School Governors

I am the current Chair of Governors and have been for several years. I have over 30 years experience in teaching in secondary education. For the last six years I have worked as an Educational Consultant, which provides me with opportunities to keep up to date with various initiatives which I am able to share with the Governing Body of the school. I chair the Standard and Effectiveness and Educational Performance committees at Acorns. I am Chair of Governors at a very large secondary school and Vice Chair of a Primary School and am involved with the running of a Nursery. My experience of being a school governor in various educational settings helps me to fully understand the educational system and the needs of all children. I am particularly passionate about short stay schools like Acorns and it is a privilege to be the Chair of Governors and see the way pupils grow and develop over the time they are with us.

Dr Sharon Bennett

Governor

Appointed 17th May 2016 End Date 16th May 2024

My background is in Public Health and Social Research. As a Mum of three boys I first became a Parent Governor at their primary school. This experience highlighted the importance of providing alternative educational approaches to meet pupils’ differing needs. This motivated me to become a Governor at The Acorns which strives, through its pupil centred approach and various learning pathways, to get the best possible outcomes for all pupils. I feel privileged to be a part of such a driven, committed and supportive school.

Mrs Kathleen Cooper

Governor

Appointed 1st February 2020 End Date 31st January 2024

Mrs Kathleen Cooper is a long standing , much experienced governor, who has been on Acorns Board since it’s inception. Kathleen has been a Mathematics teacher and a pastoral lead in a local high school. Kathleen is a founder member of LASGB, representing primary and secondary schools over recent years. The reason Kathleen became a school governor was to ensure the very best for young people.

Mr John Grady

Governor

Appointed 12th June 2023 End Date 11th June 2027

I'm a retired computer software engineer and developer and became a Governor during the time my grandson was a pupil at Acorns. Being a Governor provides me with the opportunity to help young people learn to achieve everything of which they are capable. I'm also a qualified secondary school teacher and I have benefitted greatly from a lifetime of education so I relish the chance to give back in an environment that means so much to me.

Mr Francis Williams

Governor

Appointed 4th February 2020 End Date 3rd February 2024

I am a former Lancashire County Councilor in the local area, and joined the Governors shortly after the school was newly constituted. I have been a Primary and Further Education teacher and have also practiced law. My main interest away from the school is practical conservation and I am passionate in believing that children and young people should have hands on experience of working with nature, in order to grow into balanced and mature adults.

Miss Pam Holcroft

Governor

Appointed 9th November 2022 End Date 8th November 2026

I have been a governor at The Acorns School since Nov 2018. I am a retired social worker (28 Years) with previous experience of working in Youth Services and the Probation Service. The Acorns School provides a safe place for young people to overcome difficulties by creating for them bespoke opportunities to assist in their education. There is a wide and varied curriculum facilitated by a staff team who want to see the students develop and thrive. The school has a clear vision for the future and is very aware of some of the challenges that students encounter outside of school and therefore provides opportunities for them to explore approaches and attitudes with society. I am pleased to be a part of a school that is moving forward and dedicated in supporting young people to achieve their full potential and chosen goals.

Vacancy

Governor

9th March 2022

Miss Jaclyn Turner

Staff Governor

Appointed 30th November 2021 End Date 29th November 2025

Mr Scott Koole

Staff Governor

Appointed 6th November 2023

Mrs Jo Hodson

Head Teacher

Headteacher

Appointment Date 25th June 2019

School Governors