Governing Body
The governing body is the school’s accountable body. It is responsible for the conduct of the school and for promoting high standards. The governing body aims to ensure that children are attending a successful school that provides them with a good education and supports their well-being.
Foreword from the Chair of Governors
As Governors we act as a ‘critical friend’ and give our time voluntarily to support the school. We are responsible for ensuring that a high quality of leadership, teaching, and student performance are provided and maintained.
Out aim is to make Rainhill High School the best it can possible be for staff and students, enabling each to reach their full potential. We also want to be a good neighbour in the community we reside in and welcome comments from all stakeholders.
In the year to come we aim to build on the improvements we have made and focus on:
- Continuing to provide and excellent education for all of our students.
- Support out teachers to enable them to do their best.
- Building the capability of the governor team.
- Manage the growth in pupil numbers, so that every child is given first class pastoral care.
- Continue to manage the school budget prudently.
Finally, the past year saw Steve Anderson step down from his role of the Chair of Governors after 14 years as a Governor and subsequently Chair.
Rainhill is a popular school. Our students come mainly from the Rainhill and Nutgrove parts of St Helens, but about 30% come from Knowsley, Widnes or Warrington homes. We are consistently oversubscribed. We are proud of our students' achievements in examinations, we are proud of the quality of relationships at the school and we are proud of the opportunities we give our pupils. However, we are not arrogant or complacent. We want to be the best comprehensive in the North West, and to do this we listen, work hard, innovate and are self critical.
During this time the school has improved and Steve’s work and leadership during this period have played an important part in making Rainhill High the good school it is today.
The Governing Body will endeavour to build on this success.
Sylvia Thomson - Chair of Governors
To contact the Chair of Governors, please use the form provided on our Contact page.
Minutes from Governors' meetings are available on request from the Clerk of Governors/Trustees by contacting the school.
Rainhill High School Governing body structure
Sylvia Thomson
Chair of Governors
Term of office start date: 1 March 2017
Term of office end date: 1 March 2021
Interest declared
Governor Role:
Chair of Governors - Link for Disadvantaged Pupils.
Work Title/Company:
Head Teacher, Cronton CE Primary School.
"I have 25 years experience in primary education both in St. Helens and other neighbouring local authorities. I became a governor as I wanted to understand more about transition from primary to secondary and support education in my local community".
Angela Afflick
Vice Chair of Governors
Term of office start date: 1 March 2017
Term of office end date: 1 March 2021
Interest declared
Governor Role:
Vice Chair of Governors - Link Governor for Safeguarding.
Work Title/Company:
Head Teacher, Westvale Primary.
"I joined as a parent governor initially to try and be involved in decision making to ensure a bright, positive future and legact for the young people and staff at Rainhill High.
I wanted to support the school with my skills to ‘Give something back’ by volunteering as a governor, having fond memories of attending the school myself and having seen my own children attend and flourish."
David Boyer
Vice Chair of Governors
Term of office start date: July 2002
Term of office end date: 1 March 2021
Interest declared
Governor Role:
Vice Chair of Governors - Chair of Achievement and Teaching Committee.
Work Title/Company:
Assistant Director for Transport, Environmental and Operational Services Warrington Borough Council.
"I attended Rainhill High School from 1976 to 1983 and received an excellent education. I became a Governor to put something back into the school I received so much from. I passionately believe in comprehensive education and the right of every child to have access to a good / outstanding school. My two children attend the school".
JANET SMITH
PARENT GOVERNOR
Term of office start date: 1 March 2017
Term of office end date: 1 March 2021
Governor Role:
Parent Governor - Personal Development & Wellbeing
Work Title/Company:
Teaching Assistant, St. Annes Primary School
"I became a school Governor because I want to make a positive difference to the life changes of our children by ensuring they have the best possible education. I believe my background as a Teaching Assistant will help me in this role".
CAROL GORDON
PARENT GOVERNOR
Term of office start date: 1 March 2017
Term of office end date: 1 March 2021
Governor Role:
Parent Governor - CLA & SEND
Work Title/Company:
Practice Education Facilitator, Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust
"I became a governor because I am care about children and young people and I want to see them achieve their dreams. I enjoy being a governor because it’s a great way to put something back into the local community".
BARRY MAKEPEACE
Community Governor
Term of office start date: 1 March 2017
Term of office end date: 1 March 2021
Governor Role:
VICE chair for Personal Development, Behaviour & Welfare committee. Link Governor for Maths.
Work Title/Company:
Senior Power & Control Engineer at ESSAR Oil UK
"I am proud to be part of an enthusiastic hard working governing body. Ensuring the school provides the high quality of leadership, teaching, support and performance that we expect from Rainhill High. I believe I act as a friend to the whole school: Providing support and working through the challenges we are experiencing with so many changes to the curriculum, external financial pressures and ensure we support & protect our most vulnerable children".
Sophie Sudworth
COMMUNITY GOVERNOR
Term of office start date: 1 January 2018
Term of office end date: 1 January 2021
Governor Role:
Community Governor - Citizenship Link.
Work Title/Company:
Design Engineer, SP Energy Networks.
"As a recent engineering graduate progressing through my early career, I am keen to support the school in preparing pupils for a bright future. It is great for me to have an involvement in the local community where I live and work".
LISA ROXBY
Community GOVERNOR
Term of office start date: - 21 March 2019
Term of office end date: 21 March 2023
Governor Role:
Community Governor
"I am a passionate and driven individual who is committed to making a difference in all aspects of my life. I have taken my skills learned at university and within my early career, to the public sector and now to the charity sector with an aim to improve outcomes for the most vulnerable in society.
In my current role as Head of Marketing and Communications for a national charity, I have a great skill set to bring to Rainhill High School and be part of the school family. Up until recently I was a Group Scout Leader for a local scout group in Prescot. For five years I ran the three groups which provided many opportunities to young people in the area which they may not have had the opportunity to experience otherwise. I am passionate about all children and young people having equal opportunities to learn and grow into well rounded and resilient young adults".
Jennifer Critchley
COMMUNITY GOVERNOR
Term of office start date: 19 October 2018
Term of office end date: 19 October 2022
Community Governor - Safeguarding & Child Protection Link.
"I applied for the post of school Governor at Rainhill High as I am new to the area and wanted to make new connections whilst also supporting the local community.
I am a Children's Social Worker and hope to be able to share my knowledge and experience of safeguarding to help support the children and families at Rainhill High. Through my work and my own children I recognise and value the significance that having the right support and encouragement from School can make to a child and there future outcomes. I am excited to get to know and work with the staff, parents and pupils at Rainhill High School".
Jenni Worthington
COMMUNITY GOVERNOR
Term of office start date: 4th October 2018
Term of office end date: 4th October 2022
Governor Role:
Community Governor - English & Literacy Link
"I wanted to become a governor, as young people spend the majority of their days at school and it is one of the most important times of their lives. My children’s education is a passion of mine, alongside Process improvement, so if i can mix the two and support both my children and the children in Rainhill High then I feel privileged to have the opportunity".