OUR GOVERNORS

School Governors are volunteers who offer their time, skills and expertise to support in leading and developing the school. Our Governing Board is comprised of the Headteacher, an elected  staff member, parent Governors, Local Education Authority representatives and Foundation Governors, appointed by the local Church and Diocese. Community nominees and co-opted members may also be a part of the Governing Body.

Our Governors are all local people who have a genuine desire to assist our school community be the best it can possibly be.  They want to help all our children have a very positive school experience and to be supported to flourish and shine in all they do. 

 The Governors contribute to ensuring that high standards of achievement for all children in our school through these key roles: 

• Setting the strategic direction of the school including the vision and ethos
• Overseeing the effective use of finances and making sure that money is well spent
• Holding the school leaders to account for the educational performance of the school and it's pupils

Governing Body Members

• Andrew Treharne - Local Authority Governor - (Chair)
• Gillian Anderson - Foundation Governor - (Vice Chair)
• Lindsay Walton  - Headteacher
• Deborah Fox - Staff Governor
• Louise Evans - Parent Governor
• Canon Michael Manley - Clergy post - Foundation Governor
• Carol Stones - Foundation Governor
• Kaye Houston - Foundation Governor 
• Paul Pascoe - Foundation Governor
• Lynne Davies - Foundation Governor
• Aimee Harrison - Parent Governor
• Daniel Taylor- Foundation Governor 
• Vacant Post - Foundation Governor
• Vacant Post - Co-opted Governor

 Clerk: Christine O'Hara, LCC Governor Services

 If you would be interested in finding out more about becoming a School Governor, there is information on the Lancashire County Council website:  https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/schools/become-a-school-governor/ 

If you feel you may fulfill the criteria for being a Foundation Governor, willing to help uphold the Christian Foundation of our school, you can find further information on the Blackburn Diocese website:  https://www.bdeducation.org.uk/schools/governor-information/ 

Governor's Strategy

The Governors have developed a longer term strategy which includes their priorities for our school. This links directly to our School Vision & Values. The priorites in the strategy are:

Objective 1 - To be a truly inclusive school family where individuals are nurtured, all relationships are founded on our Christian values and God’s love flows through everything we do. To be known as a safe, happy family where we 'Inspire each other to shine'. 

Objective 2 - To have a broad, balanced, high quality curriculum, quality teaching, and many enrichment opportunities, resulting in our children flourishing and fulfilling their potential.

Objective 3 - To be known in the local community for our excellent learning in the outdoors, our Eco focus and our care for God’s wonderful world. 

Who are our Governors?

Dr Andrew Treharne – Local Authority Governor (Chair)

I moved to St Annes in 1998 and have spent thirty years in education as a secondary school teacher, senior leader, and now as an education consultant. Much of my consultancy work is done from home, though I also run courses overseas, giving me the time and flexibility to support a local school. I value the wider opportunities that enrich students’ education, with extensive involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Combined Cadet Force. For eighteen years I have run national biology competitions and, since 2010, led the UK team at the International Biology Olympiad, work recognised with an MBE in 2014.

 Debbie Fox - Staff Governor

I have been staff governor since 2023 and part of the staff team at St. Thomas’ for approximately 15 years. I believe that some of my experience as a TA across both Key Stages, offers valuable insight into the role of a governor.  I enjoy learning in more detail about the running of the school and appreciate the valuable work and support that governors bring to the school community.  St Thomas’ is a great place to work and I enjoy being able to share this with fellow governors.

In my spare time I spend a lot of time crafting, in particular crocheting - I love to make practical gifts for people. I am a fan of craft ales and spend many a happy weekend with my husband,  seeking out all sorts of breweries in small corners of the UK!

 Canon Michael Manley - Foundation Governor

I am the vicar of St Thomas Church -  just down the road! I’ve had the privilege of being a governor at various schools, both primary, secondary and special, over the last 30 years, and led children’s and youth work in each of my parishes. I believe that school communities that are loving, supportive and welcoming of all, provide the best foundation for life for any child and family. For me, the fact that Jesus died for all (whether they believe or not) is the finest example of unconditional love and welcome : so I whole-heartedly support the school’s Church of England ethos : which closely mirrors my own church which welcomes all. I love a wide variety of music, from classical to rock and beyond, and I’ve recently experimented in creative writing, in between being walked by Tuthaway, my German Short-haired Pointer.

 Aimee Harrison - Parent Governor

I am a parent governor and mum to my son who has just begun his St Thomas’ journey in Reception. I love being a mum and really value the special family time we share at the weekends, even more so now that my son has started school. Family is incredibly important to me and I enjoy spending quality time with both family and friends whenever I can.

I have five years of previous experience as a governor, which has given me a good understanding of how schools operate and the important role governors play in supporting the school community. I am passionate about contributing towards making St Thomas’ the best school it can be for all learners and being part of a dedicated and hardworking team.

In my spare time, I am an avid coffee drinker and enjoy nothing more than stopping off at Starbucks for a coffee after school and a catch-up about my son’s day.

