Our Governors

Maura Leyland 

Chair of Governors (appointed by the Diocese)

Appointed December 2023

My name is Maura Leyland and I was appointed a Foundation Governor and Chair of Governors at St Mary’s in December 2023.

I have been a Foundation Governor in Lancaster Diocese since 2009 and Chair of Governors at St Kentigern’s, Blackpool since 2012. I am currently still also on the Governing Body there.

My children and grandchildren all attended St Kentigern’s or Christ the King Blackpool and then moved on to St Mary’s Catholic High School Blackpool. My youngest grandson will go to St Mary’s in September.

I have been married to Barry for 53 years, he also served as a Foundation Governor for many years.

I enjoy reading and spending time with our family and we both enjoy travelling and seeing new places.

I bring years of experience to my role and enjoy working with schools to benefit our children.

Kelly Hopkinson

Staff Governor - appointed by staff

Term of office from 16th November 2021 - 15th November 2025 

My name is Kelly Hopkinson and I have worked at St Mary’s as a teaching assistant for 17 years. This is my first term on the governing body and I am really enjoying supporting the school in my role as staff governor.

I am married with 2 grown up children and love to spend my spare time walking my 3 dogs or reading.

Jenny Joynson

Safeguarding Governor 

Term of Office - 28th June 2024 - 28th June 2028

My name is Jenny. I am a parent of a child at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, which is a fantastic school. I was a nurse for 20 years, working on busy NHS hospital wards, in the community and in nursing homes. I have also completed a Diploma in Counselling, and have 2 1/2 years experience counselling younger people as part of a charity and in a college setting. I currently work for a charity supporting mental health carers, working alongside the local NHS Trust and Local Authority. I am proficient in safeguarding duties and processes as part of my role. I embrace my role of Foundation Governor and will continue to learn and use my experience to make a valuable contribution to St Mary's, and make a positive impact on the children's experience.  

I am married with 2 football mad children so my weekends are spent by a football pitch come rain or shine! I also love running, walking in the great outdoors and learning new things.

Angela Morris 

Foundation Governor 

Term of Office - 28th May 2021 - 28th May 2025

I am Angela Morris; foundation governor and I am a deputy headteacher of a Preston Catholic Primary school. 

I have 2 grown up children so now life revolves around our black labrador Millie! Living in St Michaels, we enjoy walks in the local area, visits to the beach or curling up on the sofa with a book and a brew. 

Being a governor of St Marys has enabled me to understand the joys and challenges of a smaller school than my own and hopefully make a positive contribution to supporting the headteacher, staff and children. 

Donna Foxton 

Parent Governor - appointed by parents of the school                                         

Term of office from 19th May 2022 - 18th May 2026 

My name is Donna I have a daughter who currently attends St Mary's catholic primary school.

We live in Elswick. I’m originally from Warwickshire and my husband is from Yorkshire, we live on a quiet private lane near the farm where my husband works, we love the area. As part of my governing role, I come to school on a Monday morning to listen to the children read.

 My responsibilities on the local governing board are Setting the school's vision, aims and objectives, approving the school budget and appointing the headteacher. Governors are there to provide oversight and accountability. I can help take control of my child's learning and influence the direction that the school is taking. Not only does a parent governor benefit my child but also their school, plus it can also benefit my own personal and professional development.

 Outside of school I enjoy walking, cooking, reading, swimming, socialising with friends, days out, meals but most of all I love to learn new things. I am passionate about all pupils, regardless of their starting points, making sure they are being adequately challenged and supported to achieve their absolute best so that they go on to positively contribute to society.

I love working with such a dedicated team of Governors, to ensure that our children receive a first-class education in a loving and caring environment in a way that they can all understand and learn. So, when the opportunity came to join the school governors, I took the chance to help and have input to the school’s structure and progress. I love being able to have a say but also being apart of the governing team and being able to give the children the best possible outcome while at the school.

The reason why I wanted to become a governor is to make sure all our pupils are provided with an excellent, quality education and with enabling them to fulfil their true potential as they go out into the wider world, the education of children has always been of paramount importance.

Aaron Speight

Parent Governor- appointed by parents of the school

Term of office from 24th May 2022 - 24th May 2026

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Fr P Embery

Parish Priest (appointed by the Diocese)
Appointed 01st April 2022. Term of office ends 1st April 2026.

Father Embery is a governor of another school within BEBCMAT and does not have a declared business interest.