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.

Stephanie Lockett

Hello my name is Stephanie Lockett, please call me Steph. I have a daughter who has recently started the reception class at Knutton St Mary’s.

I work within the Corporate Nursing Team at the Royal Stoke Hospital. I applied to become parent governor as I believe I have a wide range of transferable skills that I can use to support the Local Governing Committee in all that they do, to  ensure that all the children at Knutton St Mary’s receive a great education, helping them to ‘succeed and shine.

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.

Damian Collier

Damian has been a class teacher at Knutton since September 2012, and is currently Assistant Principal.  He has been a teacher since 2008 and previously worked at Seabridge Primary.  As well as leading Maths and Computing at Knutton, St. Mary’s, Damian works with the NCETM one day a week, supporting other local schools in developing their Maths provision.  He is also a Maths Specialist Leader of Education.

Away from education, Damian enjoys football (he is a Tottenham fan), reading and spending time in his caravan.