Our Governors

Stef Boyle

Chair of Governors

I originally put myself forward as a governor because I wanted to be involved in the life and community of the school and I hoped that my experience and skills could be useful. I’m a youth worker in a Christian charity called Worth Unlimited, and I specialise in mentoring, adult literacy and personal development. In the past I was a board member of a local Women’s Aid for 4 years and their treasurer for 2 years.

Gill Foster

Ex-Officio

I am an ex-officio Foundation Governor by virtue of being the Associate Rector at St Thomas and All Saints Church which of course is the church to which our school is linked.  I have served on the governing board for the last 8 years and consider it a privilege of serving our church school in this way.   I have four grown up children and one grandson and so my life has been immersed in schools and education however, this is the first time of serving on a governing body and so I was completely unaware of the level of involvement that a school governor holds in being a 'critical friend'. We have the privilege and responsibility of ensuring that every child coming into Christ Church School receives the best education and care relevant to each individual child for them to develop and grow to their full potential.  At present, I chair the Welfare Committee and I try to be involved in the daily life of the school ensuring that the children and parents get to know me whether in my role as associate rector or governor which hopefully helps build the important link between church and school.  

Suzanne Roberts

Associate Member

Since qualifying as a teacher, I have worked in 5 very different schools and fulfilled a range of senior leadership roles.

I have been a governor for many years and have fulfilled the role of vice-chair of governors at my daughter’s primary school.

I believe that children, communities and success come in many forms and that we need to provide our children with a wide range of experiences and support to enable them to achieve and value those successes. Being a governor allows me to contribute to decision making about how we achieve that goal.

I have one daughter who shares my love of reading, the countryside and adventure.

Katie Locke

LA Governor

I am a Mum to two amazing girls who are thankfully having very happy school experiences. I strongly believe that the learning that takes place in the early years and primary school is vitally important in laying the foundations for learning for the rest of children's lives. I feel lucky to have the chance, as a school governor, to be part of supporting and shaping that experience for lots of other children too. I have worked as a speech and language therapist for almost 30 years, and being a governor gives me even more opportunities to share my passion about SEN and the importance of supporting all children's communication skills.

I really enjoy reading and baking with the girls, and running around on the beach with our much loved (and very lively!) dog.

Judith Derby

Foundation Governor

I am a retired teacher, currently re-employed part-time working with KS 1 children in a local primary school. Over my long career I have taught in five primary schools and have also taught trainee teachers.

It is a privilege to be a school governor and involved in securing the best possible education for our next generations.

I am married, have one daughter and one granddaughter. I worship regularly at St Lawrence Church, in the parish of Ellesmere Port, volunteer at the local food bank and enjoy cooking, fine-weather gardening, visiting my family and going on holiday.

Rob Orford

Co-Opted Governor

I have been teaching for 9 years now and a teacher at Bishop Wilson since Autumn 2018. Since joining the team at Bishop Wilson,  I have taught a year 3/4 mixed class, a year 2/3 mixed class, 4/5/6 mixed class and more recently, I have been teaching a year 5/6 mixed class which have all been fantastic professional challenges. I am currently English, PE and Computing lead as well as Deputy Safeguarding lead. Teaching is my passion and my aim has always been to have a positive impact on as many children as possible. Helping them on their learning journey in a fun, engaging and personalised way is the most rewarding part of my job. Being a school governor has allowed me to impact children's learning journeys in another way too as I am able to take on a different view of school but with the needs of the children still at the heart of everything we do. Of a weekend, I would say I enjoy watching my football team play football but 'enjoy' may not be the correct word at the moment but nevertheless, sport and football are a keen interest of mine. I also enjoy eating baked goods.

Alex Hopwood

Associate Member

I have been working at Christ Church since 2009 and prior to that I worked in schools in Rotherham. I have worked as Assistant Head for a number of years and since 2024 have stepped into the role of Head of School. I love our school and the family feel that it has, we work together as a community to support each other. I also work two days in Y6.

Seeing children learn and flourish in a school where they feel happy and safe is paramount. Being part of the Governors is an important part of my role. It enables me to help shape and guide our school to ensure that we are offering our children the best possible opportunities. The federated Governing Board it is a great opportunity to see how both schools can move forward together - learning from and supporting each other.

Sharon Jones

Associate Member, Clerk

I have worked in schools for over 20 years, firstly in an admin capacity and more recently in the role of Business Manager. As associate governor I am able to help ensure our schools provide the very best use of resources for our wonderful children.

Out of school I love spending time with my family, taking long leisurely dog walks, and baking.