John M Davey JP
Chair of Governors
Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment: 21/11/2020 until 20/11/2024
SEC (Chair), Resources (Vice chair)
I have lived in Haslingden for over 40 years. I am married with 2 grown up daughters who both went to Haslingden High School. I spent all my working life in Local Government retiring early 17 years ago as Assistant Head of Environmental Health.
I became a Governor at Haslingden High School when my daughter was a pupil some 30 years ago. I have been Chair of Finance, and for the last ten years, Chair of Governors. I am totally committed to the school and believe it is an outstanding school providing an excellent education to pupils of all abilities.
I am also a member of the Lancashire Association of School Governing Bodies which represents over 5000 governors in Lancashire. For the last 5 years I have been Chair of the Executive. I am also a member of the Governors at All Saints Primary Academy, Clayton le Moors.
I am also involved in local Scouting and I am the Leader of an Explorer Unit for 14-18 year olds.
Michelle Smith
Vice Chair of Governors
Co-opted Governor Date of Appointment: 09/02/2020 until 08/02/2024
I am a former Head Girl of Haslingden High School and have maintained close links with the school for over 30 years. My son attended the school right through to year 13 and is now employed as a Senior Technician in the Performing Arts Faculty.
I am a fully qualified Chartered HR Professional and in addition have a City & Guilds qualification in teaching adults. I worked as a part time evening lecturer at University Centre – Blackburn College for 12 years on the post graduate Level 7 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) professional HR qualification course.
I first joined the Governing body in 1997 and have had an unbroken period of service since that date. I was elected Vice Chairman of the governing body in 2007. In addition I am a member of all standing committees and a number of specialist committees ie Grievance Committee, Staff Disciplinary/Dismissal, Pay Committee, Standards & Effectiveness Committee (SEC) and the Committee of Appointed Governors (CAG) which assesses Headteacher performance. I also take an active role in the interviewing of Head and Deputy Head appointments and other senior level appointments as required.
I am the Faculty Governor for English/Literacy and regularly spend time in school to review and discuss the schools literacy strategy with the Head of Faculty and staff. This also includes visiting lessons, looking at curriculum developments and seeing students work.
I am actively involved in St Peter’s Church in Haslingden, where I have the role of Safeguarding Officer.
I am fully committed to the personal development and achievement of all our students and to ensuring that they all reach their potential and benefit from their time at the school.
Russell Clarke
Headteacher
I began my teaching career in 2003, returning to Habergham High School, the school and sixth form I attended as a student, being appointed as a PE teacher. Despite my PE teaching days being behind me, I continue to be a sports and outdoor enthusiast, qualified as a mountain leader and regularly to be found running along the fells across Lancashire, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.
In 2006, I moved to Hameldon Community College as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme that took place in Burnley. For four years I worked as an Assistant Headteacher, taking up the post shortly after Hameldon was placed in special measures. In my role as the Assessment, Recording and Reporting specialist on the senior leadership team, I contributed to the school being judged ‘good’ and successfully gained a role as the Head of Upper School at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School (BRGS) in 2010, making my way to the Rossendale Valley, where I have remained ever since.
After four years at BRGS, with primary responsibilities for safeguarding and behaviour at KS4, I successfully applied for the Deputy Headteacher- Care Guidance and Support role at Haslingden High School. That was in 2014 and it is fair to say that I have found my home. Despite the challenges of working in a large 11-18 school and working for a significant period as a sole Deputy Headteacher, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, so much so that I applied for the Headteacher’s post when Mark Jackson had notified the governors that he intended to retire in 2021.
I feel privileged to say that I am the headteacher of Haslingden High School and Sixth Form, a school with a proud and successful past and a very promising future. I hope to build on the many successes and strengths, continuing to ensure Haslingden High School is a place where ‘Achievement for All’ remains central to the school’s ethos.
County Cllr Anne Cheetham
LA Governor
Date of Appointment: 07/10/2020 until 06/10/2024
Teaching & Learning Committee. Nominated Governor for Disadvantaged Students and Careers
I was born in Southport but have lived in Ramsbottom for 52 years. I became involved in education in 1969 and held many governors roles. My first governor role was at Stubbins primary school, followed by Alder Grange Secondary School, Accrington and Rossendale College, Hazelhurst County Primary School and then onto Tyldsley Residential School where I remained for 25 years.
I have been a governor at Edenfield Church of England Primary School for ten years now and at Haslingden High School for around 12 years.
Before I was widowed my husband and I, along with other members of my family, fostered children on behalf of Lancashire County Council.
