Meet our Governors

Jane Smethurst

Head Teacher

Declaration of Interests - Nil

Headteacher appointed 1st September 2024.

head@kirkhamwesham.lancs.sch.uk

Mrs Misia Barclay - Term - 21/01/25 - 20/01/29

Chair of Governors. Declaration of Interests - Nil

I'm delighted to be a parent governor at KWPS. I have a career passion to make sure that all children and young people have the very best opportunities whilst in education. I have worked in Secondary education for 24 years in a range of different roles including eight years as a Secondary Headteacher. I have also been a member of the governing body at two primary schools. I am now the Academy Principal for the National Youth Agency (the Professional, Statutory and Regulatory body for youth work). In my spare time I enjoy Pilates, reading and spending time outdoors.

Mr Phillip Sowden - Term - 01/08/23 - 31/07/27

Vice Chair of Governors. Co-opted Governor. Declaration of Interests - Nil.

Committees - Complaints Review Committee, Grievance Committee, Headteacher's Appraisal Committee and Pupil Discipline Committee. Chair of Finance, Staff, Buildings and Health and Safety Committee.

My name is Phillip Sowden. I have been on the governing body for about 15 years but have had connections with the school for much longer. I attended the school more years ago than I like to admit as did my sister and two brothers, my sisters children and my own daughter. My grand niece is currently at the school. I started out as a parent governor and then became a co-opted governor after my daughter moved up to high school and I am currently the vice chair of governors and chair of the Finance, Buildings and Curriculum Committee.

Mrs Rosemary Brown - Term 02/10/23 - 01/10/27

Parent Governor. Declaration of Interests - Nil.

Committees - Pay Committee and Standard and Effectiveness Committee.

I am a Parent Governor at KWPS. Born and brought up on a farm on the outskirts of Wesham, I attended Strike Lane Primary School and Queen Mary School, Lytham. I studied Rural Resource Management at the University of Reading, achieving an upper second class degree. After working at Treales CE Primary School I went on to complete a PGCE at Edgehill University. I am married to a Veterinary Surgeon who has a practice based in Penwortham with a branch surgery in Wesham. I taught for 10 years at Poulton St Chad’s CE Primary School, where I completed a term of office as the staff governor, before taking a career break with my three children who currently attend KWPS. I now work at AKS Preparatory School, Lytham and enjoy running Starfishes Stay and Play at Christ Church, Wesham where I am also a member of the Club Day Committee.

Mrs Alison Culshaw - Term - 19/07/25 - 18/07/28

Staff Governor. Declaration of Interests - Nil.

Committees - Standards and Effectiveness Committee.

I teach in the Reception class at Kirkham & Wesham Primary School and I am also the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, a role which I thoroughly enjoy. I have been a staff governor at Kirkham & Wesham Primary School since June 2014 and am now in my second term. I have 2 daughters, my youngest is at university studying Maths and my eldest has left home and working. In my spare time I enjoy cycling with my family, playing tennis and baking.

Mrs Alison Cunliffe - Term - 28/11/24 - 27/11/28

Co-opted Governor. Declaration of Interests - TBC

Committees - Standards and Effectiveness Committee.

Mr Colin Smy - Term - 23/11/23 - 22/11/27

Co-opted Governor. Declaration of Interests - TBC

Committees - Attends all committees. Chair of Standards and Effectiveness Committee.

I work supporting early years families, dads engagement, parks development, volunteering and community development in Blackpool. I have two child in high school and one in college. I have worked in adult education for 10 years previously, within the areas of quality monitoring and programme development.

Mr Robert Swithinbank - Term - 21/01/25 - 20/01/29

Parent Governor. Declaration of Interests - Nil

Christine O'Hara

Clerk to the Governing Body. Declarations of Interests - Nil

Rev. Michaela Barker

Co-opted Governor

Mike Moore

17/07/24 - 01/08/25

Anne Beatham

01/08/23 - 02/12/2025

Lynne Lowe

06/11/2011 - 10/2/2026

Laura Potts

28/03/22 - 27/03/2026