Our Governors

GOVERNOR PROFILES

John Leigh – Member Appointment 

 Foundation Governor

Chair of Governors

  • I have served as a Governor for over 19 years
  • I am a retired Solicitor
  • Four of my children have attended the school
  • I have a keen interest in primary and secondary education (I am a Governor at St Wilfrid’s school having held the post of Chairman of Governors for seven years)

Link Governor for Oracy and History

Aisha Hussain – Member Appointment Vice Chair of Governors

Wensley Fold is close to my heart as it was my primary school
My 4 children all attended Wensley Fold
I am a qualified lawyer specialising in Family law, Wills and Probate work.  I also sit as a Magistrate on the Criminal Bench
I have qualified as a teacher with experience in secondary education
I am deeply passionate  about education and child development run a supplementary evening school
My role as governor is very rewarding as I am enthusiastic about making a difference to the community

Link Governor for RE and Charity

Ehsan Raja

  • I have been a governor for 10 years
  • My 3 children all attended Wensley Fold
  • I will help the school to the best of my ability
  • I have a keen interest in education
  • I am an approachable person

Link Governor for Computing and Local Authority


Donna Simpson – Headteacher

  • I began working at Wensley Fold in January 2017. Prior to this I taught for many years across Blackburn with Darwen as Assistant Head, Deputy Head & Advisory Teacher
  • I am the school’s designated Safeguarding Lead
  • I enjoy working with a diverse and talented group of governors to ensure we attain the absolute best outcomes and experiences for our children
  • Out of school I enjoy travelling and spending time with my family and out pets

Amanda Whittingham – Assistant Headteacher

  • I am the teacher representative and have been for over 16 years
  • I particularly enjoy the role as it enables me to be involved in the governors’ decision making processes as well as the day to day running of the school
  • It is my aim to represent the balanced views of the teachers in all areas of governors’ decision making
  • My qualities are a love of children, teaching and a sense of humour!

Julie McFeeley  

  • I have lived locally for nearly thirty years
  • Both of my children attended Wensley Fold Primary School, at which time I was a Parent Governor.
  • Reading for a degree as a mature student fostered a strong belief that access to quality education and personal development is a fundamental right
  • Being a governor at Wensley Fold allows me to contribute to the development of that belief in others within my local community
    I am deeply proud of Wensley Fold Primary Academy and am honoured to be considered part of it.

Link Governor for Early Years, SEND,and Geography

Tanveer Hussain

  • Appointed Governor 2019
  • Wensley Fold alumnus; daughter currently attends school
  • Worked for the Bank of England for over 20 years
  • Interested in supporting local community and regional development

Link Governor for Languages, Assessment & Design and Technology

Maggie Beck

I am a Primary School Teacher, having taught for over 35 years, I retired in 2018, having been Headteacher at Darwen St James’ CE Primary Academy, for nine very enjoyable years.

I have had the privilege of serving as a Foundation Governor at St Luke and St Philip’s CE Primary Academy since 2019, and I clerk Governor Meetings for the Local Authority, I am looking forward to joining the Governors at Wensley Fold in September 2020.

I care deeply about education for all, giving everyone opportunities to learn and to enjoy their learning.

I love being creative, spending time knitting and crafting.  I enjoy theatre visits, music and sports, especially supporting my football team.

Link Governor for English, Safeguarding, Looked After Children & Attendance

Helen Lavery

I have been SENDCo at Wensley Fold for the past year.

I moved to Lancashire from Essex where I have previously been a SENDCo, Assistant Headteacher, Key Stage Leader and Class Teacher.

I love being a teacher and wanted to be a teacher from the age of 9.

I have a daughter and a husband who I love going on long walks with.

I enjoy decorating, house refurbishment projects and watching films.

I am dedicated, highly motivated and committed to children achieving their very best.

Link Governor for Music

Brendan Smith

I have worked at Wensley Fold for 3 years.

I have worked in a number of schools across Lancashire since entering the education sector.

Previously, I conducted postgraduate research in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and so have a keen interest in Science.

I organise the school’s chess club

My priority is ensuring the needs of all parties, in particular pupils, are considered at every step.

Link Governor for PE

Asemah Ashiq

I have 5 children, with 2 currently in the school and 2 who had previously attended.

For over 15 years I worked as a teaching & bilingual assistant at Daisyfield Primary School.

I have lived in the local area for almost 40 years.

I am passionate about the quality of children’s’ education

I studied Business Studies Level 2

Link Governor for Art & Life Education

Shabana Latif

I am passionate about education and started out as a teacher 12 years ago teaching maths at secondary level.

I am currently an Assistant Director for Mathematics and KS3 lead.

I have two beautiful children who attend Wensley Fold Academy.

I am committed to ensuring best outcomes for all students and making a difference at every opportunity possible.

Link Governor for Maths & Equality

David Kemp

I am a business and performance coach by profession

I sincerely believe that everyone – especially young people – should be given the opportunity and the support to fulfil their potential.

I have delivered self-development programmes to young people in partnership with NW universities

I believe that by being inclusive and working together local communities will make a positive impact

I am churchwarden of St Silas and a trustee of the local alms houses association

Link Governor for Health & Safety & Worship

Sima Kothiwala

I have been a qualified dentist since 2004

I work with people from various cultures, backgrounds and ages on a daily basis

I am passionate about children’s health, wellbeing and advancement of their educational needs

Link Governor for Science & Forest Schools/Eco Schools