Birkrig, Skelmersdale, Lancashire WN8 9BN.
Telephone: 01695 724730.
www.bishopmartin.lancs.sch.uk Headteacher: Mr IJ McDonald
Bishop Martin Governor Pen Portraits
2022-2023
Mr James Greenlees: Local Authority Governor (Appointed September 2020)
Appointed Chair September 2022
I'm James Greenlees.
Chair of Governors
I've have recently been elected Chair of Governors. I've been a Governor at Bishop Martin for 7 years. Over the past 20 years my children and now grandchildren have attended Bishop Martin. I live in Digmoor and I think this gives me real knowledge of what our children and their families expect from the school.
I know that the contributions that myself and a great team of Governors, observers and the senior leadership team help to make Bishop Martin a great place for our children to learn, also to make and take memories into their future.
I'm passionate about the school and the team that makes Bishop Martin such a great school and hope to take this passion into my role as Chair to ensure that this continues into the future.
Mr Stephen Holmes: Foundation Governor (Appointed by Diocese of Liverpool: February 2020)
Appointed Vice Chair September 2022
Vice-chair of Governors
My name is Stephen Holmes and I’m a Foundation Governor connected to Christ the Servant church where I am also Church Warden.
I was very proud to be asked to be a school governor as Bishop Martin was my first school in Skelmersdale in 1969 and has always held a place in my heart. I am married, a dad and grandad and although my family don’t go to Bishop Martin, I believe all children should get the education they need and deserve.
My work background has mostly been in the care sector which I have done for over 30 years now. I feel it a privilege to be joining a great team of governors and members of staff at a great school and look forward to serving you for years to come.
Mr Ian McDonald: Appointed April 2018
Headteacher
As the Headteacher I am privileged to sit on the Governing body and attend all Governor meetings. I have been Headteacher here for almost 5 years.
I am incredibly lucky to work alongside a committed group of Governors who are all passionate about the school and efficiently challenge and monitor school effectiveness in their role as the ‘critical friend’
I have worked in Skelmersdale for 20 years (my own children have attended Skelmersdale schools and I did myself). Prior to that began my career in Preston. My heart has always been in serving the community of Skelmersdale. Being a ‘local lad’ myself (having grown up near Bishop Martin), I see the incredible potential all our pupils have and feel privileged to be trusted with their education and wellbeing.
I believe every child, regardless of ethnicity or background, has the right to an education of the highest quality to give them the best possible life chances. I am fortunate to lead a team of incredibly talented and committed professionals who all hold this vision too.
Mrs Louise Clark: Foundation Governor (Appointed by Diocese of Liverpool: May 2021)
Hi, I’m Louise and I’ve just joined the Governors of Bishop Martin school as of July 2021. I’m a foundation Governor which means that I’m a member of the local church (Christ the Servant).
I hope to strengthen the links between the church and school. My daughter and fellow members of my family have /are members of this wonderful school.
I look forward to the future in helping to improve the school for all the children in our care.
Miss Lucy Johnson: Staff Governor (Appointed: November 2019)
This is my fourth year as a staff governor and I am delighted to have this role. I enjoy working alongside a committed and dedicated governing body being a part of making important decisions as well as being able to express my views with the best interest of the school in mind.
I have been a member of the Bishop Martin family for 8 years now and I have had a wealth of experience having taught across both key stages. I am currently the Year 2 class teacher and Religious Education subject leader.
As the newly elected assessment governor, this has added a new dimension to my role in school and has created further opportunities for me to make a difference. I am eager and passionate and strive to give all children who attend Bishop Martin the opportunity to achieve and aspire to fulfil their full potential whilst growing into responsible and caring individuals.
Mrs Irene Jones: Foundation Governor (Appointed by Diocese of Liverpool: September 2019)
My name is Irene Jones and I have been a Governor at Bishop Martin since my two sons started at the school. During my time as a Governor, I have been both Foundation and Local Authority representative as the needs of the Governing Body have evolved. My working life has been spent in school administration in both the financial and educational areas of school life.
