Governance
Governors are approachable at all times. Please do not hesitate to contact us through our Clerk to the Governors - Pauline Challinor, at School. Please click the images below for more information on our our school Governors.
Tracey Goodwin
Chair of Governors & Community Governor
I am a community governor with many years’ experience as a governor at both primary and secondary level. As a parent of 4 children, I also have plenty of experience of life at HCCS through all year groups.
I have a good understanding of the strategic role of a governor, experience at analysing school performance and financial data and can offer challenge and support to the senior management team. I have attended many governor training courses gaining skills in strategic management, financial management, safeguarding, safer recruitment and leadership (to name a few). My background in finance contributes to the broad and balanced skills base of the governing board.
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HCCS is an excellent school with consistently good results, and I welcome the challenge of helping the school to maintain their reputation and provide an exceptional provision for all the children who attend the school.
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In my spare time you will find me walking my dogs or riding my bike!
Christina Burgess
Community Governor
During my time as a community governor at HCCS I have always worked to improve the quality of governance. First as chair of the Teaching and Learning committee and later as chair of the Governing Body, I balanced challenge and support for the school leadership.
Study at Oxford and Durham Universities led me to a challenging and rewarding career in science education. I worked in comprehensive schools and sixth form colleges in England and Botswana and this prepared me well for some aspects of the role of a school governor. But I have extended my knowledge and understanding through a variety of training and I regularly complete relevant courses on a variety of topics including safeguarding, finance and key performance indicators.
Since HCCS opened in the 1970s, many members of my family have benefitted. My own children achieved qualifications which allowed them to study at Edinburgh and Glasgow Universities and they now have successful careers, one in Ophthalmic Surgery and the other in Medical Technology. Both boys enjoyed the strong sense of community in the school which encouraged them to take part in musical and sporting activities as well as achieving high grades in their academic work.
Kerry Comb
Community Governor
Having moved to Cheshire (Goostrey) in 2009, as part of a career move, it is safe to say we would never want to move away. Cheshire is a fantastic place to bring up a family. I believe that we are very fortunate to have such a fantastic school in our area ensuring our children achieve the best possible futures. I believe community is very important and have been involved with several organisations in the area during my time in Cheshire.
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I am an equine vet (surgeon) and clinical director at Ashbrook equine hospital and although this keeps me very busy, I believe it also gives me a number of skill-sets which are very useful as a governor of this school.
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I have 2 children; Zara who joined in 2019 and Isobel will join in 2023. This results in a large driving force for me to ensure the school continues to grow, develop and strive to be the very best it can be.
Phil Redford
Staff Governor
I joined the school in 2009 and knew straight away what a fantastic school this was. The ‘buzz’ that exists from staff and students in day to day lessons and the absolute dedication from all stakeholders that turns that buzz into high quality outcomes makes this a terrific place to work. In my time here I have been a Head of Department, Head of Faculty and now, as Assistant Head, work with the leadership team to maintain and improve CPD opportunities for staff and the quality of teaching and learning in school.
Through my role as a CPD lead I have extensive experience in working with many schools in Cheshire East and beyond and see a variety of approaches different schools have to the changing landscape our learners face. I hope to use my position as staff governor to constantly review, challenge and build upon the high standards we set ourselves at Holmes Chapel.
Caroline Morgan
Staff Governor
I started working at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School in Student Services dept as The Alternative Provision Manager in March 2019, however, I was no stranger to the HCCS family as my son had attended here previously when we had relocated from Bolton.
I have worked in education for 17 years with both primary and secondary educational settings. During this time I have worked with many students with various needs including, educational, behaviour, welfare and pastoral needs.
I have recently become Head of House for Tatton a role which I share with Mrs Challoner-Mattin. Student Services is like the A&E of the school, work is always varied, fast paced and definitely keeps you on your toes dealing with a range of issues, needs and celebrating even the smallest of achievements.
I love being part of the HCCS family and what we stand for and I feel proud to be elected as a staff governor which enables me to be involved in all aspects to which I am able to contribute.
Andrew Middleton
Staff Governor
I am the Director of Computer Science, in 2020. My own teaching began in 1997, in Nantwich, where I was Head of Department and served as a staff governor for around 5 years. In 2005, I moved to Chapel en le Frith as an Assistant Headteacher responsible for technology college status. This role gave me the opportunity to work beyond the school gate with a range of employers and primary schools. I have also worked as a vice-principal in an all-through academy.
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I have two children who are at this school along with my wife who works in Learning Support. I have previously been a co-opted governor at Bexton Primary School and was the vice-chair of governors at the Dingle Primary School for many years. I have also worked with the Cheshire Governance Service and supported a range of governing boards across Cheshire East.
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Currently, I am a governor at both this school and I am the vice-chair of governors at The Oaks Academy, Crewe. I believe that teaching is the greatest job in the world. You are given a gift, by parents, of the chance to shape and direct the life of their child. As a staff governor, I will aim to constantly review and challenge our practices, so that we are constantly pushing to be our best.
