Joanne Shepherd
Chair of Governors
Coming soon
Tony Wellings
Governor
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 after being elected in 2023, and his roles include 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
Governor
I joined the governing body at Carr Hill as a Co-opted Governor in 2018. 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 for the past 23 years. 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 for the past 6 years and am principally responsible for the quality of vocational education and for the admissions, schools liaison and marketing department 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. At Carr Hill I sit on the School Improvement Plan Committee and Pupils, Curriculum and Standards Committee and look forward to using the skills I have developed over the years for the benefit of the school community.
Carol Hayes
Governor
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 23 years in a diversity of roles, ranging from pub & restaurant manager to accounts manager on the construction firm. My 2 children attended Newton Bluecoat Primary school where I am currently a LEA Governor. When they joined Carr Hill I wanted to continue to help shape and support the school leadership team so I joined the Governing board in 2019. My role is the PSHE subject link & Data Link governor and I also sit on the resources committee. I believe every child deserves the best education they can as this prepares them with the skills and knowledge to help them with their future path. In my free time I enjoy walks with the family & our dog, gardening and spending many hours watching the boys play football for a local junior team.
Alison Salisbury
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
Governor
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
Governor
After having lived throughout the UK and Germany as a child, my parents finally settled in Warton in the mid 1980’s when my Dad came out of the Army. Following 1.5 years at Holy Family School in Warton, I then attended St Bede’s for my High School years. For the past 21 years I have worked for a local family-run housebuilder starting as Receptionist / Accounts Assistant, working my way up to my current role of Group Head of Operations. My Daughter attended Carr Hill when it had it’s Sixth Form and I have many friends that attended the School. As a local resident / employee and having links with various Schools and Colleges in the area, I was asked to join the Governing Body in 2023. I currently sit on the Resources Committee as Vice Chair and the Health, Safety & Wellbeing Committee, as well as being the Science Subject Link Governor and Mental Health Governor. I am very involved with AFC Fylde and the AFC Fylde Community Foundation, as well as being a founder member of The Orange Button Scheme for Mental Health. My spare time is taken up volunteering with these, as well as watching AFC Fylde. Additionally, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and walking my dog, Ruby.
Daniel Churm
Staff Governor
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.
Local Governing Body Information
Click the links below to download the following statutory information regarding our Governing Body:
- Governor Membership 2024-25 – to follow
- Governor Business & Pecuniary Interests 2024-25 – to follow
- 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