 Carol Stones – Foundation Governor 

I have a long association with St. Thomas’ having joined the school as a pupil myself in 1964. My own three children also attended the school, during which time I joined the staff here and later became a Governor in 2002. I retired in 2024 but am dedicated to continuing helping all pupils to grow and learn withing our nurturing school family. I now enjoy spending more time with my family, including my nine grandchildren, walking my two Jack Russel’s and riding/caring for my horse.

 Gillian Anderson – Foundation Governor (Vice Chair) 

I joined the Governing body at the beginning of 2023 as a parent Governor.  I have two children at school and soon after my eldest started I felt I could be useful by getting more involved.  With a background in social care and experience of running a small business, I try to bring my knowledge and skills, particularly around safeguarding and communication, to benefit the school.  I am also a regular reading volunteer.  In my free time I love to read and I try to be outside as much as possible; on a long walk, playing football but most often found running around Lytham St Annes!

 Lynne Davies - Foundation Governor

 Although I was born in East Lancashire I grew up and was educated in Worcestershire. I returned to the North-West in 1978 and am a resident of St Annes. I have a BDes in Interior Design from the Royal College of Art but have had two changes of direction in my professional life; first in teaching and for the last 20 years of my working life I was a bursar in a primary school in Blackpool.  I have been on the governing body of Lytham St Annes High School since 2002; both my children attended LSA which is why I became involved, firstly as a parent governor and more recently as a community governor. I was Chair of the governing body there for six years and for the last seven years have been Vice-Chair. Having been involved in education in one way or another all my life, I am a firm believer in the importance of good quality education for all. Now having a grandson at St Thomas’s I joined the governing body in the hope that I can contribute to ensuring that St Thomas’s continues to be an amazing school. I am passionate about the school’s values and look forward to playing a part in inspiring others to shine. My outside interests include family history, travel and walking both in the UK and abroad.

 Louise Evans - Parent Governor

I joined the Governing board in March 2024 as a Parent Governor. My daughter was in year 1 at the time and I knew by September 2026 both my girls would be at St Thomas'. Having never been in education before I knew I wanted to have a more active role in the girl's education and school experience and continue to improve and succeed St Thomas's and give something back to the school community. So, I thought this would be a great opportunity to start.  I enjoy going on lots of the school trips, class visits and events. I also get the pleasure of getting to know lots of the lovely children and enjoy working within a team as part of the governing board.  In my free time I love spending time with my husband, my girls and my family. I have a twin sister so you will quite often find me with her or mistake us for each other.  I also like being outdoors and in the summer in my garden or at our caravan in the Lake District.

Daniel Taylor - Foundation Governor

I am a former pupil of St. Thomas’ and attended between 1990 and 1997. After leaving school, I qualified as a primary school teacher and taught in Preston. During my career, I have been a Deputy Headteacher and a Specialist Leader of Education, specialising in English and whole school assessment. Since 2014, I have been a School Governor across a range of schools in Lancashire including those transitioning to academy status. I am currently a Trustee of a standalone primary academy in Blackpool and a co-opted Governor at Lytham St. Anne’s High School.  

Education remains a strong passion of mine and I firmly believe in the importance of high-quality educational provision for all learners. I joined St. Thomas’ Governing Board because I wish to contribute to and support the school’s continued development and success. I wholeheartedly support the school’s vision and values and I hope to add value particularly as my nephew currently attends the school.  In my spare time, I like to read and to travel. I also sit as an Independent Panel Member for a fostering agency and also sit as a Magistrate on the Lancashire Family Bench.

 Kaye Houston - Foundation Governor

I moved to the area 20 years ago and developed close links with St Thomas’ Parish Church. I became a member of the PCC in 2022 and went on to join the governing body here at school as a Foundation Governor. I grew up in Northamptonshire originally but have lived in St Anne’s for the past 20 years and both my sister and son attended St Thomas’ in their primary school years.  I work full time in the charity sector with a focus on stroke recovery, qualifying in counselling skills and earning a degree in health and social care along the way.  I am passionate about reducing inequalities in the health and social care system and giving back to my local community where possible.  I have cats and a dog at home and enjoy long hiking challenges, being with my family, travelling and relaxing in front of a real fire when I get the chance!

 Paul Pascoe - Foundation Governor 

I am a retired engineer with a background in civil nuclear power, rail transport and defence industries. My career has taken me to many different countries all over the globe. This work in foreign parts has given me insight into the diversity of cultures throughout the world. 

In my spare time I have enjoyed being involved with amateur drama and music groups. I am a Christian and support the music and worship at St Thomas’s Church. I also have a grandson enrolled in the school and so the role of foundation governor provides an opportunity for me to use my work and recreational experience to give something back to the community.

A Governor's Prayer

Heavenly Father,

May your strength support us in our leadership,

May your grace open our hearts and minds,

May the light of your spirit enter our discussions,

May your wisdom inspire our decisions;

May your mercy bring compassion and understanding in to our relationships.

May your forgiveness bring us humility:

And may Christ’s love be at the heart of all we do in His name.

Amen