Governance

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 Chair of Local Governing Body    

Carole is an education consultant working with schools and academies across both the primary and secondary age ranges providing support and training for staff and governors.   Previously, she was a secondary Headteacher and Local Leader of Education working in several local authorities. She is also an experienced Chair of Governors.   

She remains passionate about education for children and young people of all ages particularly those in greatest need.  In February 2019, Carole was delighted to join the Governing Body at Padgate as the school is committed to providing the very best opportunities for all its students so that they flourish and develop their potential. 

Inclusion is at the heart of the school ethos and she has welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the Padgate ‘team’ of staff and governors who are working hard to ensure the school’s success.   Outside of education, Carole has a daughter with whom she shares a keen interest in horse riding. One thing she has learned the hard way is that when you fall off, you have to get back on! 

(Ex-officio) Principal

I am delighted and proud to welcome you to Padgate Academy. We are a fully inclusive secondary academy in North Warrington.

The school benefits from being part of The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT). At Padgate we are unswervingly committed to serving the local community through provision of a first-class education for all students. 

We are also committed to providing all students at the academy with a rich and ambitious curriculum offer enabling them to acquire the high-level knowledge that allows them to be successful during their time at the academy, as well as prepared to meet the demands of what comes next.

During the time students are at the academy, they are also able to supplement the rich academic curriculum with opportunities to develop their creativity, character, and leadership. We believe that these aspects of education are fundamental to developing the knowledge, skills, and aptitudes necessary to enable them to thrive. These aspects of school life are brought together in our CAS programme (creativity, activity, and society) which provides opportunities for student leadership, enrichment, and expression, and enables them to make a positive contribution to society beyond the classroom.

A as school we also believe in the importance of our students demonstrating good manners, showing respect, and demonstrating kindness in all they do. Students are also expected to always have a positive attitude to their learning. These things underpin our school culture and ethos and are celebrated as part of our comprehensive rewards system. We are proud of our caring pastoral support and want all students to feel happy, safe, and supported during their time here.

Visitors to the school often comment on the positive relationships at the school as well as the warm and supportive learning environment. All these aspects of school life are encapsulated in our school motto ‘Proud to be Padgate’.

Thank you for your continued support.

  Governor

Appointed by foundation/Trust

Gail has lived in the Warrington area for 30 the last years. 

Until recently, she worked as a Finance and Site Manager for the Analytical Instruments division of General Electric.

In her earlier career, she worked within the NHS as a Senior Radiographer / Sonographer.  

Gail is a member of Beamont Collegiate Academy’s Governing Body and has a particular interest in attainment and achievement and pupil premium. 

 Governor

Elected by parents

Lifelong resident of Warrington, currently residing in Fearnhead and working for 25+ years in the National Civil Nuclear Industry, based in Birchwood.

Particularly keen to encourage interest in, and development of, local Young People in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects and am an active STEM Ambassador.

Elected as Parent Governor in 2020 and have filled various link roles since, currently acting to support Health & Safety and Buildings & Operations alongside providing a voice for Parents on the Local Governing Board.

Fulfil a number of Roles with the Institution of Engineering Technology (IET), particularly around Education and Development, including being a member of the Academic Accreditation Committee (Further and Higher Education) and also as an End Point Assessor for Apprentices.

Also keen to promote sport and healthy lifestyles in Young People and am a Member of Rylands Sharks RLFC Committee and a Junior Coach.

Parent Governor

Elected by Governing Body

I am pleased to of been elected as the new parent Governor of Padgate Academy in 2023, I am also the governor at St Margarets Primary School. My passion is to enthuse aspiring students to achieve their best during their school years. 

Fortunately, I can continue my passion, at my day job where I work with the Institute of Physics to deliver key messages of diversity and inclusion in STEM and helping to share the message that anything is possible. 

My other interests include, learning British Sign Language and working with local organisations to help families in need. 

Governor

Co-opted Governor

I'm a dedicated educator with a wealth of experience spanning 17 years. My expertise lies predominantly in providing pastoral care and support for students with special educational needs. Proudly calling Warrington home, I deeply value family connections and community engagement.

Equipped with a master's degree in teaching and learning, I bring innovative approaches to education and, as a committed member of TCAT (The Challenge Academy Trust), I strive for excellence in every aspect of teaching.

Beyond the classroom, I've played an active role in school governance, demonstrating my commitment to educational leadership. However, my true passion lies in the day-to-day interactions with students, where I feel privileged to be a part of shaping their futures.

I am absolutely delighted to be a member of the Padgate governing body, where I intend to serve the needs of our school to the very best of my ability.

Staff Governor

I am delighted to have been elected as the new Staff Governor of Padgate Academy in 2024. I joined Padgate Academy in September 2022 after spending 9 years at Essa Academy as a dedicated food teacher. My passion lies in equipping students with essential life skills, particularly in cooking, to help them build independence both during their school years and in life beyond the classroom.

In addition to my teaching role, I am deeply committed to the professional development of educators. I have recently completed the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD), which has further strengthened my ability to support colleagues and develop teaching practices throughout the school.

I particularly enjoy working with Initial Teacher Trainees (ITTs) and Early Career Teachers (ECTs). At my previous school, I took on the role of Professional Mentor, where I was responsible for overseeing 25 ITTs and 3 ECTs. Watching these trainees progress and grow in confidence as they develop their teaching skills is something I find deeply rewarding.

Currently, I am the Subject Lead for Creative Arts and Technology at Padgate Academy, where I strive to foster creativity and innovation among both students and staff. I have also held the position of Personal Development Lead, focusing on the holistic growth and well-being of students.

As Staff Governor, I am committed to ensuring that the voices of my colleagues are heard and to contributing positively to the continuous improvement of our school community. I look forward to supporting Padgate Academy in creating a dynamic and inclusive environment for all.

Staff Governor

I am delighted to serve as a staff governor at Padgate Academy. I joined the Academy in June 2022 and was elected as Staff Governor in 2024. As a local resident with over 10 years of experience in Primary Care in Warrington, I am deeply committed to improving the well-being and success of our students. My current role as Attendance Manager at Padgate Academy allows me to work closely with families and the local authority to ensure that all children have access to the education they deserve. I believe that regular attendance is key to unlocking each student’s potential, and I am passionate about addressing barriers to ensure every child thrives in school. My background in primary care has equipped me with strong skills in communication, problem-solving, and working collaboratively across different sectors. These skills, along with my knowledge of the local area, help me bring a holistic perspective to the governing .

As a staff governor, I am excited to contribute to the strategic direction of the school and support initiatives that improve student outcomes and strengthen our connection with the community. I am proud to be part of this journey, and I look forward to working with my fellow governors to make a meaningful impact on the future of our school and its students.