Before I retired I was employed as an Appeals fundraiser for a Cancer Research Campaign based in Swinton and I covered the Greater Manchester area and Derbyshire. Prior to my work with Cancer Research I was a company secretary for a leisure business.
I have been a County Councillor for Rossendale South for 4 ½ years where I represent Longholme, Eden and Greensclough wards.
My interests include music, reading and travelling.
David Bennett
Co-opted Governor
Teaching and Learning (Chair)
Date of Appointment: 01/09/2022 until 31/08/2026
I served in the military throughout my working life, retiring in 2005 after a career spanning 43 years. My family settled in Helmshore in 1985 and our son attended Haslingden High School. Two of our grandchildren have been educated here.
Appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 1990, I sat on the Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale Bench until retiring in 2015. For nine of those years, I was strongly involved in the training of magistrates, chairing both the Burnley Bench Training and Development Committee and the Lancashire Magistrates Area Training Committee. More recently, I was appointed to the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Buckley Hall; a Category C male prison in Rochdale for those serving longer sentences until standing down as vice-chair in 2016.
Originally appointed as an LEA governor in March 2011, I was most recently co-opted in 2018, sitting on the executive committee of the Lancashire Association of School Governing Bodies until standing down in 2021. Presently chair of the Teaching and Learning committee, I am also a member of both the Resources and Standards and Effectiveness committees. Previously serving as Training link governor, I am now liaison governor for both the Science and Learning Support faculties.
My hobbies and pastimes include DIY and photography, reading light fiction and an interest in emerging technology.
I have a strong interest in preparing our young people for an ever-changing world and am fully committed to supporting the Headteacher in the continued delivery of a broad and varied curriculum, taught to the highest teaching standards, to ensure the best possible outcome for every pupil at Haslingden High School.
Trevor Brown
Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment: 01/09/2022 until 31/08/2026
I have lived in the North West most of my life, with a few years spent in South Staffordshire following my career at the time in the Leisure industry as a leisure centre manager. My current employment is with a very large global telecommunications company where I am the Pricing Manager, responsible for all pricing tools and process systems that the business use; to go to market.
I am married with two children, my eldest is a qualified Carpenter/Joiner and the other is a Level 2 Primary School Teaching Assistant at a school in Oldham.
I became involved in education at my child’s local school in 2004 when my Son first attended. As a working parent I wanted to understand more about the running of it and as a result I joined the PTFA. I became chairman and oversaw a successful and profitable way of supporting the school through arranging various events throughout the year. Within the year I became a Parent Governor and have supported the school for the last 15 years, even though my children have left I have been vice chair for the last 6 years with the role of a Co-Opted Governor. My role includes being the link governor for English, Health and Safety and Chair of the Finance and Pupil Disciplinary Committees.
I became a Parent Governor of Haslingden High School in January 2012 and was made to feel welcome from day one. I have found that my previous school experience has been put to good use. I am Link Governor for the Expressive arts department and the School canteen to which I have an active role of giving support and a voice back to governors.
I am involved in supporting Amateur Dramatics within the North West as a Deputy Stage Manager for Ashton who hold their shows at Oldham Coliseum and up to July 2015 I was Chairman of the HeyKids Committee which is part of Heywood Amateur Operatic Society who put on a show each year with over local 40 children taking part. I am a member of the institute of advance motoring (IAM) as an advanced driver and in my spare time enjoy socialising with friends and family.
Paul Ridgway
Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment: 01/09/2022 until 31/08/2026
I have lived locally my entire life, other than a period of time when I was away at University. I attended Haslingden High School as a student and was delighted to join it as a teacher over 20 years ago. I have held a variety of positions during my time at the school and this has given me a wide range of experiences which I feel supports my role on the Governing body.
I have been a Head of Year for various year groups, but I am now permanently with Year 7. As part of the role I am involved in the transition of students from KS2 to KS3 and this has allowed me to build links with local primary schools. In school I also have a responsibility for enhancing teaching and learning as well as aiding in the running of the Apple Regional Training Centre.
I am currently in my third term of Governance and have taken part in most committees, including resources, premises and teaching & learning.
My wife also works at the school as a member of the Admin team and so as a family we fully support the schools aim of Achievement for All.
I look forward to continuing my role as governor and to supporting the school in the future.
Lee Robinson
Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment: 29/04/2020 until 28/04/2024
As a co-opted Governor I was appointed to the governing body in April 2016. Originally from Burnley, I have lived in Helmshore for over two decades with my wife and three children – one of which is a former pupil. Previously I have also served as a Parent Governor at a local Primary school.
Working as a Director in a manufacturing company based in Manchester I am passionate not only about the school itself and its place in the local community but also about how the school develops young adults who can enter the world of work equipped with the best skills and learning experience. I am a Chartered Management Accountant.
