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MEET THE GOVERNORS

Governors: Staff

School governors are volunteers who are committed to making sure that Emmanuel Holcombe provides the best possible education for all its pupils. Governors come from a range of different backgrounds and bring different skills and expertise to the role.  We are very grateful for the time, dedication and support our governs give to school. 
 

Glad Cooper

I have been involved with Emmanuel Holcombe for many years. I am passionate about education and ensuring the best outcomes for all children. In may spare time, I am a cub leader, busy grandma and I hear readers in school every week.

Lisa Wilson
 

I am a Parent Governor here at Emmanuel Holcombe C. E. Primary School. I have three children, enjoy reading, mountain biking and outdoor water swimming. I am a Professor of Education and Employment at The University of Huddersfield. Being the first member of my family to enter university, education for me has acted as a gateway of opportunity and so as Governor I hope to enrich education for all.

Keith Jones

I joined the Governors in Autumn 2021.  I am a retired engineer. B.Eng. C.Eng. MIET.  Rail industry worker who was Acting Engineering Director for Virgin Trains.  I then moved to become a Project and Commercial Manager on London Underground.  Having attended the PCC meeting where there was a request for a Governor and promptly volunteered in the hope that I could help and make a difference.  I am grandparent to two boys at the school.

Sarah Lawrence

I joined as a Foundation Governor in Spring 2015 and alongside the main Governor Board I am the Staff Wellbeing and English Link governor.

 

Professionally, I am Head of Internal Audit at the Co-op as well as charity trustee for Heart4Justice.org. In my spare time I am a very proud dance mum to two dancing divas! I love walking our dog in the beautiful surrounding countryside of Ramsbottom and love to ski - covid permitting.

Amy Longstaff
Headteacher

I have been a Governor since May 2022, when I was appointed Acting Headteacher and I am now a Governor as the Headteacher (June 2024). I have been teaching for 20 years and I have spent the last 9 of those years at Emmanuel Holcombe Primary School. I am passionate about providing the best possible education for all of our pupils and I consider it a privilege to work with such a dedicated and supportive team of staff, governors and parents. Outside of school I am a proud mum of three spirited and caring children.

Laurie Beach

I am a Parent Governor at Emmanuel Holcombe and I have two children at our wonderful school and a third who completed the full 7 years here. Communication, safeguarding and wellbeing are key areas within my professional life and I will use these expertise to compliment the wider board of governors to ensure all children are safe, happy and achieving their academic and personal potential within our school.  

Jan Thomond

Jo Venn
Chair of Governors

I am the staff governor at Emmanuel Holcombe CE Primary School and Assistant Head for Inclusion. I have worked as a primary school teacher for over 30 years, teaching right across the age range from Nursery to Year 6. I have a passion for Special Educational Needs and promoting positive mental health within school.

David Hulme
Vice Chair of Governors

I have been a governor here at Emmanuel Holcombe for the last 9 years and see this as a privilege to support this excellent school, its student and local community. During my time as governor I have got involved in many aspects of governance and a keen focus on the school's finances as Chair of the Finance, staffing and premises committee. 

 

Away from being a Governor  I am a lover of the theatre and have a huge passion for singing and lead a Show Choir based in the Ribble Valley.

I have been involved in Education and particularly Church Schools all of my working life. As well as being a Governor at Emmanuel Holcombe CE Primary school, I am Vice Chair of Governors at Blackpool St George’s High School and Vice Chair of Runshaw College in Leyland. Prior to retirement I was Head of Balshaw’s C E High for 20 years and have worked in Education in the Manchester, Liverpool and Blackburn Dioceses and since retirement have been a Diocesan adviser and an Executive Headteacher. I am also a Trustee of the Cidari Multi Academy Trust and Balshaw’s Foundation.
I am a member of Blackburn Cathedral Council and the Cathedral Friends and is Chair of Wigan SACRE.
As a member of Holcombe and Hawkshaw Parish I am a Deputy Warden of Emmanuel Church Centre and am involved with Open the Book and Soup Company. I am also a member of the PCC and the Leadership Team.

Paul Sumsion

I work alongside a ministerial team, as the Parish Rector across three churches, including Emmanuel Holcombe. 

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I have been a Governor for over 10 years and I am delighted to be able to support this Christian community in the love of Christ.

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Robert Airey

I am a Reverend and Associate Minister within the Parish of Holcombe and Hawkshaw. 

 

 I thoroughly enjoy my role as Governors at Emmanuel Holcombe and supporting the staff and children ot be the best they can be.

Libby Woodward

I am a recently appointed Foundation Governor and I am also the parent of two wonderful children who attend the school.

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I am eager to learn and help support the school on its journey to excellence.

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