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".
David Boyer
Co-Chair of Governors
Term of office start date: July 2002
Term of office end date: 1 March 2021
Interest declared
Governor Role:
Co-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".
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".
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".
Anthony Bennett
Staff Governor
Term of office start date: September 2019
Term of office end date: 4th October 2022
Governor Role:
Staff Governor
"As staff governor I see myself as a dedicated, passionate and committed stakeholder within Rainhill High School. Over the past 9 years I have shown a considerable interest in the wellbeing of all staff, parents and most importantly the pupils within the school. I have been a keen advocate to ensuring links within the local community remain strong and bonded to the schools community values. I see myself as a longstanding, highly valued, member of the Rainhill High School family, who has shown a level of integrity and dedication that is second to none over my teaching career at Rainhill High. I whole hearted believe in the raising of standards for all stakeholders and will always strive for what is best for all concerned within Rainhill High School. I would consider my relationship with all pupils, parents, staff, SLT and wider stakeholders to be exemplary, forging countless positive relationships over the years. I see my role as a vital one, ensuring staff have a considered and valued voice that is heard, allowing for the correct ethos, culture and educational vision to thrive within the school. I represent the staffing body of the school and believe that my journey at the school has ensured I can see the viewpoints of every member of staff at every level."
Aaron Kehoe
Parent Governor
Term of office start date: September 2019
Term of office end date: 4th October 2022
Governor Role:
Parent Governor
"My links to Rainhill High School started over 20 years ago and I’ve been able to witness from afar the massive strides the school has taken in those years.
I live in the community and my eldest son has recently started Year 7.
As a parent of a pupil, I understand the importance of the role that Parent Governors play in helping build a clear vision for the school; as well as helping support the values, ethos and direction of the school for present and future students, staff and parents/guardians.
I am a qualified financial services professional, working in financial services since I left school, with particular expertise in financial advice and project management. I have a vast amount of experience in implementing stringent policy, procedures and compliance as well as financial planning, budgeting and financial performance management.
More recently, I have helped manage small to medium scale transformation projects for some of the biggest brands in the UK. This has enabled me to gain experience in profit and loss management, interpreting and compiling complex data, staffing structures and performance management as well as implementing and rolling out strategic company programmes and initiatives. A major part of this role was to challenge key stakeholders within the business and hold senior stakeholders to account for various performance related elements of the project.
I believe my skills and experience would be of benefit to the school. My current employer is supportive and will sponsor my membership for ‘The Key for School Governors’ service and application."
Barry Wheller
Community Governor
Start Date: 17th May 2021
Governor Role:
Community Governor
"Since leaving the teaching profession in June 2020 I have worked as an EHC Plan writer for Liverpool City Council and now as an Access Arrangements Accessor for The Manchester College. I applied for the post of governor at Rainhill as I missed the involvement with a school community.
As well as working at The Manchester College I also have my own business working as a freelance Arrangements Assessor throughout the North West.
I am a qualified and experienced SENDCo and have worked at a range of schools in the North West over the past 25 years as a teacher, middle and senior leader. I will endeavour to share my knowledge and experience as Rainhill continues its journey to provide an outstanding education for all students."
Tracey Carter
Community Governor
Start Date: 17th May 2021
Governor Role:
Community Governor
“I am currently working for the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in the Academies & Maintained School Group (AMSG) as a Senior Case Manager. My day to day work involves liaising with Trusts and Academies and dealing with operational issues that may arise. Currently in my team at the ESFA I am one of the Safeguarding Lead Officers for the Lancs & West Yorkshire geographical area. I am the national lead for one of the largest Trusts in the country and maintain operational oversight with both strategic and operational issues throughout their estate of Academies.
Previously I had 20 years experience in the Local Authority field, with my most recent post there working closely and collaboratively with schools in the St Helens LA area. I have several years experience in governance, having operated both as a Governor in a maintained primary school in St Helens and as a Governor at a special school.”
Nikki Burton-Mallot
Community Governor
Start Date: 17th May 2021
Governor Role:
Community Governor
“I work in Conservation Education, engaging children and families with the natural world, encouraging them to both enjoy and protect it. As I enjoy connecting with communities so much I wanted a role outside of my employment where I can further work with local people. Although originally from the North East, I have lived in the area for around 13 years, as my second home it’s a community I am proud to contribute to.
Supporting a school and its students to achieve has been of particular interest since becoming a mum myself and I look forward to to supporting staff, students, and parents at Rainhill High School.”
Samantha Hampson
Community Governor
Start Date: 17th May 2021
Governor Role:
Community Governor
“I am a Digital Marketing & IT officer within a High School in a neighbouring borough. I come with over 10 years experience within the IT industry and hope to share my knowledge and experience. I am keen on Online Safety and hope to help the children & families at Rainhill High.
I have always had a passion from a young age to work within the Education sector and be able to make a difference in any way possible to ensure each child has a positive School Life experience.
As a previous student at Rainhill High, I am thrilled to take on the role of a Governor and excited to support the staff, pupils & parents in any way I can.”
Karl Murphy
Community Governor
Start Date: 17th May 2021
Governor Role:
Community Governor
"I attended Rainhill High School from 1983 to 1988 and I really enjoyed my time here. I became a Governor as I like to see children and young people live their dreams. I want to make a difference and help all the children have the best possible education for their future and ensure the school provides a high quality of teaching and follows the schools procedures and DFE's guidance. I hope in three years time my daughter will choose to attend Rainhill High School as her choice of secondary school."