Whilst not being able to turn myself to anything remotely musical myself, my guilty pleasure is musical theatre and am constantly impressed by the school’s performing arts output. I am a season ticket holder at Burnley FC. We all have our cross to bear!
David Tiler
Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment: 01/09/2022 until 31/08/2026
Resources (Chair)
I joined the Governing body in 2010 as a parent governor and more recently have become a co-opted governor.
I have three children who have all attended the school.
Professionally I am employed in manufacturing management.
I am currently chair of the resources committee and a member of the standards and effectiveness committee (SEC) and teaching and learning committee.
Whilst a governor, I have taken an active role in all the committees and have also participated in the recruitment of the senior leadership (Head and Deputies) of the school.
Julie Turner
Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment: 11/07/2022 until 10/07/2026
I was brought up in Haslingden within earshot of the school, and returned to the area in 2014. In the thirty years between, I have worked in several parts of the UK as well as overseas, mainly for local government but also in the private sector.
I am a senior chartered civil engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers. I work in construction, both as the senior engineer on site and writing contracts for major projects. I enjoy making sense of complex information and using it to make positive changes.
My three children all attended Haslingden High and one is still there. I was Treasurer of the PTA at their previous school and I chaperoned youth groups on trips. I enjoy volunteering as a way of giving back to the community and as a way of getting to know people.
When I’m not working, I spend time with my children enjoying any activities we can find. We like to try new things and take every chance we can to do something different. I love the theatre, my garden and spending time with my large extended family.
David Robinson
Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment: 06/01/2023 until 07/01/2027
I have lived in Rossendale all of my life. I Joined Haslingden High school as a site supervisor in 2009 and was promoted to the role of site manager in 2013. Prior to this I was an installations manager for a kitchen and bathroom company and prior to that I was an area manager for an electrical company
I am a governor at my daughter’s primary school (St Anne’s, Edgeside). I firmly believe that the whole of the school community are committed to delivering an excellent education and pastoral care, within a safe, secure and well maintained environment.
My interests outside of school include walking, reading and travel. I enjoy watching the magnificent Manchester city and above all spending time with my family.
Aisha Khan
Parent Governor
Date of Appointment: 26/09/2022 until 25/09/2026
Zak Hansrot
Staff Governor
Date of Appointment: 08/03/2023 until 07/03/2027
I joined Haslingden High School as an IT Technician in 2016 and was promoted to the role of Network Manager in 2018. Prior to this I was an IT Support Technician for a primary school in Blackpool supporting students and staff with all aspects of IT.
I have a strong passion for the education sector and enjoy supporting students and staff daily with technical related issues.
I feel privileged to work at Haslingden High School and firmly believe the whole school community is committed to delivering excellent education and pastoral care.
My interests outside of school include traveling, supporting the local community and above all spending time with my large family.
Gillian Worthington
Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment: 20/11/2019 until 19/11/2023
I was elected Parent Governor in October 2015 and then after serving 4 years became a co-opted Governor. I am committed to supporting Haslingden High School in its pursuit of ‘Achievement for All’ and their overriding goal of giving all students every opportunity, through their broad and diverse curriculum, excellent teaching and learning programme and also their varied range of extra-curricular activities, to leave Haslingden High School equipped with all the life skills, qualifications and confidence they need for a successful transition into adulthood.
I have lived in Helmshore for the past 20 years and I have 2 children that have both attended Haslingden High School and then moved into the Sixth Form.
I currently sit on the Teaching and Learning Committee as Vice-Chair and I am the nominated Governor for pupil premium.
I am currently working within the offices at a school in Hyndburn and have previously been employed as an administrator at a Year 10/11 Pupil Referral Unit in Bury. I am a fully qualified School Business Manager and understand the importance that robust administrative support is within a school and how it can support the highest quality teaching and learning.
As a parent I wanted to ensure that my children were happy, supported and felt safe as I believe that a happy child is a child that will learn and strive to do their best and I believe Haslingden High School works hard to achieve this for all of their students.
Lindsey Yates
Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment: 09/11/2019 until 19/11/2023
Originally from Bradford, West Yorkshire, I moved to the area in 1976 where I attended Haslingden County Primary School and then Haslingden High School. I am married and have two children who both studied at Haslingden High School and Haslingden Sixth Form before going on to university.
I am the School Business Manager and also a Co-opted Governor at Broadway Primary School where I have worked since 2002. I originally became a Parent Governor as I wanted to give something back to my old school and felt that my background in education would allow me to do this. I am now a Co-opted Governor and am fully committed to playing an active part in supporting the students, staff and the whole school community.