James Hampshire
Parent Governor
I am a proud parent of two children who attend HCCS, the oldest now in Year 10 and the youngest who has just joined Year 7, September 2023.
I have always been keen to support my children with their learning, through Primary school and into High School, which I know can often be challenging for us all. Children often put a lot of pressure on themselves to achieve but are also exposed to a new environment in high school and a process in which to learn, along with the daily fun of growing through their teenage years. Behaviour and well-being of the children at the school is important to me and a key factor in making school a fun and exciting place in which the children can learn and develop. As a school governor I hope to support all the excellent standards in place but also challenge the school when required to ensure their ultimate strategic goals are met.
Paul Knox
Community Governor
I recently moved to Holmes Chapel with my family as part of a career move to join a local medical manufacturer as their chief technical officer. I have worked in the medical industry since 2008 following the completion of my PhD, initially in research and development but more recently in quality and regulation.
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As a governor at the school, I hope that my knowledge and experience can contribute to ensuring the children are provided with rich opportunities to grow and develop so that they can fulfil their potential and achieve their ambitions.
Anh Nowottny
Parent Governor
In my years as a journalist and communications professional, I've learned to get stuck in, ask the right questions, and tell stories that matter.
These skills are very handy when it comes to making informed decisions and standing up for what's best for our students, teachers, and families.
I believe that an outstanding school isn't just about academic achievements – it's also about building a strong, resilient and inclusive community.
My goal is to contribute to creating an environment where every student feels supported and inspired to excel. Where having a strong work ethic is something to be celebrated.
I am fully committed to working together with parents, teachers, and the school leadership team to maintain our school's culture of excellence and continuously look for ways to improve.
With my son in Year 7 and two younger children expected to attend in the coming years, I’m deeply invested in the school's growth and success in providing a high-quality education.
In conclusion, I’m eager to use my skills, passion and dedication to serve as a parent governor, to help our school thrive and be a source of pride for our community.
Michael Woods
Parent Governor
I've lived in Brereton for 20 years with my partner and our 2 children, Charlie in year 8 at HCCS and Neve in year 5 at Brereton Primary.
I work in the Renewable Energy industry, Heading up a large global team of Technicians, Project Managers, Technical Engineers and Logistics personnel and one thing this allows me to do, is take an
active role mentoring junior colleagues through the company Graduate Scheme. I strongly advocate diversity in the workplace and with that recognise the importance of creating trainee positions in my team to allow opportunities and experiences to those that might not otherwise get the chance through traditional recruitment methodologies.
I have a significant amount of Commercial Management experience and I am a qualified Quantity Surveyor, which would be useful in helping ensure the best value for money is obtained from the school budget, in particular on any building projects.
I'm passionate about working in an industry that contributes towards providing a sustainable and carbon free source of energy for our children's future and educating the next generation on such important topics. Also to provide guidance on what careers are available in a relatively new industry and supporting where
possible so they can learn and achieve their full potential.
I would be grateful to be given the opportunity to lend my experience to give back to the community I live in and to contribute in supporting the development of the children and the school and its staff in their duties.
Rebecca Cowell
Parent Governor
My name is Rebecca Cowell. I have two sons. One has just gone to University after studying at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive school and attending the Sixth Form. My younger son is currently in Year 9.
I am the Deputy Headteacher at Goostrey Community Primary School, which is a feeder school to the high school. I have been in education and a teacher for over 25 years. I love my job and working with inquiring minds. I never have a dull day.
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I am passionate about developing skills for learning and a holistic approach to education. It is my belief that school should give our young people the opportunity to be not only academically successful, but also to be well-rounded individuals, who possess integrity and a growth mindset, who are happy and confident.
I have experience of being on a Governing board at my own school and would relish the opportunity to become a governor· to support the High School in its development in the future.
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Being part of the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 every year, I feel gives me a good perspective on the challenges and concerns of families moving through this milestone in their children's lives.
Jody Darlington
Parent Governor
I have a daughter in year 7. Being a Parent governor at HCCS is a role I’m keen to get involved with. I am a hardworking and confident
individual and I believe my enthusiasm, experience, and skills make me a suitable candidate. I have been a parent governor of my youngest daughters’ school since 2021, and a governor of the Cheshire West and Chester Scrutiny Committee for Educational Matters since 2022.
I qualified as a Teaching Assistant in 2002, working in Primary school and Pre-school settings mainly supporting children with SEN. I now hold a degree in Building Surveying, which I do part-time around
caring for my children and dedicating my spare time volunteering as an SEN Teaching Assistant. This has been invaluable, now having my own two children with SEN. I have completed relevant courses
required by a Govering Body. I’m also an excellent fundraiser and proud PTA member, holding the role of Chair for the last five years in a local school.
As a parent governor I would strive to contribute and support the best possible education for the children and the performance of the school. I understand how crucial the quality of leadership is,
and the requirements for holding the headteacher and school leaders to account for pupils’ educational performance. I would also embrace the importance of the HCCS ethos and support the
school’s mission.
Parent governors can make a real difference for children in such important aspects of their young lives. I believe my wealth of experience and skill set can be of real value to the existing Governing Body at HCCS.