Local Governor Committee

 Our Chair of Governors, Mrs Anne Gadsden, can be contacted via the Academy on 01782 568680

Meet the Governors…

Anne Gadsden

Before becoming a governor at Knutton St Mary’s, in 2019, Anne had much experience in the world of education, working in nursery, primary and secondary schools in varying capacities as a teacher, head teacher, adviser and local authority manager.

She was invited to join the Local Governing Board by the then CEO, Chris Brislen and after visiting the school did not hesitate to agree. Anne was the chair of governors at the last inspection when the school was judged as Good by Ofsted and says that this wonderful result was due to all the hard work that everyone associated with the school puts in, day in and day out, including the amazing support of the parents.

Anne continues to be the chair of governors and continues her drive, along with the other committee members, to ensure that Knutton St Mary’s continues to be a great school, a school that the children really enjoy being part of and where the parents feel valued.

Anne presently works for SBMAT as an independent consultant and supports schools in Cheshire East, Cheshire West & Chester, Stoke and Shropshire and is an associate for a Governor Training Consultancy.

During her down time Anne enjoys walking in the lovely countryside near her home, running – particularly on the flat and downhill!  She is the Church Warden at the local church, the secretary for the village community association and a volunteer at the New Vic theatre.

John Collier

John is a Training and Development Officer for BTSA/St. Bart’s Multi Academy Trust. He leads on Professional Development for staff at every level and stage of their career. He supports the BTSA School Direct programme as a Link Tutor and is an accredited lecturer for the University of Derby. John was designated as a Specialist Leader of Education in 2012 and has a proven track record of supporting schools in difficult circumstances. He has spoken at national conferences and on BBC Breakfast about educational issues. He is also an Expert Adviser for the Teacher Development Trust.

Outside of education John has an interest in theatre and the performing arts. He enjoys going to see live entertainment and has previously produced a number of charity events in support of national and local charities.

Sue Sidebottom

Reverend Sue Sidebottom is the Associate Minister at St Mary’s church Knutton.  In her role she work’s alongside the Vicar and is also the Treasurer. She previously spent over 30 years working in retail for one of the larger Supermarkets, where she became the Commercial Team Leader before leaving in 2018. She is a proud Nana to 6 grandchildren, 5 of whom are in primary school, and 1 in nursery. She enjoys spending time with her family and being a Minister in the church with the varied duties that it entails. She is looking forward to being a part of the governing body at Knutton St Mary’s school.

Paul Berridge

Paul Berridge is the Principal of Knutton St Mary’s. He has a 24 years of Primary teaching experience and has worked for the St Bart’s Trust since 2015. Paul has served as both a staff governor and a parent governor at four different schools. He is very much enjoying the opportunity to work with the LGC at Knutton St Mary’s.

 Outside of education, Paul loves hill walking and Rugby and enjoys nothing more than standing on a muddy, rain-soaked touchline cheering on his teenage son or in the stands watching his beloved Sale Sharks, where he is a season-ticket holder.

Charlotte Copeland

Charlotte began teaching at Knutton St Marys in 2016. Her responsibilities include Computing and PSHE lead as well as supporting the Early Career Teachers. She currently teaches in both Early Years and Key Stage 1. Charlotte has a degree in Psychology and prior to joining Knutton St Marys she worked as a Nanny as well as a TA at another St Bart’s school; she then went on to complete her Schools Direct Teacher Training. 

Outside of school Charlotte enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her two-year-old daughter.  She is really looking forward to becoming a part of the LGC at Knutton St Marys.