OUR SCHOOL
School GovernorsThe governors at Anchorsholme Academy are people who want to make a positive contribution to the education of pupils at Anchorsholme.




School Governance
What are Governors
Governors are one of the largest volunteer forces in the country and have an important part to play in raising Anchorsholme Academy standards. The role of the governing body at Anchorsholme Academy is absolutely key to the effectiveness of the Academy. Time and time again Ofsted (the national inspection body for schools) has noted that the most effective Academies demonstrate effective leadership and management – including by the governing body.
The role of the governing body is a strategic one. Its key functions are to:
- set the aims and objectives for the school
- set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
- set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
- monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
- be a source of challenge and support to the head teacher (a critical friend)
The head teacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the Academy and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing body.
School Governance
What do governors do?
School Governance
What do governors do?
The role of the governing body is a strategic one. Its key functions are to:
- set the aims and objectives for the school
- set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
- set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
- monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
- be a source of challenge and support to the head teacher (a critical friend)
The head teacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the Academy and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing body.
School Governance
Who can become a governor?
Lucy Breakwell
Chair of Governors / Community Governor
Term of office: 13th Dec 2020 to 12th Dec 2024
Meetings Attended in 2021-22: 3/3
Appointed by: GB/board
Key Responsibilities: SEND
I have been a parent governor at the school since December 2018 and have two children – one of which is currently at Anchorsholme Academy.
I work for the BBC as an Assistant Editor on BBC North West Tonight – the regional news programme for the region.
I decided to become a school governor a few years ago as I was fascinated to find out how a school works behind the scenes.
I am the link governor for SEN and safeguarding which are fascinating roles to hold.
In my spare time I enjoy going to the theatre, a little bit of tap dancing and you may see me walking my dog around the streets of Anchorsholme.
Carrie Rooney
Vice Chair of Governors / Community Governor
Term of office: 29th Jan 2023 to 28th Jan 2027
Meetings Attended in 2021-22: 1/3
Appointed by: GB/board
Key Responsibilities: Monitoring Performance
I was delighted to join the governance team in 2019 after applying to be a community governor.
I have worked in media and broadcast for over 25 years and the ethos of the school in particular its commitment to art and Music attracted me to apply.
I don’t come from an educational background and was keen to learn how the nuts and bolts of a schoolwork beyond school gates.
My production management background means I’m good with juggling budgets and financial planning and I sit on the FARR subcommittee.
I moved to the UK over 20 years ago from Ireland and live in Hambleton. I have two school going children both are in secondary school. I love the area and the people.
I sit on the board of a CPP Leftcoast, I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Artists and also work with Inspiring Futures and Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network
I have learnt so much in my time as a community governor. and would encourage anyone to join a governance team if they have the relevant skillset.
Graeme Dow
Anchorsholme Primary Headteacher
Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher
Meetings Attended in 2021-22: 3/3
Key Responsibilities: Headteacher
I am the headteacher at Anchorsholme Academy, having held this post since January 2007. Previously I was headteacher at three other schools, Ribchester CE Primary School, Bispham Endowed CE Primary School and Revoe Community Primary School.
I have been a Blackpool resident since 1976. I attended Warbreck High School and Blackpool Sixth Form College before completing my degree at St Martins Lancaster.
My drive in education is helping children to find their talents and skills and develop them. I am committed to the development of the whole child including educational, social and personal development. As headteacher and Governor at Anchorsholme I strive to provide the widest opportunities for all of our pupils to develop, succeed and establish a love of learning.
Ryan Gleeson
Community Governor
Term of office: 1st Mar 2022 to 28 Feb 2026
Meetings Attended in 2021-22: 1/2
Appointed by: GB/board
Key Responsibilities: Workload and Wellbeing
Christine Butterworth
Parent Governor
Term of office: 21st June to 20th June 2026
Meetings Attended in 2021-22: 1/1
Appointed by: GB/board
Key Responsibilities:Curriculum/ Teaching Quality
I put myself forward as a school governor to support the school, the leadership team and ultimately the children in their primary education. I believe that by working as a collective, being committed, having due diligence, challenging where necessary; we can, and will, achieve the best outcomes and educational standards for Anchorsholme children.
I currently work at a local primary school and have been teaching in Blackpool for twenty years, I have knowledge of how primary children learn and what children need to achieve by the end of their primary school journey. I’m passionate about children’s education and the opportunities they can access. This, for me, is a real strength of Anchorsholme, developing the whole child in every area.
Outside of work I enjoy travelling, spending time with my family, reading and stationery. I may have a slight obsession with pens and post-it-notes; you never know when you need to make a list or two!
Kimberley Jennings
Parent Governor
Term of office: 7th November 2023 to 9th November 2027
Meetings Attended in 2021-22: N/A
Appointed by: GB/board
Key Responsibilities: Safeguarding
Alan Mayers
Community Governor
Term of office: 10th November 2023 to 12th November 2027
Meetings Attended in 2021-22: N/A
Appointed by: GB/board
Key Responsibilities: Health and Safety/Headteaching
Governor Vacancy
Staff Governor
Term of office: XXXX to XXXX
Meetings Attended in 2021-22: N/A
Appointed by: GB/board
Key Responsibilities:
Andrew Woodward
Staff Governor
Term of office: 26th July 2022 to 25th July 2026
Meetings Attended in 2021-22: N/A
Appointed by: Elected by school staff
Key Responsibilities: Community Liaison
I am delighted to have been elected as teacher governor by the staff of the school. Within school, I strive to achieve every child’s full potential. I am Curriculum Lead, NTP Lead, More Able lead and Lead Teacher for Year 6.
I particularly pride myself on instigating Intraschool Sports which now runs through the school every half term, TTRS assemblies and Anchorsholme’s Public Speaking Challenge. I have lived around Anchorsholme all my life- even attending the school when I was younger- and look forward to seeing how another project of mine, Duke/ Duchess of Anchorsholme, continues to lead the way in ‘Whole Child’ development within Primary Schools.
Pupils
Extra Curricular Activities
Staff Members
Years Established
Get In Touch
Telephone: 01253 855215
Email: [email protected]