OUR GOVERNORS

A group of Governors is called a Governing Body. It is the Governors’ role to make sure that the school provides the children with a good quality education.

The Governing Body meets once a term with two further committee meetings each term which cover:

• Resources
• Standards & Curriculum 

Find out a little more about our Governors:

John Jordan - Chair of Governors - Foundation Governor

I am a retired Manufacturing Manager and was persuaded by my parish priest to serve as a governor at St Oswald's since 2006. I have been Chair of Govenors since 2008 working with the past four Headteachers.
My family and my faith are of upmost importance in my life and I have been happy to support other families through my work at St. Oswald's and also to bring the skills and
experience from my working life into school.

Jessica Collinge - Staff Governor

My name is Jessica Collinge and I am the staff governor for St Oswald's school.
After completing a BA honours in Special Educational Needs with qualified teacher status (QTS), I took up my first teaching post here at St. Oswald's in 2009 working in year 5 and 6 and I've been here ever since.
Within school, I am responsible for the Literacy and Religious Education aspects of the curriculum and I also lead the GIFT team.
I hope to bring the experience I have gained and my knowledge of the school to the governing body.
I firmly believe that St. Oswald's is an outstanding school and I am incredibly proud to be part of the team.

Marie Leaver - Foundation Governor

I have been a foundation Governor at St. Oswald’s R.C. Primary School since 2010. I was happy to take on the role as I have always worked in education, being a primary school teacher for 35 years. Also, I have an association with the school as I was a teacher at St Oswald’s for almost 10 years from 1975 to 1985; it was during this period that the school was burnt down and the fight for the present building took place. As well as this, my mother was a secretary of the school for a number of years. When, on retirement, I was asked to be a governor, it was an easy decision to make and it is a privilege to be involved with the hardworking and dedicated staff who make St Oswald’s such an outstanding school.

As a governor, I hope to support the other governors, staff and children through the meetings, observations and courses that all the governors undertake. Where possible, I also try to attend masses, performances and fund raising activities.

Bernadette Garland - Associate Governor

I am thrilled to have joined the Governing Body in September 2021. My little boy started at St Oswald's in 2021 and I worship at St Mary’s Church. I have been a teacher most of my adult life teaching children with Profound Multiple Learning Difficulties and Autism. When I moved to Accrington, I became an Advocate for both adults and children who lacked capacity or were under Local Authority Care.

Music plays an important part of my life and I currently play the Clarinet in 2 Concert Bands. I also played and sang in both the National Youth orchestra and National Youth Choir.
I believe St Oswald's lives up to its Outstanding status. The dedication of the staff is a testament to this. I have watched my child, and indeed other children, flourish and become confident, caring, respectful individuals.
As a Governor and a parent I hope I can make a small contribution to all aspects of school life and look forward to my journey in the pursuit of this .

Sue Warburton - Associate Governor

My four sons attended St Oswald's and I have been involved with the PTFA for many years. I have served on the Governing Body as a Parent Governor and also a Foundation Governor. I work at the school as both a welfare assistant and a teaching assistant. I am very proud to be linked to St Oswald's RC School and enjoy working with the children and staff. Through the Parent / Child courses, I have been able to meet and work closely with parents. I love every minute of my time here at school and hope to give you many more years service.

Helen Slinger - Foundation Governor

I was appointed foundation governor in July 2019.
I started to attend St Mary’s church in April 2018 attending mass on a weekly basis with my 2 children who both attend St Oswald's . In April 2019, my son and I took our first holy communion and were confirmed into the Catholic Church . I enjoy helping out with church events and getting involved with the parish .
I am looking forward to being part of St Oswald's family . I truly believe St Oswald's is an outstanding school in all aspects, as a parent, I see how my children have flourished and grown at this school. I hope to get involved with school trips and events .
In my spare time I enjoy outdoor activities with my family and running .

Rachel Bamford - Foundation Governor

I was appointed Foundation governor in July 2024. I live in Oswaldtwistle and I was Baptised into St Mary’s Parish as a baby. I have been lucky to have grown up within the parish, celebrating the sacraments for myself and with my four children (one of which attends St Oswald’s). I am a member of the PTFA in school, I also am a member of Mount Carmel PTFA and was a member of St Mary’s PTFA several years ago, all of which have allowed me to be active in events at school for all my children, and be a part of the school community. I thoroughly enjoy helping and supporting events it is a privilege to see the school community come together and have fun.
I work predominantly as a Sustainability consultant, but I am also heavily involved in environmental permitting and audit Quality, Environment, Health and Safety, and Energy Management systems. My job continuously stresses the importance of Governance in order for any organisation to operate effectively, it also requires attention to detail, and ensuring compliance is maintained at all times.
I look forward to supporting the Governing body at St Oswald’s to ensure our St Oswald’s family is fully supported and continues to thrive.