Our Governors
Meet the governors
JOHN STOREY - Chair of Governors, Appointing Body: Diocese of Shrewsbury
I have been a foundation governor at St Mary’s for over twenty years and Vice Chair since November 2016. I retired two years ago after some forty years working in and managing a textile manufacturing company. My connection with St Mary’s school and parish began in the 1980’s and my children and grandchildren attended the school since then until the present day.
Committees: Finance and Personnel Committee, COVID-19 Committee
Term of Office: From September 2016 To August 2024
Register of Interests: None
Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None
VALERIE CLARE - Vice-Chair of Governors, Appointing Body: Diocese of Shrewsbury
Foundation Governor at St Mary’s Catholic School since 2022. I am a practising Catholic, and a parishioner of St Mary’s. My two grown-up children attended All Saints Catholic College. I am a retired Director of Midwifery and work part-time on a consultancy basis for the NHS. I look forward to supporting the school to achieve its goal of fulfilling the potential of every child.
Committees: Premises, Safeguarding, Health and Safety Committee and Catholic Ethos, Curriculum and Standards Committee
Term of Office: August 2022 To August 2026
Register of Interests: None
Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None
LESLEY BIDDISCOMBE - Foundation Governor, Appointing Body: Diocese of Shrewsbury
I have been a Foundation Governor at St. Mary’s since December 2020 and I’m enjoying learning about this important role and how I can support the school and its community. My daughter attends a local Catholic High School, and I am a parishioner at St. Mary’s Church. I have worked in Human Resources for the whole of my career and I’m currently a People Partner, working for a well known engineering company. Outside of work I like to spend as much time as I can with my family and friends so am looking forward to when we can all be together again.
Committees: Finance & Personnel Committee, COVID-19 Committee
Term of Office: From December 2020 To August 2024
Register of Interests: None
Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None
JAN ROBINSON - Foundation Governor, Appointing Body: Diocese of Shrewsbury
I joined St. Mary’s in 2003 and have had several different roles since then. I am currently Early Years/KS1 Lead and SENDCo. I have been a staff governor since 2018. I attend full governing body meetings and sit on the Catholic Ethos, Performance and Standards Committee.
Committees: Catholic Ethos, Curriculum and Standards Committee, COVID-19 Committee
Term of Office: March 2018 To March 2026
Register of Interests: None
Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None
Gareth McDonough - Parent Governor, Appointing Body: Elected by Parents of St. Mary's Catholic Primary School
Currently work at Stryker Medical as a product specialist, training and supporting surgeons and theatre staff in orthopaedic surgeries.
Worked within a pupil referral unit for 2 years providing alternative curriculum.
Over 20 years’ experience in further education as a lecturer within Sport and Public Services and as a curriculum manager across a wide curriculum. Head of faculty for Sport, Public Services and Health and Social Care.
Military background
Grown up within the parish of St Marys and attended St Marys Primary as a youngster.
Committees: Finance and Personnel
Term of Office: July 2023 - July 2027
Register of Interests: None
Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None
Lisa Williams - Foundation, Appointing Body: Diocese of Shrewsbury
I have lived in Dukinfield for most of my life and been a part of St Mary’s Parish community. I attended St Mary’s Primary School from 1976 – 1983, before moving on to All Saints Catholic College. After leaving school, I trained to become an accountant and worked in the aircraft industry for a number of years, before retraining in 2004. After qualifying with a BA Hons in Primary Education with Mathematics specialism in 2008, I became a primary school teacher, teaching mainly in years 5 and 6 at Gorse Hall Primary School in Stalybridge. I am currently Assistant Headteacher at St Stephen’s RC Primary School in Droylsden, where I am KS2 Lead, Senior Mental Health Lead and responsible for Assessment. I have a passion for history, art and cricket, which I like to indulge in my spare time. I was extremely honoured to be asked to become a Foundation Governor at St Mary’s and am looking forward to being a part of the school community once more.
Committees: Catholic Ethos, Performance and Standards Committee, Finance and Personnel Committee
Term of Office: July 2023 - July 2027
Register of Interests: None
Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None
