Governors

Local Governing Body

Ian Kendrick – Chair of Governors – SEND Governor

Ian has over 40 years experience in the education and school improvement sector. Based on a successful teaching and senior management career in schools, he went on to advisory work in school improvement, including Ofsted inspections, leading school improvement teams in 4 different Local Authorities and Deputy Director for Children’s Services in two LAs. In “semi-retirement”, Ian worked as an independent consultant to primary and secondary schools.  He has been on governing bodies in primary and secondary schools and academies, including positions as chair and vice chair.

Fiona Quinlivan – Vice Chair – Safeguarding Governor

Fiona is the Vice Chair of Governors at Atherton High School and brings 13 years of headship experience.

Fiona is a passionate advocate for learning and believes that every child deserves a nurturing environment that fosters their growth and empowers them to reach their full potential. Fiona is committed to the vales of Atherton High School, and is committed to creating a school community where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to excel academically, socially, and emotionally.

Fiona is honoured to be part of the Atherton High School team and has had the pleasure of watching the transformation of the school to its current thriving position.  Fiona is immensely proud of the school, its staff and its amazing pupils and is dedicated to providing the very best for the children.

Charlotte Hanrahan – Pupil Premium / Curriculum Governor

Charlotte is currently Whole School Lead for Disadvantaged Pupils at St. Mary’s Catholic High School and a long-standing member of her local parish community. She completed her education in the Greater Manchester area, receiving a First-Class Honours Degree in Theology from Manchester University and a Masters in Education from Manchester Metropolitan University. Charlotte is passionate about effecting social change and is an advocate for equity in the education system and for giving back to her local community. She is excited for this next step in her development, as a member of the governing body, where she is looking forward to sharing her knowledge, experience and passion for education, in support of our school, pupils, parents and staff.

Michelle True – Parent Governor – SEND/ Health & Safety Governor

Michelle has over 12 years experience of working in Adult Education from both a Tutoring and Administration perspective, working closely with Adults with specific learning difficulties and disabilities. She has two children that attend Atherton High School and is committed to supporting and challenging the school in its commitment to deliver the curriculum effectively, creatively and enjoyably, inspiring life-long learning.

Victoria Whitfield – Staff Governor

Victoria is the Head of Science at Atherton High School and is passionate about improving the life chances for all pupils. She has 18 years of teaching experience and has held many leadership roles including Head of Year 7 and Transition, Head of PSHE and RSE, Head of KS3 Science and Assistant Curriculum Lead for Science. She also has 7 years’ experience as a teacher governor in her previous school, with responsibilities in the School Improvement Committee and the Catholic Ethos Committee. She studied a B.Ed in Secondary Science Education at Liverpool John Moores university, but started her career as a Senior Analytical Scientist for a clinical research company.

Victoria Cooke – Governor

Victoria is an experienced Deputy Headteacher and is responsible for the Quality of Education at Burnley High School. Victoria has worked within the education sector for 11 years, having had a number of years’ experience at both middle and senior leader level in both pastoral and curriculum roles, successfully leading change at both levels.  Throughout her career, Victoria has engaged passionately in educational research, developing and leading successful whole school CPD programmes, developing quality assurance frameworks and inspiring and encouraging staff to continually and consistently strive for excellence. Victoria is passionate about enhancing and enriching the opportunities available for young people through a broad and robust curriculum offer and is dedicating to ensuring that students receive the high-quality curriculum and teaching that they deserve.

Paul Walker (commonly known as Paul Blinkhorn) – Governor

Paul lives in Atherton and has two children attending schools in the locality; one of which attends Atherton High School. Paul has worked in the creative industries for over 12 years and is passionate about the role that schools, and the arts can play in inspiring children and young people to fulfil their potential. Paul is committed to working with, and challenging, the school to deliver an engaging curriculum that benefits the life-long prospects of its pupils, and to ensuring that students and staff receive the pastoral care and support they need to truly thrive.

Ross Doohan – Careers Governor

Ross has worked for The Heights Blackburn Alternative Provision School since September 2018 and has a wealth of experience in pastoral education and support. His leadership experience includes Pastoral Support, Careers, Data & Assessment and he is currently the Behaviour Lead and a member of the safeguarding team. Ross is a qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 5) and has a Careers Leadership Level 6 qualification. He is a Community of Practice Lead for Lancashire Careers Hub supporting schools in developing their careers provision. He has gained extensive knowledge and experience of governance from having been Staff Governor for the last 4 years.

Emma Jones – Parent Governor

Details to follow

Local Governing Body Information

Click the links below to download the following statutory information regarding our Governing Body:

• Governor Attendance 2022-23
• Governor Membership 2023-24
• Governor Business & Pecuniary Interests 2023-24
• EPT Governance Scheme of Delegation