School Governors

Dr John Brennan - Foundation Governor, Chair of Governors

As a Foundation Governor at St Mary Magdalen’s, I enjoy supporting our school in helping every child to achieve their full potential. Throughout my professional career, and during school, college and university, I have benefited greatly from the experience and guidance of others who have provided good support and advice when it was required. As a Governor at St Mary Magdalen’s, I am eager to repay some of that kindness by adding my experience to the Governing Board and hopefully in supporting our school. I have over 12 years experience as a school Governor, including 7 years as Chair and 2 as Vice-Chair. With more than 30 years engineering experience in industry, I have also served as a STEM Ambassador and volunteered as a Professional Review Assessor for the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Having moved to Penwortham over 20 years ago, I have seen my daughters benefit from the superb Catholic schooling that exists within our Parish and also from attending Cardinal Newman College. I believe that each child should have the opportunity for the best start at the beginning of their school journey.

Mr Gerald Collins - Foundation Governor Vice Chair of Governors

I have lived in the parish for almost 40 years. My 3 children went to St. Mary Magdalen’s. I have been a Foundation Governor, appointed by the Archdiocese, for a little over 20 years.

I am a retired University Lecturer and currently help in High Schools, particularly All Hallows, with pupils taking GCSE Electronics.

Currently I am Governor representative on the Lancashire Schools’ Forum. The Forum advises the council on matters relating to school funding and has certain decision making powers

Mrs Bev Gittins - Parent Governor

As a parent of two children currently attending the school, I’m passionate about supporting their education and helping all students thrive. I bring professional experience in public service leadership, with a strong focus on accountability, fairness, and long-term planning. I’m committed to working collaboratively with staff, parents, and governors to ensure the school continues to offer a high-quality, inclusive environment for every child. In my free time I listen to music, enjoy time with my family and friends and helping run PTFA events.

Mr Dan Hogarth - Parent Governor

I am now in my second term of office as parent governor after deciding I wanted to contribute more to the children of St Mary Magdalen's. I have a son currently in attendance at the school and my daughter is now at All Hallows'.

I am employed by Lancashire County Council in ICT as a Business Relationship Manager. In this role I work with County Service leads to ensure that the technological support and development the County requires to run these services is effectively delivered. I support the school in E safety and the structure and purchase of hardware.

I have lived in Preston all my life and as a Proud Prestonian, I am happy to support both the school and its youngest citizens. I enjoy personal IT projects in my spare time as well as playing and recording music I also enjoy cycling with my family.

Mr Tim Roberts - Foundation Governor

I was appointed a Foundation Governor at the school in December 2016 by the Archdiocese of Liverpool, and serve as a Eucharistic Minister in the parish. I am the governor responsible for safeguarding and governor training. I have worked in science education in Lancashire secondary schools for almost 30 years, including 15 years within the Catholic sector, and my current role is physics subject leader at Hutton Grammar School. In my spare time I enjoy cycling, fell-walking and supporting Preston North End. My son and daughter both attended the school, and now study at Cardinal Newman College and All Hallows.

I enjoy supporting Mrs McKinnon and her staff as they seek to strengthen further the academic and extra-curricular provision at our school, and I will continue to be an enthusiastic advocate for the flourishing spiritual life the pupils of St Mary Magdalen’s are fortunate to enjoy.

Mr Martin Gaughan - Foundation Governor

Martin Gaughan attended St Mary Magdalen's as a pupil and returned here as Year 6 teacher for several yearbefore leaving us in 2019 to take up his post as deputy headteacher at St Joseph's in Preston. Mr Gaughan was keen to keep his strong links to the school in his home parish.

Mrs Adrienne Delaney - Foundation Governor

I was a pupil at St Mary Magdalen’s School many years ago and know many local families as I have lived here in Penwortham for much of my life.

I am married with five grown up children and four grandchildren. I have a grandchild at the school and one who left to go on to All Hallows last year.

My interests have long been in education. I was a headteacher at St Ignatius Primary School in Preston up until last year, where I served the very diverse community very happily for 25 years. I still work for the Lancaster Diocese as a Religious Education Inspector. I

It is a great privilege to go into schools and meet children, staff and parents. As a mum, grandma and ex-teacher I believe that we all share the same aim and that is to see that our children receive a happy and excellent education in a Catholic School.

I love to read, to travel and to enjoy my grandchildren at last! I feel that I am just as busy as ever I was!

I will endeavour to support the school and help ensure that it continues the journey towards the fulfilment of the Mission Statement, which is to “Let the light of Jesus shine through in all we think and say and do’

Ms Catherine Glynn - LEA Governor

I’m a recently appointed Local Authority Governor keen to contribute to my local area of Penwortham.

I am a qualified primary school teacher and work as a Senior Lecturer in a local university specialising in primary art and design along with mentor development.

It is great to be a member of the wider St Mary Magdalene’s team, and I am committed to supporting the governing board in ensuring the best is achieved for pupils and staff.

Miss Shelley Edwards - Foundation Governor

New governor - information tbc

Mrs Amy Campbell - Foundation Governor

I became a governor in February 2023 after being approached by Fr Ian. I am a qualified early years teacher and work for the Lancashire Music Service delivering music lessons across a number of local schools. I have two children and my eldest will start St Mary Magdalen’s in 2023.I have a passion for teaching and music which I hope to share in my role as governor.

Mrs S Bradley - Staff Governor

I have been a teacher at St Mary Magdalen's for many years in reception class. I also was instrumental in the school starting 'Mighty Mini's' , our amazing nursery with superheroes from 3 years old. In September 2023 I joined the Senior Leadership team as the EYFS representative.

Mrs J Metcalfe Clerk to governors (LCC)

Business Interests

None of our governors have any business interests in school.

Attendance at Meetings

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