I am currently the Finance Governor for the Governing Body. Bishop Martin gives its’ pupils a safe and secure place to grow and develop their future life, having enjoyment and lots of experiences to help them enjoy their school journey.
I have always felt privileged to be able to support both the staff and pupils of our great school, and look forward to our future life together.
Mrs Samantha Tilley: Parent Governor (Appointed by Bishop Martin School: November 2020)
My name is Samantha Tilley I am really enjoying my role as Parent Governor at Bishop Martin. I have two boys at Bishop Martin, I believe that they are receiving the best possible foundation for their education here at Bishop Martin.
I have lived in Skelmersdale my whole life, I am a self employed Aromatherapist working within SEMH schools with students ranging from seven to sixteen years of age. I also work within care homes with vulnerable adults who have mental health needs and/or physical disabilities. I hope that my experience can prove useful as a member of the Governing body.
I am grateful to be able to share views and opinions of parents with the board of governors to further improve the school along with the education provided to all our children, enabling everyone to continue to go from strength to strength.
I hope to be able to represent other parents to make sure that school continues providing the best possible opportunities and experiences for all our children.
Mrs Beryl Trainor:
Foundation Governor (Appointed by Diocese of Liverpool: April 2021)
Hi my name is Beryl Trainor, I have been a foundation governor for 4 years. A foundation Governor is a person that has been selected through the Church. I was very happy to join the Governing body of an inspirational school.
I have recently retired from teaching after 22 years. I am married with two grown up sons and three grandsons and one granddaughter. I live in an area close to the school. I have always been keen to ensure that the children of our area get the education that they deserve. I have watched the school go from strength to strength and strongly believe that it is the role of the governors is to support the school in ensuring that the children at Bishop Martin have the best chance at education that they are entitled to have.
Miss Jeanette Walmsley:
Foundation Governor (Appointed by Diocese of Liverpool: July 2022)
My name is Jeanette and I am delighted to be appointed foundation governor for Bishop Martin school. This is my first role as governor but am looking forward to being part of the team.
Bishop Martin was my first choice of primary school for my own children and having attended the school myself I understand and embrace its historic significance as a well thought of and well established school in the heart of Skelmersdale.
I am now hoping to further strengthen my links with the school and contribute to its governorship.
I have worked for the Education and children services for 15 years and hope that my experiences and knowledge from my job role can prove useful as a member on the board.
Ms Rebecca Webster: Parent Governor (Appointed by Bishop Martin School: February 2020)
My name is Rebecca Webster, I am a parent governor at Bishop Martin. Which is a role I’m very pleased to have and be more involved with working with the school.
I have 3 children who have all attended Bishop Martin School at some point, my youngest is still a pupil here. My particular interests are in SEND, child protection, safeguarding and well being. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to learn more about these areas as I go.
Miss Jen Williams:
Foundation Governor (Appointed by Diocese of Liverpool: May 2022)
Hello, my name is Jen Williams. I’ve been appointed foundation governor, so I’m attached to the church. When I was asked by Christ the Servant to join, I was humbled and happy to be part of this family.
Although I have no direct connection to the school, I have been around Skelmersdale for over 15 years and I’m hoping my wider experience will be beneficial.
I’m registered disabled and a medically retired bus driver who mainly used to do the school runs especially for the disabled schools.
I’m hoping to bring my disability knowledge and experience to help educate pupils and staff about the challenges faced with having a disability. Everyone should be fully included, and I’ve heard wonderful things that Bishop Martin is striving for the same. I’m passionate that young people shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions.
I love helping people and doing what I can in the community. My current job as a self employed utility consultant, saving people money on their bills, fits nicely in with that.
Observer Members
Mr Mark Dawe: Observer member, member of the teaching team
My name is Mark Dawe and I am entering my 7th year within the family of Bishop Martin Church of England Primary School. After showing a keen interest in the wider workings of the school and how we can constantly aspire to improve, I was delighted when I was invited to be an observer member of the governing body. I am currently teaching Year 4 and have also had the pleasure of teaching within the Nursery and Reception classes along with Years 2, 3 and 6 at Bishop Martin.
