• Ania Hildrey, Headteacher
• Rob Lowe, Chair of Governors
• Sarah Powell, Vice Chair of Governors
  Dr Andrew McCaldon, Co-opted Governor
• Russell Irving, Co-opted Governor
• Vacancy, Co-opted Governor

• Alicea Thompson, Parent Governor
• Wendy Walsh, Parent Governor
• Michelle McGawley, Staff Governor
• Elaine Kelly, Clerk to Governing Body

I joined Abbot’s Lea School on 1 September 2016 and became a Headteacher Governor on that day.

I first became a Headteacher Governor in 2009 but I have worked with governing bodies for many more years as a senior leader.

I enjoy drawing on the experience and knowledge of others and I take my role as an educational professional lead on the Governing Body very seriously.
Whether shaping the vision for the school, consulting on policies or considering implementation of strategic changes – I see being a governor as an integral part of my strategic role as our school’s Headteacher.

I have seen many changes in the governance over the years and I can see the value of this accountability structure in every aspect of a school’s development. The challenge and the support that comes with it is invaluable in navigating the ever-more-challenging landscape of education.

I am a Co opted Governor and currently Chair of Governors.

I am married with three children.

I am a Director of a National Road surfacing company and bring a wealth of business related knowledge to my role as a governor.

I am passionate about supporting the school to achieve the best outcomes for all students.

I have been a school governor for over thirteen years serving across two special schools.

During this time I have contributed to staffing, curriculum and finance sub-committees, sat on appointment and disciplinary panels and chaired the full governing body for a number of years.

I have taken part in numerous training courses related to governance to strengthen my knowledge and understanding of the role.
I first became a governor out of desire to contribute to a school based in my community and from my on-going personal and professional interest in education.

Currently I work within education as a Senior Leader but have experience of personnel and financial management from previous areas of employment. I also have extensive experience in child protection and safeguarding. I am also qualified as a Practice Educator and NVQ assessor to assist in lifelong learning for adults, taking students on placement.

I believe that an effective governing body can contribute to the success of the whole school community which is why I continue within the role.

I moved to Liverpool to attend university in 1993 and stayed because of the city and feeling of community. I feel lucky to live and work here.

Andrew is passionate about supporting Abbot’s Lea to deliver the best outcomes for all our students and joined the Governing Body in 2021, with 10+ years’ experience of school governance.

A project delivery professional for government, Andrew currently leads a major investment programme in the Home Office and recently completed his doctoral degree, researching the politics of British Protestant unionism in post–conflict Northern Ireland.

Driven by public service and an advocate of enriching the lives of children and young people, Andrew is actively involved in the local community in south Liverpool.

I am originally from Ireland, I came to Liverpool 23 years ago to study at University and fell in love with both the city and a native who I subsequently married. I have two children, My eldest daughter attends a local secondary school and my youngest son is a student at Abbot’s Lea School.

I work part time in the Civil Service in Benefits and Credits sector.
In my (rare) free time I enjoy shopping, writing comedy, crosswords/sudoku and I am an avid reader.

I also collect perfume – at the last count I had 168 bottles.

I have a great interest in the educational, social and emotional development of children on the autistic spectrum. I am passionate about spreading awareness of invisible disabilities and promoting diversity and inclusion.

I am proud of Abbot’s Lea School and the excellent opportunities it offers our children and I feel privileged contributing to the governance and continued development of the school as a Centre of Excellence in specialist education.

I am a Co-opted Governor and currently oversee a SEND College in Trafford. I have worked in the field for over 15 years and am a BCBA and qualified teacher.

I grew up in Liverpool before working in London for over 10 years and recently moving back to the Northwest.

I am passionate about helping young people with SEND to gain the skills to live a full life full of opportunity, and I hope to support ALS to achieve this with the students.

I became a governor to contribute my professional knowledge to the wider strategic development of the school to best support the students to thrive and succeed.

Wendy is a highly experienced primary school teacher and senior leader based in Liverpool, with over 25 years of dedicated service across all year groups from Reception to Year 6. Her career has also included significant work supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), reflecting her inclusive and student-centred approach to education.

Currently serving as the Designated Safeguarding Lead at her school, Wendy plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all pupils. She is deeply committed to creating a nurturing, supportive learning environment where every child can thrive.

As a parent of a daughter attending secondary school in Liverpool, Wendy brings a valuable perspective to her role, combining professional expertise with lived parental experience. Her commitment to effective governance is driven by a passion for high-quality education and strong school leadership.

Wendy is passionate about teaching and learning and remains firmly focused on providing the best possible education for every student. Her goal is to support children in reaching their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally—as they grow into confident, capable young adults.

I joined Abbot’s Lea School as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant in 2023, and I’m excited to take on the role of staff governor this year while completing my teacher training.

I have a decade of experience in education, having earned my degree in education in 2019.

Outside of my professional life, I am a proud mother of two beautiful girls and a passionate netball player and coach.

I look forward to contributing to our school community and supporting our students’ growth and development.