Mrs A. Goy - Chair of Governors (Foundation) [email protected]

I joined the governing body as a parent foundation governor in September 1996 and succeeded Joe Connolly as Chair of Governors in 2006. I have a special affection for St Peter`s. I am a former pupil and my 3 children also attended the school. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to give something back to the school by supporting the head teacher and staff in their aim to provide your children with the best possible education in a caring and safe environment.
I have many years of management experience in the Civil Service and have applied that experience when working on the full range of governor committees and with the head teacher and staff.   During my time as a governor I have seen the school go through many challenges and changes. The school has improved each time and staff and governors are determined to work together to continue that progress.

Mrs H. Sullivan (Headteacher)

As Headteacher of St Peter's since January 2013 I have the joy of seeing how our school continues to flourish and develop on a daily basis. I feel very fortunate to be blessed with supportive parents, talented staff, committed governors and of course the most delightful children! Not a days goes by without the sound of laughter filling our learning environment; it really is such a happy place to be. Away from school I am a Mum to two children and enjoy spending time with my family and friends and appreciating the precious little moments life offers us each and every day. 

Mr B. Smith - School Bursar (Observer)

I joined the staff in September 2013 as an apprentice teaching assistant where I then moved into the office as an apprentice administrative assistant then continuing as admin assistant until September 2020 where I became the school Bursar. I am very proud I play a part in helping our outstanding school be a fantastic and safe place where children can learn and have fun on a daily basis. 

In my spare time I love to spend time with my girlfriend and our son, while also going places to visit and making memories. 

Mrs E. Bacon (Staff Governor)

I joined the teaching staff at St Peter’s early in 2009 and since then have relished being part of a professional team and school family which has strived to achieve and maintain outstanding education for our children. I am a relatively late convert to teaching, retraining after careers as a national newspaper journalist and full-time mum of two. I am St Peter’s Class 1 teacher and I adore welcoming our new children in September and seeing them flourish as the year progresses. I am also school’s reading subject leader and am passionate about finding better ways to engender the love for and skills needed for reading in our children. Beyond school I love spending time with my family, muddy walks in the glorious north-west countryside, wine-tasting, reading, music and gardening.

Mr P. Kennedy (Foundation)

I joined the Governing Body in Summer 2022 as a Foundation Governor. I attended St. Peter’s as a pupil back in the 80s/90s and thoroughly enjoyed my time at the school. I am keen to help support the great work which has been going on in recent years at St. Peter's.

I am currently an Executive Head of two Catholic schools in Suffolk. Prior to that I spent a year as Deputy Head teacher of Primary at Doha Academy in Qatar. A position I started in August 2024. I also served as the Head teacher at St. Charles’ RCP School in Rishton, Lancashire for 5 and a half years. I love my job and the role I play in striving to ensure my children get the best education possible. 

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, meeting friends and exploring the region I now live in

Mr S. Newton (Foundation)

I joined the governing body at St Peter's Primary School, Rossendale, in 2019 and renewed my tenure in 2023 as a Foundation Governor within the diocese. I have previously served as a governor in Manchester and Bury, and remain committed to supporting schools in setting and exceeding the highest standards of education within their communities.

I am currently Head of Commercial Sourcing at the Government Legal Department and have spent my entire career in the Public Sector in commercially focused leadership roles. I also serve as the school’s lead for faith-based learning and take a strong interest in the curriculum and overall culture of the school, with a particular focus on ensuring that its Christian values are reflected in both teaching and wider school life.

Fr Stamp (Parish Priest)

I became a Governor at St Peter's in the summer of 2022 after being appointed as Parish Priest of St Joseph's and St Peter's Parish, Newchurch. I am delighted to be able to support the children and staff of the school in this role, and I have already experienced how welcoming and happy the school community is. I have been a Catholic Priest for 15 years and have experience of being a Foundation Governor in other Catholic primary schools within the Salford Diocese. I also have a background in work with children and young people and am looking forward to strengthening links between the School and the Parish. In my leisure time, I am a keen walker, occasional runner and I love reading.