I hope that with this experience and my passion for giving our children the best possible start in life, I can give our fantastic governing body support in making key decisions to make our wonderful school an even better place for our children to learn and grow. In addition to my class teacher role, I am also the school’s Science subject leader and Educational Visits Coordinator; two roles that I thoroughly enjoy. Both the staff and the children make Bishop Martin a truly special place to be. It is a privilege to work here and I am committed to ensure that our children are provided with the education, experiences and love needed to fulfil their full potential.
Mrs Linda Fendle: Observer member, member of SLT
I have been attached to our school since 1980 when I was admitted as a pupil. I attended the school until the end of the Juniors and carried the link whilst attending The Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade, as it was run through the school.
I am married and we have a small dog called Teddy.
From 1993 to 2015 my children, nieces and nephews attended the school. I was appointed Administrator in January 2008 and was pleased to say I had managed to finally start my dream job working in a school office. In September 2019 I started the post of School Business Manager and also attended Blackpool and Fylde Collage where I completed a Business Managers Degree course and was awarded a 2:1 in July 2022.
I have four Granddaughters and two Grandsons. My Granddaughters all attend the school in classes from Nursery to Year 6. I am proud to be working in our school and that I have had a connection for over 40 years and hopefully for many years to come.
Mrs Susan Hewitt: Observer member, member of SLT
I am Mrs Hewitt and I’m the Assistant Headteacher and Inclusion Manager at Bishop Martin. In my role of Inclusion Manager, I manage the provision for our learners with Special Educational Needs, our ‘Children Looked After’ (CLA) and those who are learning English as an Additional Language. I am also responsible for monitoring the provision and progress of those children who are in receipt of Pupil Premium funding. I am entering my seventh year at Bishop Martin and love being a part of our school family. I am married and have beautiful but crazy dog at home called Dottie, she is a Cockapoo and she’s three years old.
As well as my Assistant Headteacher and Inclusion Manager duties, I am EYFS and KS1 lead and am responsible for the smooth running of our Early Years, overseeing both nursery and reception classes and supporting our KS1 team. I specialised in Early Years during my teaching degree and hold a Masters Certificate in Education.
I am currently undertaking the National SENCo Award at Edge Hill University. I have previously worked with the North West SCITT programme undertaking the role of Expert Practitioner, Link Tutor and Class Mentor. I am also the PSHE and Spoken Language subject co ordinator, in this role I oversee and monitor the delivery of both subjects and analyse the progress of each Key Stage across the school
Miss Michelle Johnson: Observer member, member of SLT
My name is Miss Johnson and I am the Early Years Leader, Nursery teacher and a member of the Senior Leader Team at Bishop Martin. Within my role, I oversee the running of the nursery and reception classes and I am subject leader for PSHE.
I specialised in Early Years when I carried out my degree at Edgehill and then completed our local Skelmersdale teaching programme SCITT to gain my teaching status. I have had the privilege of working at Bishop Martin for six years now and even completed my final teaching placement here as a trainee teacher. I have experience of teaching
throughout the school and share many fantastic memories with all my classes. I feel very privileged to work at our school and be part of the Bishop Martin family.
Mrs Anne-Marie Warrington: Observer member, member of SLT
My name is Anne Marie Warrington and I'm Deputy Headteacher at Bishop Martin Church of England Primary School. Since my appointment in 2018, it has been a privilege to be an observer at governor meetings. Whilst completing my degree at Warwick University I met my husband and we have been blessed with two children. I also have the honour of serving on the Governing Body of two other schools.
I began teaching in Liverpool over twenty five years ago and began working within Skelmersdale in 1999. During this time, I have held various teaching and learning roles within the town before moving into more regional and national strategic work, including being seconded as a Director of a local Teaching School.
My appointment as Deputy Headteacher felt like I had come home and was delighted to join the family of Bishop Martin. I have responsibility for KS2, the curriculum, support staff, English, Collective Worship and I teach across KS2 each week.
I also support our school council and worship group as they help shape the direction of our school. It really is a privilege to work at Bishop Martin as everyone strives to work in partnership to ensure every child lives life in all its fullness and develops a lifelong love of learning.