Katie Melia

Co-Opted Governor

I am very pleased to be taking on the role as Co-opted Governor at Sherdley Primary School. The governing body is an enthusiastic, committed team who strive for only the best and I am proud  to be named amongst this group.

Professionally, I am an Assistant Head teacher within a school in Wigan. I am the lead of pastoral care, attendance and safeguarding.

I have two children who attend a  local primary school within the area and everything I do within my role as Assistant head and Governor I always consider the question, “Is this what I would want for my boys?”

Cathey Briars

Chair of Governors

Co-opted Governor

I am able to appreciate the different perspectives of many stakeholders within the school community, having had a previous career in primary education, and as a current Sherdley parent. Now working as a project manager, I am keen to ensure the whole Sherdley community benefits from the best use of resources, and the most robust implementation of thoughtful strategic planning, which is underpinned by the highest aspirations – so that all Sherdley children thrive.

Liam Bibby

Parent Governor

I’m excited to be joining an enthusiastic governing body that strives to ensue Sherdley is the best possible place for the students and staff that it serves. 

I have a daughter who is in Year 5 and a nephew in Year 2, both of whom are loving their time at Sherdley. 

I am currently an Assistant Principal at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School in Widnes and hope that my career in Education will help me make valuable contributions to the governing body moving forward. 

Carol Robertson

Co-opted Governor

I’m very pleased to be taking on my new role at Sherdley Primary School as a Co-opted Governor. Sherdley is the primary school I attended myself back in the mid-1970s, and I was lucky enough to become the schools’ Deputy Headteacher – a role I held for 10 years prior to deciding to ease myself into early retirement.

I live on the New Bold estate with my husband Jim. We both enjoy visiting France and I like to go to the theatre with friends from across the UK. During my career I have had specific roles in leading Safeguarding, Assessment and the Induction and training of newly qualified teaching staff. I have been involved in a large number of staff recruitments and also taught across all year groups of primary, including a role in a specialist school for children with SEND and complex needs, and also an advisor role for Knowsley Council which saw me working in secondary settings too. I’m currently working as a training facilitator for teachers who are seeking to advance their skills in school leadership – a role which means I must be fully aware of current research in education.

I have previously had the role of Staff Governor at Broad Oak Primary School where I worked for several years, and have attended a large number of Governor meetings at Sherdley in the past due to my job role. Sherdley will always be a very special school to me, and I am thrilled to be able to continue to offer my skills and expertise to it for a few more years.

Vacant

Local Authority Governor

Emma Atherton

Co-opted Governor

I am excited to be joining the governing body.

I have a wealth of experience in Continuous Improvement and currently work as a process architect.

With the knowledge I have gained in my career, I hope that I can help drive continuous improvement within the school and their process management, whilst keeping the school values and ethos at the heart of any decision making.

I currently have 2 boys who are part of the Sherdley family and spend most of my personal time at side of a Football or Rugby pitch.

Leanne Howard

Co-opted Governor

I am proud to belong to an enthusiastic team of Governors, who are committed to help provide the best possible learning environment for the children of Sherdley Primary School. With a background in child safeguarding, I believe that schools also play a very important and vital role in the support of children and their families. I am keen to help the team to continue to improve the opportunities for each unique child to develop and thrive at Sherdley Primary.

Sarah Garnett

Parent Governor

I am a mum of 3, of whom attend Sherdley and they all love it! I am so proud to be part of a team of amazing Governors who are just as keen as I am to provide the best environment for our children.

Professionally I work in child social care and I love running my own party business. In my free time, we spend it as a family, going for walks, bike rides and visiting the caravan.

I am really looking forward to being able to contribute to the team and helping Sherdley continue to provide the most amazing experience for all our children.

Karen Tilley

Co-opted Governor

As an ex-student whose two children also attended Sherdley, I am passionate about seeing it continue developing into an outstanding school.

As a Governor and a Staff member, I want to make sure Sherdley continues to give its students a great foundation so they can be the best they can be.

Katie Bennett

Acting Headteacher

I have worked at Sherdley for 15 years. During that time I have had many roles: class teacher, SENCO, Assistant head, Deputy head, Head of School and more recently Acting Head. I am passionate about the children, families and staff at our school and I am commited to ensuring our Sherdley values underpin everything we do.

I have 2 daughters, one in year 7 and one in year 8. I feel that I can empathise with present challenges facing our parents. Everything I do at Sherdley I always consider ‘is it good enough for my own children?’ I use this as my benchmark. If it isn’t good enough, then we adapt and change it until it is.

Most of my time is spent as Mum’s taxi but I do find time to go to the theatre, I love musicals and spending time with my family.

Kirsty Farrelly

Co-opted Governor

I enjoy being a part of a skilled and enthusiastic governing body, working hard to both support and challenge, to ensure that our school accomplishes its mission to inspire children to achieve their full potential in a happy and safe environment.

Professionally, I am a chartered accountant with a wealth of experience in analysing data, budgeting, auditing and resource management. Having gained my ACA qualification at the global top accountancy firm and then working in mid-tier and small firms, I am now lucky enough to run my own accountancy practice, giving me the flexibility to dedicate the time required to fulfil this role.

I have 4 children, three of whom have already completed their primary school education at Sherdley, with my youngest still attending.

In my spare time, I enjoy kickboxing, karate, playing for the local cricket team, running, circuit training and, most of all, spending quality time with my family and friends.

Robert Hodgson

Co-Opted Governor

Mr Hodgson graduated from Edge Hill University in 2008 with a BA honours in Physical Education. He went on to complete his Post Graduate Certificate in    Education at Edge Hill University, before starting his career as a PE teacher in Sefton in 2009.

During his first teaching position he continued his studies, completing his Masters in Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2013. At various points in his career he has taken on a number of whole school leadership responsibilities including pastoral support, early years teacher development and school research lead.

Mr Hodgson joined The Sutton Academy in September 2018 as Faculty leader of Physical Education before being promoted to Assistant Principal in April 2021. He is currently responsible for staff CPD and induction, as well as being strategic lead for the academy attendance strategy. He is passionate about improving teaching and learning so that all students achieve their potential.

I have been fortunate to experience two successful careers, one in Engineering and the other in education.

Now semi retired I was Vice Principal at a local high school responsible for attendance, behaviour and safeguarding.

I enjoy helping my wife with her business which keeps me active.  

In my ‘spare time’ I enjoy reading and DIY.

I have worked at Sherdley for 8 years and I am loving the opportunity I have been given as staff govenor. Throughout my time at Sherdley, I have participated in many different roles. These include: Art and DT lead, Behaviour lead, 5/6 lead, DDSL, ECT mentor, I am a member of the pastoral team and also the drama club team. I have loved all of these roles but my favourite role of all is being a teacher – I have taught across KS1 and KS2 over my 8 years of teaching. 

In my spare time I love travelling to different countries on holidays, going out with my friends and I love to read!