Mr S. Waterworth (Local Authoriy)

As a Local Authority Governor, I am committed to supporting strong leadership, high standards, and a safe, inclusive learning environment for every child. I bring valuable professional expertise from my role as a Facilities and Sustainability Manager, offering practical insight into estate management, health and safety, compliance, and long-term sustainability planning.

My experience enables me to contribute confidently to discussions around building maintenance, environmental impact, energy efficiency, and the effective use of resources. I help the governing board make informed, strategic decisions that ensure our school remains safe, well-managed, and future-focused.

Above all, I am dedicated to fostering a nurturing, resilient, and sustainable school environment where pupils and staff can thrive.

Mr D. Collis (Foundation)

My association with St Peter's goes back four decades as I was a pupil here myself, and I am proud that my two girls are now pupils at our Outstanding school.

As a Foundation Governor and a parent, I feel I am in a privileged position to support staff and fellow governors as we strive to uphold the high standards set in recent years.

Having previously served as a Parent Governor at Staghills Nursery School, I am aware of the importance of communicating with parents, something St Peter's does so well.

I am currently a senior journalist with the Burnley Express/Lancashire Post group of newspapers, and have helped to publicise the amazing achievements of St Peter's in local and regional media.

I also serve as the school's lead for the mathematics curriculum, and am passionate about the growth of our children, both academically and spiritually throughout their St Peter's journey.

Mrs F. Heppleston (Foundation)

I joined the board in October 2023 as Foundation Governor. I would like to play an active role in helping the school to maintain its excellent standards and ethos.

I have lived in Newchuech for 34 years and my daughter had the privilege of being a pupil at St Peter's.

I worked for 30 years in specialised SEN provision, an area I am very passionate about.

I am involved in Newchurch Village Community Association and in my spare time I enjoy going to Pilates, dance and singing in choirs.

Mr B. Lawton (Parent Governor)

I am passionate about outcomes for children and believe the role of school to be crucial in shaping our children’s futures.  My aim is to support the school from a parents perspective to sustain and enhance the fantastic achievements that have already been noted.

I have worked within children’s social care for 25 years and I am currently Head of Assessment and Intervention at a local council.  My skills are around understanding the experience of children and their families from a social perspective.  My hope is that I can bring some of this knowledge and understanding, as well as my leadership qualities, and put them to good use to help the school maintain it’s ambitions to support every child to reach their full potential.

Mrs L. Ashworth (Parent Governor)

I am delighted to have joined the Governing Body as a Parent Governor in April 2025, when my son was in Year 3.  I wanted to be part of the Governing Body to give back to the school that has brought so much joy to our family in the last few years.  I am committed to working alongside my fellow governors to ensure the school's high standards are maintained, that there is strong leadership and that the school meets the needs of all its pupils.  

My professional life has been spent working in the public sector, particularly within local government. I am a Chartered Town Planner with extensive experience of the built environment and am currently working as a Consultant for the Local Government Association where I support councils to improve their planning services.  I have experience leading teams, training officers and elected members, writing reports, and recruitment.  

I am passionate about high standards in education, strong Christian values, and the culture of the school to ensure each child has the best opportunity to thrive.   I am delighted to be able to play a part in supporting the school over the next few years. 

Mrs S. Bowes (Foundation)

As a parishioner of Holy Apostles Parish, I am committed to supporting the success of St Peter’s Primary school. Two of my children have recently joined St Peter’s family and I feel very fortunate that they are members of such a nurturing and inspiring school.

  
I am currently the SENCo at St Anne’s RC Primary School in Audenshaw and have held leadership positions in Catholic schools for over 15 years.

  
As a Mum to 3 young children I love to spend quality time with them all. I enjoy being outdoors, visiting friends and family and exploring new places!