I have had links with HCCS since my elder daughter started there in 1993. I became a Governor in 1994 and was Vice Chair of Governors for many years. From April 2012 until September 2014 I was the Chair of Governors.

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I have been in education for over 40 years teaching across all sectors from Early Years to adult Higher Education. I am currently involved in Teacher Education.

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Recently I was appointed as Vice Chair of the Members Board and I am firmly committed to ensuring that HCCS continues to go from strength to strength.

Originally from The Netherlands, I have lived and worked in the U.K. since 1994 and we have lived in the local area for over 10 years. Our twins both attended HCCS. I was a parent governor at HCCS from 2012 to 2018 and chaired the Estates and Facilities committee.

 

As a director for a digital transformation consultancy I work predominantly with central Government departments, including the Department for Education.  I have worked in consultancy, IT and digital transformation for over 30 years and am especially interested in culture, agile ways of working and user centric design to deliver great outcomes.

I write fiction under the name Sophie Rickard, and have lived in the area since 2010. I served as a Governor at HCCS from 2018 for four years, including as Chair of the Behaviour and Wellbeing committee. I currently serve as a Family Court Magistrate. I have a particular interest in safeguarding and inclusion following several years working with NSPCC Childline.

 

My children (one at university and one teaching primary) have both overcome SEND diagnoses to thrive in adulthood and I have a keen interest in all aspects of equality and diversity. I am proud of HCCS 'approach to learning and development, and the school's wider culture.

I had the privilege of leading Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School and Sixth Form College as Headteacher for 22 years, until my retirement in 2020.  

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During my tenure, I took on additional roles  as an Ofsted Inspector, NLE (National Leader of Educaton) and member of the Teaching School Council to improve my awareness of school improvements nationally.   

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Although the responsibilities and pressures were challenging at times, I thoroughly enjoyed virtually every day of my service to the school and its community. 

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I look forward to serving the school again, as a member of the Trust, in safeguarding the school’s vision, values and ethos which I am proud that, over the years, I was able to make a major contribution to. 

 

I am particularly keen to ensure that the needs and aspirations of all students are met and that barriers to success are challenged and overcome.

I am a campaigner for equality and particularly disability rights.

I am a keen rugby fan, a regular swimmer, and a fair-weather golfer.

I am a chancery barrister practising from chambers in Manchester, as well as a mother of two teenagers. Although my children did not attend HCCS, I bring nearly ten years’ experience as a Governor at Goostrey Community Primary School, including serving as Deputy Chair and holding responsibility for safeguarding and SEND. In my professional practice, I also have experience in health and safety and employment law.

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I am a member of the Holmes Chapel Health Centre Patient Participation Group and have a strong interest in supporting all aspects of the local community. I look forward to learning more about HCCS and contributing to a positive future for everyone involved.