Our School Governors

Our School

Our School Governors

John Dowler – Chair of Governors

Appointed by Foundation/Trust

Term of Office - 27/09/2023 to 3/05/2027

Declaration of Interest - none

I am delighted to briefly introduce myself as the recently appointed Chair of Governor for St Peter’s Primary School. I am very much looking forward to working as a Governor with the school community across St Peter’s Primary School. It is a school with much to celebrate and, like all good schools, it is always looking to improve and develop so that all young people at St Peter’s can achieve their full potential through “firm foundations and shining bright”. I am a longstanding Heswall resident and my two sons (now 32 and 35) attended St Peter’s school. I am a member of St Peter’s church and my other interests include sailing, golf and supporting Tranmere Rovers. I have over 22 years’ experience as a senior leader in three successful secondary schools. I started my teaching career back in 1981 in Cheshire, firstly as a Physics teacher at Neston High School and then as Head of Physics at Blacon High School. My career then took me to St Helens (for 16 years) and then as Headteacher in rural west Northumberland, from 2004 – 2010. In 2010 I then returned to Cheshire as Headteacher at Helsby High School, from where I retired from full time work at the end of 2018. Since that time I have worked as a part time educational consultant. I support a number of Cheshire schools in my role as their SIP (school improvement partner). I also work as a performance coach and assessor for school leaders who are working towards leadership qualifications, such as the NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headteachers). Since 2021 I have been Chair of the Cheshire Teaching School Hub.

Jayne Brown – Parent Governor

Appointed by parents

Term of Office - 1/09/2023 to 31/08/2027

Declaration of Interest - None

My name is Jayne Brown and I am really excited by my role as a Parent Governor at St Peter’s. One of the best investments we can make in a child’s life is high quality education and this is something that I am extremely passionate about. I have been teaching for 10 years and I am currently an F2 teacher, art lead and member of the Senior Leadership Team at another local primary school. I have two daughters, Evelyn (Year 3) and Livi (F2) and I am excited to share my experience both as a parent and a teacher, to build upon the existing work of the team and ensure that our wonderful school continues to thrive and flourish.

Danielle Evans – Staff Governor

Appointed by Elected by school staff

Term of Office - 2/10/2025 - 1/10/29

Declaration of Interest - none

I am delighted to have been elected as a Teacher Governor. Having taught for over 10 years, I remain as passionate as ever about education and the difference we can make in every child’s life.
As the Maths Lead and a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE), I have had the privilege of working across Years 1 to 6, supporting children to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of mathematics. I am particularly passionate about helping pupils see how maths connects to real-life experiences and the wider world.
In my role as Assistant Headteacher and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. I work closely with staff to drive school improvement and ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. I also really value the relationships we have with our local community and I enjoy being involved in projects and events that bring the school and community together.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, socialising and going on long walks.
I feel incredibly privileged to take on the role of Teacher Governor and look forward to continuing to support our school’s growth and success, working alongside colleagues, pupils and our community to make a positive difference.

Caroline Gavin - Foundation Governor

Declaration of Interest - None

I am excited to take up this new position as Local Authority Governor at St Peter’s School. My own children, who are now 12, 15, and 16, all attended St Peter’s so I am familiar with the school, staff, and its wider community.

While I will support in any way I can, I hope to offer specific support, and challenge, in the areas most aligned with my own skills and expertise, including wellbeing, performance, and strategic growth.

My background includes over 20 years of experience leading teams and delivering strategic growth within the corporate environment. More recently I have been running my own coaching and consultancy business, focusing on improved performance and wellbeing, empowering individuals, teams and organisations to be at their best.

While I work across a variety of sectors, I am passionate about making a positive impact in the health sector, and even more so, in schools and education. This is a key reason for me taking on the role of Governor at St Peter’s.

On a more personal note, I love travel, cooking and entertaining, walking, cycling and swimming. Our two dogs ensure I get out every day, come rain or shine! I’m also a volunteer swimming coach at Woodchurch Swimming Club, where our children also swim, and I regularly support 4th Heswall Sea Scouts, mostly with water-based activities.

