Mrs L Shelford

I am proud to be the Headteacher of The District CE, a school with a strong Christian ethos and a wonderful history. I have previously worked in Wigan, Bradford, Batley and other St Helens schools.

Prior to taking up the post of Headteacher at The District, I was Head of School at Platt Bridge Community School in Wigan for two years and Deputy Headteacher for nine years.

I have worked in eight previous schools and also as a Local Authority consultant. I have supported many schools in diverse contexts, and most of my career has been spent working in areas of socio-economic deprivation.

I have two children and as a parent and an educationalist I am committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed. I aim to ensure that all our pupils experience excellent educational provision, led and taught by highly skilled and nurturing adults. I am keen for parents to engage in school life and to support their child’s learning journey, throughout their time at The District.

Vice Chairperson

Mrs L Cunliffe 
My name is Lisa Cunliffe and I have been a parent governor at The District Primary School for over 4 years and have just been appointed Foundation Governor. I have two daughters who attend the school.  I have been part of the community of Newton le Willows all of my life and have always tried my best to support it in anyway I can. I am currently Head of School at St Mary’s Catholic Junior School and have a passion for children’s education. I have a particular love of English and History and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Year of Reading at The District.

Rev’d V Hughes 
Revd Val Hughes works in the Newton team Ministry as Vicar of St John’s and takes an assembly every week in school with either KS1 or KS2. She has been a Governor at The District C E Primary since 2013. She is also Vicar of Emmanuel Church Wargrave and governor at Wargrave C E Primary School.

Mrs S Swift

I have worked at the District CE Primary School since 2014 in my role as Head of Safeguarding and Extended Services.  I have worked within the Local Authority for many years, and have enjoyed  the day to day challenges of working with children and  families.

In my role here at the school I have attended Governing Body and sub-committee meetings to deliver reports related to Safeguarding and Extended Services.  My work at the school enables me to develop good working relationships with our children, their parents, staff and many partner agencies.  I have developed a good knowledge of the local community and understand the dynamics of the local area.  I enjoy and thrive on the challenge that comes with every aspect of school life and about high quality education and each and every child reaching their full potential.  Nothing but the best is good enough.

Ms Mandy Pierce (LA Governor)

I have worked for the Local Authority for over 20 years, predominately within Human Resources, working along side schools in the St Helens Borough. I was also a past pupil of The District CE Primary School . As a new governor I hope to support the school and the Headteacher in moving forward, by giving our children the best Education and achievement they deserve.

Mrs T Thomas – Vice Chair
I have 2 children who attend The District.  I have worked as a primary teacher for the last 15 years and am currently working as a Dance specialist in schools throughout the North West. I have been a parent governor for over 4 years. I am keen to support the school and its staff in developing all aspects of school life and moving the school forward to give our children the best start to their education.

Mr M Bevan – pen portrait – appointed May 2018

Mrs S Warburton- awaiting photo and pen portrait – appointed May 2018

Mr M Bridge
I currently work for IBM and outside of work I am also a Justice of the Peace.
I am married with three children and my interests are Rugby League, Motor Sport and DIY.
I am passionate about the benefits of a good rounded education and what it means both to the individual and the community as a whole.
I believe that I am discreet, fair and open minded. I have a wealth of knowledge and common sense  which I bring as a School Governor.

Vacancy – We have one vacant post for a co-opted governor.  If you would like information about this vacancy, please contact the school office for further information.

Mrs K Cliffe
I have worked at The District C E Primary School since July 1996 first as Office Manager then on completion of a BA (Hons) SBM as a School Business Manager.  I have been involved at governing body meetings since 2002 becoming an Associate Governor in September 2014.  I am Chair of the St Helens Primary Admin Network and Treasurer of NAHT St Helens Branch.

Mr Patrick Ferguson
Patrick is a highly skilled educationalist with over 14 years’ experience as a school leader. In 2010 he became a National Leader in Education, and has since helped many schools throughout the north-west region to overcome difficulties. As well as being Principal of De La Salle, he has served as Executive Headteacher of a Liverpool primary school and Executive Principal of De La Salle for more than a year after he left. He was shortlisted for the TES awards in the secondary school of the year, Headteacher of the year and leadership team of the year categories.

In January 2015 he joined Hope Academy as Principal, and he is employing the same focused drive for improving standards that he has used at previous schools; building upon strengths, addressing areas of weakness, and maintaining excellent levels of communication both within the school and in the wider community.

L.A. Official