Meet the Governors

James Atkinson

Chair of Governors

Foundation Governor

I was raised and lived in Ribbleton within a mile of St Matthew’s school. I was asked to join the governing board in 2014 to support the education of children in our parish. In November 2019 I was asked to become Chair of Governors. I am passionate to see our school become an outstanding beacon of safety and stability in the community so that children can be educated and equipped to their full potential. I am closely involved with an ongoing review of our facilities to enable this to be achieved as soon as possible. I’ve enjoyed working as an engineer around the world including South Asia and Central Africa where my wife and I helped establish a small primary school for village children.

Jane Smith

Vice-Chair of Governors

Foundation Governor

I became a governor in 2017 because I was asked by the previous vicar to join the governing body. I said yes because I'm a member of St Matthews church and it seems to me that we all have a responsibility to work together to make this school a fantastic learning environment for all primary age children in the area. My vision fits nicely in with the vision statement of the school in that I want to see the school become a place where everyone can reach their full potential and can both aspire to be and achieve whatever they really desire. Oh and some hard work by pupils is needed too! My favourite holiday was a few years ago when my husband and I got a European rail ticket, took several weeks off work and travelled around many different countries, staying in hostels and cheap hotels. We had a great time, saw some amazing sights and met some fascinating people.

Colin Addison

Foundation Governor

I have been a governor of St Matthew’s school since 2011. I believe governors should SMILE! (S)upport staff and children, (M)aintain excellent standards in all areas, (I)mprove the school constantly, (L)isten to staff, children and parents, (E)xamine and question school data and finances. – and Smile because St Matthew’s CofE Primary School is a wonderful, Christian, caring school. Before I retired, I was a Project Leader at Littlewoods Home Shopping Group Ltd. I have been a Scout leader for over 20yrs and also organise and take people out on day trips (every week) & holidays in the church minibus.

Rev Alistair McHaffie

Foundation Governor

I have been the vicar at St Matthew's church since April 2018. Prior to that I was a vicar in Leyland (2003 - 2018) and of the Falkland Islands (1998-2003). Prior to ordination I worked for a pharmaceutical company for 5 years after a 12 year career in the army. I was brought up in Troon on the west coast of Scotland. I am a school governor by virtue of my position as vicar and am delighted to be able play a small part in the life of our school. I have enjoyed taking weekly assemblies over the past 2 years and have always been struck by the friendliness and warmth of both staff and children. My hope for our school is for the children to feel happy and safe and to have the opportunity to reach their potential as we prepare them for High School.

Nancy Talbot

Foundation Governor

Nancy has been a governor for many years. She is a member of St Matthew's Church and does a lot of voluntary work in and for the local community on behalf of the church and is involved with many church-school links. She was the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer and continues as the lead governor for safeguarding in school.

Halima Master

Parent Governor

I have been a parent governor since 2019 and have 2 children attending St Matthew’s School. I have taken on this role to help and support the school and to become an active governor. I have the children’s best interest at heart and want to see all children receive the very best education. I am a busy home maker and keen to utilise my previous job skills as a Chartered Certified Accountant. I enjoy reading, bike riding, going for nature walks and making things from wood.

Tahir Hussain

Local Authority Appointed Governor

I am Tahir Hussain and I started on the Governing Body in 2014 as a Local Authority Governor. I am born and bred in Preston and actually attended St. Matthews school as a child. I graduated from University of Central Lancashire in 1993 with an engineering degree and have since been working for BAE Systems at Warton. My job as a senior engineer involves a lot of travelling all over Europe. I am married with 3 children and settled in Preston. My favourite football team is Manchester United and my favourite car is a BMW – I have been driving one for nearly 20 years. My aim is to help develop the school to become one of the leading primary schools in Preston.

Mr Mackley

Headteacher

Ex-Officio

A key part of my role as Headteacher of St Matthew's is that I am a member of the Governing Body to work with them as well as be accountable to them for the running of our school. When I took up my post on 23rd April 2019 I automatically joined the Governing Body. My vision is simply for the school to live up to its Mission and Vision Statements so that we can do the best we can for the children. In my spare time I enjoy music, motorsport, time with my family and watching Leicester Tigers Rugby Club (even though their recent performance is somewhat woeful!).

Dan Freeman

Governor

I became a governor in 2020, after moving to St Matthew’s Church to work as the curate there. My vision for the school and my role as a governor is to see people at the school thrive; physically, academically and spiritually. As a Governor, I want to encourage the school staff as they pursue the School’s vision. I will also get the opportunity to lead worship assemblies and hope this will develop pupil’s spiritual life. I used to work as a veterinary surgeon. We currently don’t have any pets, although I’d most like to have a cow, which isn’t really practical!

Natallie Towers

Parent Governor

I was appointed as a Parent Governor in February 2021. I accepted this role so that I could play an active part in helping and supporting the school in moving forward. Providing an education which enables every child to fulfil his/her potential is paramount. I am married with 4 children, the youngest attends St. Matthew’s School. I currently work full-time at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Primary School as a Teaching Assistant. I have worked there for 13 years and I am passionate about children’s education. During my spare time I enjoy visiting family, socialising with friends and baking.

Irene Hanson

Foundation Governor

I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in November 2021 and am an active member of St Stephen’s Church which partners with St Matthew’s. I grew up in Ireland and on returning home from my first day at school I told my mum that I was going to be a teacher. And that is exactly what I did, eventually specialising in the Early Years which I found to be a very fulfilling, exciting and foundational part of children’s formal education. I have taught in Inner London, West Sussex, Bolton as well as Pakistan and Indonesia. Four years ago I took early retirement when we moved to Preston with my husband’s work and am now involved in a number of different roles including advocacy work, leading an Open the Book team and work with Safe Families. I am enthusiastic about being a governor at St Matthew’s as I believe these are the some of the most important years in a child’s life and I want to help the school to be the best that it can be in nurturing and fostering a love of learning in each child.