Julia Murray

Appointed by Diocese

Term of Office -

Declaration of Interest - none

I am looking forward to serving as a Foundation Governor at St Peter’s School. For the past 13 years I have worked in Secondary schools, both as a Teaching Assistant and a Science Teacher. I also tutor GCSE Science and A level Biology. The best part of my work is seeing young people build their confidence and thrive. My husband and I are regular members of St Peter’s Church. I enjoy reading, running and walking on the beautiful Wirral, and trying to grow as many fruits and vegetables as we can in our garden.

Sandra Banks - Parent Governor

Appointed by parents

Declaration of Interest - none

I am a parent of two children in St Peter’s, Mia and Grayson. We also have two older boys in Neston High School. I am a Program Director for a large international organisation, and a governance and operational efficiency expert. I trust that my professional skillset combined with my passion for my children’s education will support me in the role of Parent Governor for St Peter’s. In my spare time I am an appointed Trustee of the 4th Heswall Sea Scouts, a fitness enthusiast and practice mindfulness and wellbeing. I am glad to have the opportunity to be involved with and to support our wonderful school.

Rev. Martin Cannam - Vice Chair

Ex-officio foundation governor (appointed by foundation by virtue of the office they hold)

Declaration of Interest - none

I have been the Rector of Heswall since September 2015 and therefore an ex-officio Foundation Governor throughout that time. It is a great joy to have a Church School in the Parish of Heswall and to work with good staff committed to the distinctive Christian ethos of St. Peter’s. I and the church take this responsibility very seriously, not only as a Governor, but also through our weekly provision of Collective Worship and the strong relationship fostered between the church and school. I’ve seen the school through two good SIAMS inspections and regularly meet with the Headteacher and other staff members to co-operate in providing the best education and life-learning experience we can for our children. Seeing first hand the challenges of teaching and the changing context of education I carry a concern for staff well-being and understand the need to invest in developing school for the longterm. I’m married to Sarah who works as a GP serving the homeless in Chester. Our two children both really enjoyed and benefited from the years they spent at St. Peter’s Primary School.

Sophia Nelson – Foundation Governor

Appointed by Foundation/Trust

Term of Office - 17/09/2023 to 17/09/2027

Declaration of Interest - None

I am just starting my second 4-year term as a foundation governor at St Peter's. I have three children - two currently still in St Peter's (Y6 and Y3). I am a GP and a large part of my 'real' job is clinical governance; interpreting data and maintaining accountability for continuously improving quality, so I am able to bring these skills. I also hold the role of safeguarding governor and am link governor for maths this year. I regularly attend St Peter's church and I am passionate about supporting and uplifting our school and it's Christian ethos.

Dave Wallace - Headteacher

Appointed by virtue of being headteacher

Term of Office - 01/09/24 to end of role

Declaration of Interest - None

I was appointed headteacher at St Peter's from September 2024. Prior to this I have 29 years of teaching experience across Cheshire West and Chester in 6 different schools. Before this role I spent 10 years as Headteacher in a small primary church school in Chester. I have been on the Governing Body in a number of schools as foundation, staff and parent governor amd have served on an executive governing board of another Wirral school. I am passionate about church schools and do some external consultancy work for Chester Diocese in this area.

I am extremely excited about the opportunty to work in Heswall with the St Peter's community and look forward to leading the school with the support of staff, governors and the rest of the community into the next part of it's journey.

Clerk to Governors - Annette Jones

Historic (left within last 12 months)

Rev. Martin Cannam

Role Chair of governors

GID 1663796

Appointed by Ex-officio foundation governor (appointed by foundation by virtue of the office they hold)

Term of Office 31/03/2023 – 26/09/2023

Nicola Griffiths

Role Chair of governors

GID 1468891

Appointed by GB/board

Term of Office – 1/09/ 2020 – 30/03 2023