Please find below information about all of the members of our Governing Body.
Lee Herridge (Chair of Governors)
I am proud to be the Chair of Governors at St Philip’s Primary School. Having worked in the education sector for over 15 years, including in school leadership positions, I am committed to ensuring that the children of St Philip’s receive an excellent standard of education. My two children have progressed massively while attending the school and I have really enjoyed taking an active role as parent governor over the years. I continue to relish the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated governors, the Headteacher and staff in helping to support the development of St Philip’s moving forwards.
June Dunning
I have been a governor at the school for 10 years, having retired from teaching after 37 years. My degree was in English and Art and I finished as an Advanced Skills Teacher, specialising in English, Art and Music. I am a foundation governor being a Local Missional Leader at St Philip’s church and lead assemblies in school for both key stages and also speak to children in class about faith. I am married and have a son, who is a journalist, and have two wonderful grandchildren.
Alan Guthrie
My career was in social care, as a qualified social worker since 1973, and employed for over 32 years by St Helens Council until my retirement in April 2011. I held a variety of managerial roles in both children’s and adult services, including day and supported living services for adults with learning/physical disabilities and elderly people with dementia. Latterly, I was seconded to lead on the emerging personalisation agenda in social care. I was a Visiting Lecturer at John Moores and Chester University, and also a Magistrate in Warrington for over 10 years.
Since retirement I have taken a keen interest in community issues. I have been a Parish Councillor for the Burtonwood and Westbrook Ward since 2011 and am their representative on the Warrington Public Rights of Way Forum, as well as via my Governor position at St Philip’s. The former reflects my leisure interest in fell walking, I also have a keen interest in cycling, music, reading, current affairs and gardening. I have been a Board Member of LiveWire since 2011. I am Chair of ‘Westbrook & Callands Communities’, a group of residents who operate the Westbrook Community Orchard, the Church Garden in St Philips and a popular camera club in Westbrook Library. I have been the Co-ordinator of the annual ‘Westbrook Big Party’ at Gulliver’s World since June 2016 where, in 2023, St Philip’s Choir were well received by an attendance of over 2800. I am married with two adult children and feel privileged to enjoy an active role as Granddad to two children who loved their primary education at St Philip’s.
Jane Pearson
I was first elected a foundation Governor in October 2021. I am a mum of two girls and we have been a part of the St Philips community since my eldest started the school in 2014. I have worked in the careers guidance sector for over 20 years and currently work part time in this field supporting new Careers advisers with their professional qualification. I currently sit on the Curriculum Committee and the full governing Body. In my spare time I am a Sunday school leader at St Mary’s church in Great Sankey. I hope to be able to make a contribution to the ongoing success of our wonderful school.
Sarah Peppiatt
I’m the vicar with responsibility for St Philip’s Westbrook (and also St Paul’s Penketh). I’ve been the vicar here for 8 years now and love the relationship we’ve got between church and school. When I’m not doing vicar stuff I’m a keen hill walker & lead regularly for the Manchester 20’s and 30’s group.
Lindsey Savage
I am very pleased to have joined the Governing Body as Foundation Governor. I have lived in the local community all of my life. I have two children who both attend St Philip’s. Both children thoroughly enjoy attending the school and are both making great progress in their educational and social development. I studied Law at University and my experience gained from working in the Legal Profession has enabled me to develop many interpersonal and professional skills, which I hope will be a real asset to the Governing Body. This is my first appointment as a School Governor and I am really looking forward to working alongside the other Governors and the exciting challenges the role will bring.
Sarah Cooper
My name’s Sarah and I’m pleased to join the Governing Body as a Foundation Governor. I’m married and have two sons who attend St Philip’s. We’ve had a really good experience of the school and its Christian ethos since moving into the area. I work as a piano teacher, and love music. I use lots of my spare time to serve at my church, Central Church Warrington, and enjoy spending time in a good coffee shop.
Helen Atherton
I joined the governing body in 2022 after welcoming the opportunity to work with & support the school as best I can. I have three children within the school and have lived locally for the majority of my life. I understand what a positive experience the early school years should have on a child and how, as parents and teachers, we must ensure we get it right for them. Professionally, I work within the recycling sector and my experience covers bid-management, marketing, communications, project-management, procurement and team-management. As an individual I am confident, committed and reliable. I am also happy to challenge the status-quo/offer up viable alternatives when required. In my spare time I love to run. I find there is no better way to de-stress and re-energise for the day ahead.
John Callaway
My name is John Callaway and I am proud to be the staff governor at our school. I have worked at St Philip’s since 2016 and have taught across both Key Stages. I am now the Year 2 lead and have been in Year 2 since 2019. I studied for a Music degree at Liverpool Hope university and then continued at Hope for a PGCE and a Masters degree in Music Education.
Katie Mansfield
I was delighted to join the Governing Body in Spring 2022, as a nominated Parent Governor. Professionally, I am a chartered surveyor and have worked in commercial real estate for over twenty years. I look forward to bringing my unique perspective, fresh ideas and innovative solutions to help our school navigate challenges and make decisions that are in the best interest of our children and our school community. As parent of two children who attend St Philip’s, I am also invested in our school and have seen first-hand the positive impact the school and our Christian values have had on my children’s academic, social and emotional development. I believe that every child deserves an excellent education, and I am passionate about ensuring that our school provides the best possible educational experience for all of our children.
Christine Ralston
My tenure as foundation governor started in December 2023. I am a church warden at St Philip’s church and have attended since 1988, when we were still meeting in the school hall. Both of my grown-up children attended the school and gained a lot from their time there. I am currently a part time administrator for two local charities which run out of Penketh Methodist church, but my full-time career was with a computer outsourcing company, working on the configuration and programming of their service desk system. In my spare time I read a lot, enjoy crafting and am a member of the Scout movement, having been a Cub Scout leader and Group Scout Leader at 32nd Warrington, which meets at the school. This is my first appointment as school governor, and I am looking forward to working with the rest of the Governors.
Miranda Lomas
This is my first appointment as a foundation governor, which I began in December 2023. I have attended St Philip’s since the church was established and play an active part in its life: I provide music for services, train the church choir, help at Little Fishes and organise the monthly parish lunch. Both of my children attended St Philip’s School, so I have a connection and loyalty to both the school and church. I have recently retired after working as a high school teacher for 40 years and hope that my experience and knowledge of the education system will be of benefit in my role as a governor.
Kim Yates
I am delighted to have joined the Governing Body as a Foundation Governor. I live locally in Chapelford and attend St Mary’s Church in Great Sankey. I am married to Mark and we have 2 older children- Tom who is a teacher and Jack who is a journalist. My husband and I enjoy walking and travelling with our caravan. At Christmas 2020 I took early retirement after working for over 30 years in education. I spent most of my time teaching in early years with a specialist interest in phonics and subject leadership. At my last school I was staff Governor for several years. My last job before retiring was as manager at Cottontails St Philips Pre-School. I am looking forward to being part of the St Philips school community and using my time and experience to help give all children a positive and enjoyable school experience. I also understand the importance of supporting all staff in this endeavour and the role of the Governing Body in achieving this.