I am a big sports fan in particular, Formula 1, cricket and have been a supporter of my rugby league team, Bradford Bulls, since childhood. I love to holiday in the Scottish Highlands and enjoy musical theatre.
Lesley Millard
Resigned Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment: 29/04/2020 to 15/03/2022
I have recently joined Haslingden High School Governing Board as a co-opted Governor. I have lived in Rossendale for 13 years having moved here from Manchester with my now husband. I have served as a Governor at St Anne’s Church of England Primary School in Waterfoot for six years (and as Vice Chair for two years). I have two daughters who attend St Anne’s and The Valley Leadership Academy. I joined Haslingden High School as I wanted to move into secondary school governance and I believe in the vision at the school and the number one aim of ‘achievement for all’. The local area is rich in talent and ability and we owe it to young people to give them the opportunities to succeed in everything they do.
I have a strong background in effective governance having worked in education project management for over 11 years. I have worked for a large FE college on various projects namely the academy conversion and merger of two large secondary schools and a multi-million pound re-build of the college estate. For the last six years I have been working for an independent consultancy company project managing the conversion of academies, new school funding bids, opening new free schools, and developing new trusts. I am also a qualified clerk and work with schools and trusts to provide clerking services to their boards.
Through my work I regularly liaise with the Department for Education and other central organisations in education and governance and my aim is to bring through any advice and guidance I can offer. I am exposed to many governing boards across the country and use my knowledge to share best practice ideas which may support Haslingden HS. Alongside this I am committed to professional development and hope to support the Board on governor training and development and how we can best use our collective skills for the benefit of the school.
I am passionate about the role governors can play in the school improvement and leadership process. Before working in education I worked in a number of roles in administration, marketing, sales, and HR. I therefore bring all my skills and experiences together to support the school where I can.
Ben Hall
Resigned Parent Governor
Date of Appointment: 18 October 2019 until 14 March 2022
I was born and raised in Bristol, before completing a degree in Public Money and Management at Aston University. I have lived in the Ramsbottom area for the last 20 years.
I work in the education sector for the Raspberry Pi Foundation, creating free computing resources for the National Centre for Computing Education, a government backed scheme which aims to provide high quality support for teachers from Key Stage 1 through to A Level. Prior to that I was a primary school teacher and staff governor in Rochdale. I maintain links with local schools through a Computing at School community and a Code Club which I host every week at Stubbins Primary, where my wife is also a governor. Last year I spent two weeks in Malawi teaching computing in one of the world’s poorest countries.
I have a daughter in year 11 and a son in year 7.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending my time with my family, supporting children in their sporting endeavours and keeping fit through cycling.
Graham Wilson
Retired Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment: 01/09/2018 until 31/08/2022
Three of my children are or have been at the school and therefore I have been associated with the school for over 10 years. The majority of those as a school governor. I have assisted the school with regard to building projects over a number of years. In 2009/10 I was closely involved with the Building Schools for the Future plans for the refurbishment of the school, which unfortunately folded due to the change in government.
I am a school governor at Woodhey High School, again assisting in resources/estates matters.
I am a director of a firm of building services consulting engineers and I have a close interest in promoting Science and Maths. My firm has organised STEAM events and attended careers days, sometimes with mixed results, as students generally have a limited view of what a chartered engineer does. I am particularly keen in seeing more young women starting a career in engineering. I have assisted the school with student mock interviews.
I am a keen walker and I have tackled three of the world’s seven summits. I summited Kilimanjaro in October 2015 with my daughter Isobel, who seemed far too fit for a modern 17-year-old and left me behind. Our trek for 2017 is a 6090m peak in Bolivia.
Mark Stevenson
Resigned Parent Governor
Date of Appointment: 16/10/2018 until 15/10/2022
I have lived in Helmshore since 2004 after relocating to the area to be nearer my wife’s family. I have two children currently attending Haslingden High School.
After serving in The Royal Navy, I worked within the Royal Navy Careers Service where my primary role was to promote the service to schools and colleges. After leaving the Navy, I worked within the recruitment industry for 9 years. Since 2009, I have worked at Newground in Blackburn and we support the community in East Lancashire with employment, landscaping and business services.
I was elected Parent Governor in October 2018 and I am looking forward to ensuring the school continues to support the students and to ensure they get the most out of their education. I am on the resources committee and I am the faculty governor for Computing Business and media Faculty.
I have previously been a parent governor at Helmshore Primary School and I found out how rewarding it was to be a governor at a school and I hope this continues during my time at Haslingden High.
I like to spend any spare time with my family, walking the dog and I also help out at Haslingden Swimming Club.