Governor Biographies

Marianne Bennett – Co-opted

Nicole Burstow – Parent

Ada Chrys-Chikere – Parent

I joined the governing body in 2022 and I am pleased to be a part of very experienced governors in providing support for the smooth running of the School. 

Jo Curry – Staff

A Governor since January 2015, I have taught at The County High School, Leftwich for over 25 years. I began my career at the school as a Music teacher in 1997, having graduated with a dual BMus (Hons) degree from The Royal Northern College of Music and Manchester University. I became Head of Music 2 years later.

I am also a Governor at Davenham CE Primary School where my 2 sons attend, though the elder is due to move to The County High School, Leftwich in September. I also work closely with Davenham, helping to deliver their extra-curricular music provision.

Joanne Flower – Chair

I was elected Chair of Governors in November 2022 after serving as a governor at CHSL since 2013, initially as a parent governor and now in a co-opted role. I have been involved with a wide range of governor responsibilities over the last 10 years: Welfare, Finance, Appointments, Pupil Premium, SEND, Student Progress and Achievement and Safeguarding. I have also been Chair of some of our committees and a member of them all over my tenure, giving me a good understanding of the work involved across school governance. 

I have been a teacher for 30 years, working in primary school across Cheshire in a variety of roles. I now work in a Northwich school as a KS1 teacher, Reading Recovery Teacher and Reading Lead. 

Living in Northwich for most of my life; I am a former pupil and our two children, who both attended CHSL before progressing to Sir John Deane’s College and then on to university, thrived here. They enjoyed the wide range of opportunities on offer such as Wind Band, Robot Club, and the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. 

I volunteered to be a governor back in 2013 because I wanted to be involved with, and supportive of, my children’s education. My children have now passed through this phase, but I am still keen to use my knowledge and experience of education and the local area to continue to support to The County High School, Leftwich. 

Rob Fowler – Co-opted

I joined the governing board in 2023 after moving from teaching back into industry. I went to school in Lymm before studying natural sciences in Durham, and teaching Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science in schools across the country. From 2017-2020 I served as a department leader at St John Deane’s Sixth Form College, where I discovered the County High School community.

I sit on the the inclusion and culture committee, specialising in safeguarding, and occasionally assist the curriculum and quality group. This is a fantastic way to put my experience to work and engage with schools from a different perspective. Whilst ensuring a caring and exceptionally high-quality education for our thriving community.

In 2021 I left teaching, following a master’s degree at Imperial College London. I have since worked at King’s College London and briefly with the BBC, before taking up my current post in health, safety and environmental protection at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, CERN.

Julia Harries – Co-opted

I joined the Governing Body October 2023. I have taught in Northwich for over 40 years and I live in the Leftwich community, therefore I am delighted to be working with The County High School to support and offer guidance in my role as governor.

Since retiring I volunteer to work with Whitegate Primary School preparing dances for their Christmas and end of Term productions and I organise the Northwich Education Partnership “Day of Dance”.

In my spare time I play hockey and squash. I am also actively involved in hockey administration with my roles as Deputy President Cheshire Hockey Association and Chair of the East Cheshire County Hockey Academy. My love for dance has evolved with me competing in Ballroom and Latin Competitions and teaching pupils at our school.

I look forward to supporting the Headteacher and all of his staff in ensuring the school continues to provide the opportunities “where students enjoy, thrive and achieve”

Phil Hilditch – Co-opted

Since retiring as the Headteacher at Davenham C of E primary school after some 21 years in the post, joining the Governing Body at The County High School has given me the opportunity to continue to serve in the community.
Prior to joining the teaching profession I worked in Civil Engineering and Estate Agency.

Both my daughters attended The County High School and they benefitted from a wealth of opportunities including music and sport, as well as a broad curriculum. They are both pursuing successful careers, one in teaching and one in hotel management.
Amongst my varied activities since retiring I have become the Education Trustee for the Cheshire Downs Syndrome group based in Northwich.

I have therefore had a long association with The County High School as a parent as well as in my professional capacity. I have witnessed The County High School develop and grow as a centre of excellence and I look forward to continuing a productive and profitable relationship with the school community.

Karen Lewis – Co-opted

I joined the governing body in July 2020 and I’m pleased to Chair both the Resources Committee and the Pay Review Committee, where I’m able to bring my experience as a Chartered Global Management Accountant. I started my working career with ICI in the Finance Department in Northwich, having being sponsored by them to study Business Studies.

I have a broad range of experience in business across several industries, most recently with an Enzyme Biotech in Germany. I have served as a senior leader on business Boards in Continental Europe for the last 16+ years and I have managed people across many geographies and cultures.

I have a passion for education and development of people. Development and support of female talent has always been high on my agenda. In my last business role, I set up a Global Women’s Business Forum to encourage women to maximise their potential. Several years ago, I worked with adults with special education needs teaching English and Maths, and today I’m supporting a business developing material to teach English to Dutch children.

I am married and have one daughter who attended a primary school in Hartford, before we moved onto the Continent where she completed her education in Belgium and Switzerland.

I believe I can bring significant experience, both from a financial and strategic perspective to the governance of CHSL. I look forward to supporting The County High School Leftwich in its passion for excellence.

Mandy Pimlatt – Staff

I have worked at The County High School, Leftwich since December 1999, becoming a Staff Governor in February 2010.

Starting in general administration at the school, I am currently the Headteacher’s PA and Personnel Manager.

I am married with 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren.

Nick Welch – Co-Opted

I started as a parent governor in 2019, and after four years am now a Co-Opted Governor, and a member of the Resources Committee.

I graduated from Keele University with a degree in Law and Management Science, and since graduation have built up 25+ years’ experience in a number of commercial and management roles in the Nuclear, Telecomms and Water industries, including both the public and private sector. I am currently Strategic Operations Director for a global engineering, design and project management business – working on the world’s largest, most iconic and complex infrastructure projects.

I live in Northwich and my two children have both attended The County High School Leftwich (my son is still at CHSL, and my daughter now attends Sir John Deane 6^th Form College). I’m delighted to have the opportunity to support the school in its endeavours and maintain the high standards that have been set by the team.

Martin Wren – Co-opted

I was appointed a Governor in 1998 and continue to date in various appointed roles.

I have played an active part in the Northwich community having previously been a member of Parent Teacher Association at another local high school and of Sir John Deane’s 6th Form College. I was also one of the founder members of Weaverham Community Centre and a Committee member. I am currently a member of the Weaverham Trust and carry out regular weekly duties maintaining Owly Wood and the surrounding environment.

I’ve held various positions in Cheshire and at a national level through the sport of Squash, including Director of England Squash Committee 1996 to 2002 and Chair of the Technical Committee for the Manchester Commonwealth Games 2002.

I have a first degree in Physics, a post graduate degree in Management and worked in industry in roles relating to technical, plant, commissioning, and project management.