Joanne Shepherd
Chair of Governors and Lead Governor for Safeguarding
I have lived in Lancashire all my life and have worked in education for over 20 years covering roles in Secondary, Further and Higher Education. As well as education I have also worked in a variety of other industries including agriculture and science and I am a qualified Health and Safety practitioner.
I have been in my current role as Health and Safety Officer at Lancaster University since 2021. My previous role was that of Health and Safety and Environmental Manager at Blackpool and the Fylde College where I lead on Health, Safety, Environmental and Facilities strategy as part of the Estates Management team. During my time at the College, I was privileged to sit as one of two staff representatives on the Corporation Board. I have also worked at Baines School in Poulton as the Technical Team Manager and Health and Safety Coordinator.
I believe that the value of great education lies not only in the classroom but also in the strength of community and respect that it can foster. My purpose as Chair of Governors is to help Carr Hill High School achieve the best outcome for every student, outcomes which are not only measured in academic results but also in personal growth and the nurturing of resilience and future aspirations.
Tony Wellings
Lead Governor for Community Engagement
Originally from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Tony settled in Kirkham in 2003 after completing his Army service at Weeton. Since leaving the Army Tony has worked in Facilities Management managing contracts across the country for different business including DHL UK & Ireland, NHS and Liverpool John Moore University. Tony now works for Bupa UK,managing a portfolio of 78 properties in the Northwest and North Wales.
Tony is a Councillor at Kirkham Town Council, joining the Council in 2023, and his roles have included chairing the Leisure, Parks and Open Space Committee and the Flood Group, bringing together all relevant agencies to combat the flooding issues in Kirkham. Tony also represents the Town Council at Kirkham Twinning Association meetings, undertaking visits to twin towns.
Tina Cooper
Lead Governor for Careers
I was born in Lytham, originally from Kirkham, and having lived in Lancashire all my life, I am committed to supporting Carr Hill High School to provide the very best education for the young people of the area. I am currently Vice Principal – Curriculum at The Blackpool Sixth Form College and have worked in education since 1998.
Previously a teacher, I have experience in managing curriculum and the quality of teaching, learning and assessment and for pastoral care in the sixth form/FE sector and setting up and running a successful out-of-school facility in a primary school. I am proud to have been in my current role at Blackpool Sixth since 2015 and am principally responsible for the quality of vocational education, our level 2 provision (Foundation Programme), skills and careers provision and the Learning Resource Centre at this Ofsted rated, outstanding college.
I am passionate about enabling young people to fulfil their dreams through success in qualifications and, just as importantly, the development of life and employability skills. I look forward to using the skills I have developed over the years for the benefit of the school community.
Carol Hayes
Vice-Chair of Governors
I grew up in East Sussex and moved to Lancashire with my husband in 1996 with his work at BAE systems. I have worked for a local family run business for the last 26 years in a diversity of roles, ranging from pub and restaurant manager to property manager for a letting agency. I have been a governor at Carr Hill High School for 5 years, both of my sons have since left Carr Hill High School and moved onto the next chapter of their education but I want to continue to help shape the school for future students as I believe every child deserves to receive the best education they can as this prepares them with the skills and knowledge to help them make the most of their life.
Alison Salisbury
Parent Governor
I grew up in Leigh, Greater Manchester, and moved to Kirkham in 2008 when I took up a teaching post at Blackpool and The Fylde College. After my daughter was born, we settled in Kirkham where she attended Kirkham and Wesham Primary School. When she joined Carr Hill in 2022, I was keen to be involved in the wider school community, and represent the views of parents. I would like to think that my recent appointment to the role of Parent Governor will help shape the future of the school, and enable us to create the very best opportunities for our young people in Kirkham and surrounding areas. Having worked as a teacher in schools and colleges for over 20 years, I understand the challenges faced by young people and their families, and will work to ensure that we get the best possible outcomes for our children and the school.
Colin Smy
Parent Governor and Lead Governor for Pupil Voice
I grew up in Kirkham and with the exception of 5 years living in America, have spent all my life in the area. I have 3 children who have been / are currently attending Carr Hill. My eldest children have now left, but my youngest started in 2023. I was and still am a Governor at her Primary School. Moving to High School, I wanted to keep that level of involvement and investment in her education. I’ve previously worked in adult education and quality managing work based learning nationally. I currently work for the NSPCC as a Development Manager on a 10 year project in Blackpool, supporting early years families in areas of deprivation to provide the best opportunities for child development. All levels of children’s education is very important to me, as these are the foundations on which the rest of their lives will build. I am now fortunate enough to have roles at all stages in different areas and can contribute experience and knowledge to develop all three.
Darren Thornhill
Lead Governor for Health and Safety, Estates and Wellbeing
After moving around the UK and Germany during my childhood, my family settled in Warton in the mid-1980s when my dad left the Army. I attended Holy Family School in Warton for a year and a half before going on to St Bede’s for high school. For the past 22 years, I’ve worked for a local family-run housebuilder, starting as a Receptionist/Accounts Assistant and advancing to my current position as Head of Operations. My daughter attended Carr Hill High School when it had a Sixth Form, and I have many friends who went there as well.
I’m actively involved with AFC Fylde and the AFC Fylde Community Foundation, and I helped co-found The Orange Button Scheme for Mental Health. Additionally, I’ve collaborated with Lancashire Mind, writing a Thought Leadership Piece and participating in a podcast on Mental Health topics. In my spare time, I volunteer with these organizations, enjoy watching AFC Fylde, reading, spending time with my family, and walking my dog, Ruby. Currently, I serve as the Lead Governor for Wellbeing.
Daniel Churm
Staff Governor and Lead Governor for SEND
Originally from Derbyshire, I studied Philosophy in York before moving to Lancashire in 2014 and have been a teacher at Carr Hill since September 2015. I became Faculty Leader of Religious Studies in 2019 and was delighted to be elected as a Staff Governor in 2022. It is privilege to work with our young people as a teacher and mentor, and I am enthusiastic about helping all of our pupils achieve their very best in academic and personal development. Since joining the school I have been involved with numerous extra-curricular projects, including a Debating Society and the current ‘Polymaths Project’ with Year 10. I have also helped with in-school teacher development by supporting INSET sessions. Outside of school, I spend time expanding my own mind through reading, visiting museums and galleries and am currently on a mission to visit every cathedral in England. I am a local charity trustee and on the leadership team of the Baptist church I attend, where I also help with children’s and youth work. In my spare time, I enjoy board games, walks in the countryside and playing the piano.
Natalie Lewis
Governor
Natalie is the Headteacher of The Heights Burnley, an alternative provision school. Previous to this, she was the Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for quality of education at another alternative provision school within the Education Partnership Trust.
Natalie has experience of improving standards and curriculum with a particular focus on raising expectations for pupils who are disadvantaged or with special educational needs. Natalie’s skill set includes knowledge of the curriculum with a focus on reading and English, behaviour management, subject specific pedagogy, financial planning and timetabling.
Natalie is passionate about education and the ways in which it can transform lives, especially for those pupils who are disadvantaged, and believes that education is the great equaliser when it comes to life chances and aspirations.
Local Governing Body Information
Click the links below to download the following statutory information regarding our Governing Body:
- Governor Membership 2024-25
- Governor Business & Pecuniary Interests 2024-25
- EPT Governance Scheme of Delegation
For information regarding The Education Partnership Trust financial reports, please click here.
Chair of Governors contact details
Name: Jo Shepherd
Address: Education Partnership Trust, Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 8QA
Email: governance@ept-uk.com
