Governors Information

Our Clerk To The Governors:

Mrs K Howard, Atlas House, Corporation Street, St Helens, WA9 1LD



What Is Needed

  • A strong commitment to the role and to improving outcomes for children.
  • Inquisitiveness, to question, analyse and offer support.
  • Good inter-personal skills.
  • Sufficient numeracy skills to understand basic data.
  • Ability and willingness to learn and develop new skills.

What Is Involved

  • The role requires you to spend a reasonable amount of time on it. As well as attending meetings, you will need to spend sufficient time to understand the role, the concepts and education policy in the UK
  • You will attend two governing body meetings a term, approx two hours per meeting
  • You will need to be prepared to take on a role as a link governor for one curricular area or subject matter in the school, such as health and safety
  • You must read papers in advance of meetings
  • You must undertake training with the local authority’s governor support programme.
  • You will make at least one official visit a year to the school.
  • You may take part in an interview panel on occasion, as required.
  • You will need to be supportive and aware of the importance of confidentiality in certain circumstances.



For more information about Governance, please follow this link to the National Governance Association (NGA) website: https://www.nga.org.uk/

For more information about becoming a Governor of a St Helens school, please follow this link: https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/article/4921/Becoming-a-school-governor


Governors have oversight of different aspects of  our school:

Link governors

Area of responsibility Governor Staff Member Roles & Responsibilities document
Safeguarding P Peel M Mainwaring/P Mackenzie
Catholic Life P Peel C Chippendale
SEND A Ward/J McNamee K Tunstall
EYFS H Tierney K Tunstall
Maths P Peel D Finney/L Lee
Reading, Writing & Oracy K Reilly K Tunstall/C Chippendale/S Flaherty
Science K Reilly D Finney
Wellbeing R Lomax S Flaherty
PE, Sports Premium & Pupil Premium D McGarvey M Mainwaring/P Mackenzie
Health & Safety J McNamee M Mainwaring/J Moosbally

Register Of Governors Interests

No governor has a business interest in the school.
No governor has a financial interest in the school.
No governor has a material interest in the school.
Jimmy McNamee is a governor at Holy Spirit Catholic Primary, St Helens


About Our Governors

  • Jimmy Mcnamee

    I have lived in the parish for 26 years and my three children attended St Peter and St Paul's school. Although now retired I worked for BT for 41 years in various roles, ending in a senior managerial role. I have been involved with schools and as governor for over 30 years. I am now Chair of Governors, and enjoy it greatly, learning from the challenges every day, and finding it very personally rewarding.

  • Pat Peel

    I am passionate about Catholic Education and the challenges that this brings in today’s climate.  I am currently employed by the Archdiocese of Liverpool as a school Adviser and Catholic Schools Inspector.  I have been a governor for over 25 years in various guises – Foundation, Local Authority, Teacher Elect, co-opted including holding the post of both Chair and Vice Chair over time.  I have a wealth of experience in Primary Education as a teacher.  I have lived locally for most of my life so know the value that this brings.  

  • Rachel Lomax

    I am the local authority governor. It was an honour to be asked to serve as a governor. My background is in Human Resources, supporting schools with their HR issues. I hope to be able to support the school and governors in this area. As a governor, am happy to challenge the school and support the Headteacher where I can - our children deserve the best education that they can get. 

  • Helen Tierney

    I've been a Governor for 16 years and I have served on the Finance and Personnel Committees. My background is in teaching and accounts. I became a Governor not only because I am passionate about children's education, but as a former pupil I felt a close connection to the school community. My role as a Governor has made me more aware of the challenges and opportunities within education; I have enjoyed being able to support St Peter and St Paul's and I am keen to help develop the links between the school, parish, and the local area. 

  • Daniel McGarvey

    I am part of several constituted community groups and sit as a management committee member for Skills CIC, a not for profit organisation based in a local town. I fully understand the importance of strong governance for schools and enjoy contributing to this.  I have worked for many years in community settings with children and young people and enjoy using my experience in my role as parent governor. 

  • Allison Ward

    Appointed as Foundation Governor in Sept 2023, I am looking forward to working with school and our Governors to enhance all areas of school life for staff, parents/carers, children and our local community. 

  • Michael Mainwaring

    I am currently the Headteacher of St Peter & St Paul Catholic Primary School having been appointed in September 2022.

  • Clare Chippendale

    I have been a teacher at St Peter and St Paul's Primary School for 14 years and served on the Governing Body for over 10 years. I am Head of Juniors - overseeing Year 3 to Year 6. I also work as part of the pastoral team to provide support to both the children in our school and their families. Understanding challenges faced by the school, local community and parish enables me not only to support but also to challenge initiatives. These roles help me to ensure that our children receive the best education and life experiences possible.

  • Kate Reilly

    I am a Medical Scientific Liaison Officer for a large healthcare company. I am on the board of a charity that provides new and functional education facilities to young people in developing communities. I have experience of reviewing financial accounts. I lecture in Pharmacy at Manchester and John Moores’ Universities and have a level 3 NVQ in Education and Training.

  • Jenny Rowlands

     I'm a parent Governor at school and my son is now in Year 1.  I run my own photography business and am also a dance tutor.  

    I have a good understanding of EYFS, SEND and Ofsted requirements through childminding and teaching children and adults of all ages over the last 15 years.

    I became a parent Governor as I felt so welcome and part of a lovely community,  my son was baptised at St Peter & St Paul's church before it sadly closed and I strongly feel that our connection with the wider community is important.