

  • Admissions
  • Resources
  • Pay committee

Nominated Governor Responsibility - Physical Education / PSHE & Wellbeing support

Business Interests - 

  • None​
Foundation Governor VACANCY

Background - 

"I have lived in Chorley since March 2015 with my Husband and Daughter who is a pupil at St Gregory’s.  As a qualified Teacher and a Learning Director for a Training Consultancy, I am passionate about learning being both effective but also engaging for our children. I am thrilled to be able to work alongside the school and offer my support as a Governor.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and getting out into the country or to the beach to exercise and unwind. "

Committees - 

Nominated Governor Responsibility - 

Business Interests -

  • None
Parent Governor  Sam Green

Background -

  • Committees -

    • Standards & Effectiveness

Nominated Governor Responsibility - EYFS and Science

  • Business Interests 
    • None

Foundation

Governor

 

Emily Rodriguez

Background - 

I have been part of St Gregory's Parish for 12 years and have two children who attend St Gregory's school.  

I have worked as a teacher for over 20 years and currently work as a Deputy Head Teacher in a local primary school. Through my career, I have developed skills and knowledge in all aspects of primary education with expertise in Special Educational Needs and Early Years. 

I enjoy singing, playing the piano and flute and attending musicals, when I get the chance! 

Committees -

  • Standards & Effectiveness
  • Admissions

Nominated Governor Responsibility -  RE and Art & Design

Business Interests - None

 

Foundation Governor Sharon Hobin

Background -

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 - 

  • Standards & effectiveness
  • Performance Management & Pay committee (HT)

Nominated Governor Responsibility - History & Geography

Business Interests - None

Governor Support

Chaplain to Governors and Pastoral Support:

Father Graeme Dunne

Teacher Governors:

Mr. Darbyshire & Joanne Oldham

Clerk to Governors:

Mrs Naomi Savoury

Chief Education Officer:

Mrs. Helen Denton

County Hall, Preston, PR1 8RJ