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
Chair of Governors

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

I have been a Governor since May 2022, when I was appointed Acting Headteacher. I have been teaching for over 17 years and I have spent the last 7 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 spirted and caring children.

Tom Hardcastle

I very committed to my role as Governor at Emmanuel Holcombe and supporting the team. I have ran my own business for several years and therefore I hope to bring my knowledge and skills in finance to the Governing Body.

Jan Thomond

Jo Venn

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

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.