Abbey Hulton Primary School
Governors
Welcome to the Governors' Section
Our Governors work extremely hard to ensure that Abbey Hulton Primary continues to be a fantastic school. Their remit is as follows:
- Ensure clarity of vision, those and strategic direction;
- Hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
Further information about our governors can be found in this section.
Governing Board Members 2025/2026
Chair of Governors: Mrs A Gadsden (Appointed by Trustees)
Governors
Mr C Crook (Headteacher)
Miss R Fawcus (Co-opted)
Mr N Carter (Co-opted)
Mr M Bogg (Co-opted)
Mrs J Leach (Appointed by Trustees)
Scheme of Delegation:
Scheme of Delegation | The Orchard Community Trust
Link Governors
SEND - Mrs A Gadsden
Safeguarding - Mrs A Gadsden
Attendance - Mr M Bogg
Behaviour - Mr M Bogg
Literacy - Mrs R Fawcus
Mathematics - Mr N Carter
Health and Safety - Mr M Bogg
Sustainability - Mr N Carter
Link Trustees (Orchard Community Trust)
Mr Stephen Lawley
Mrs Sue Thomas
Governor Attendance
Pecuniary Interests
Please click here to see information relating to terms and appointments.
Find Out More About Our Governors!
Joanna Leach - Deputy CEO of Orchard Community Trust
With 25 years of experience in education, including 18 years in senior leadership and 8 years as a headteacher, I am passionate about improving outcomes for children and supporting schools to thrive.
I currently serve as Deputy CEO for Orchard Community Trust, where I lead on school development, leadership development, curriculum, inclusion and quality of education across the Trust's schools. Prior to this role, I was Strategic School Development Lead, working closely with school leaders to strengthen teaching, learning and leadership.
As a qualified coach and Chair of the Stoke-on-Trent Primary Heads' Network, I am committed to developing people, fostering collaboration and supporting continuous improvement across the education sector. I also contribute to a number of strategic boards and partnerships across the city, including the Children’s Improvement Board, the Children, Young People and Families Strategic Partnership Board, the Education Strategy Board, and the Staffordshire University Primary Advisory Group. These roles enable me to work collaboratively with partners to influence educational improvement and enhance outcomes for children and young people across the wider community.
As a member of the Abbey Hulton Interim Executive Board, I am proud to support the school on its development journey and help ensure every child receives the highest quality education and opportunities to flourish.
Nick Carter - Link for Maths and Sustainability
I have a background in Education having taught science in a secondary school for 38 years before retiring. In addition to teaching science, I had a wide range of responsibilities in the field of pastoral care. As a Head of Year, I was responsible for organising transfer from a range of Primary Schools into Year 7. I had been Contingent Commander of the Combined Cadet Force at my School from 2003 until 2020. I am a Trustee of Stoke on Trent Sea Cadets and have spent time as Chair of the Unit Management Team.
In my retirement I decided to become involved in a Primary School so that I could use my many years in education for the benefit of a School Community. As a teacher in my liaison visits to Primary Schools, I realised that it is at these Schools that the foundations of a great education are laid. These foundations are vital if pupils are to achieve their full potential in life. Consequently, I became a Governor at Abbey Hulton Primary School in 2017. Since retiring, I have also, at times, volunteered at the School assisting with science teaching. I try to visit the school several times each term. I do enjoy talking to both staff and pupils about their experiences in school and meeting parents at School Events.
In 2019 I was appointed as a Trustee with the Orchard Community Trust of which Abbey Hulton Primary School is one of the member Schools. In 2025 I resigned from the Trust to concentrate on my duties as a Governor at Abbey Hulton.
Outside of my volunteering, retirement has enabled me to rekindle a lifelong interest in railways aided by my Senior Citizen’s railcard!
I have a background in Education having taught science in a secondary school for 38 years before retiring. In addition to teaching science, I had a wide range of responsibilities in the field of pastoral care. As a Head of Year, I was responsible for organising transfer from a range of Primary Schools into Year 7. I had been Contingent Commander of the Combined Cadet Force at my School from 2003 until 2020. I am a Trustee of Stoke on Trent Sea Cadets and have spent time as Chair of the Unit Management Team.
In my retirement I decided to become involved in a Primary School so that I could use my many years in education for the benefit of a School Community. As a teacher in my liaison visits to Primary Schools, I realised that it is at these Schools that the foundations of a great education are laid. These foundations are vital if pupils are to achieve their full potential in life. Consequently, I became a Governor at Abbey Hulton Primary School in 2017. Since retiring, I have also, at times, volunteered at the School assisting with science teaching. I try to visit the school several times each term. I do enjoy talking to both staff and pupils about their experiences in school and meeting parents at School Events.
In 2019 I was appointed as a Trustee with the Orchard Community Trust of which Abbey Hulton Primary School is one of the member Schools. In 2025 I resigned from the Trust to concentrate on my duties as a Governor at Abbey Hulton.
Outside of my volunteering, retirement has enabled me to rekindle a lifelong interest in railways aided by my Senior Citizen’s railcard!
Rebecca Fawcus - Link for English
I have been a Co-opted Governor at Abbey Hulton Primary School since 2021 and currently serve as the Link Governor for English. As a Phonics Consultant, I work with schools to develop high-quality phonics and early reading provision, and I am passionate about giving every child the opportunity to become a confident and successful reader.
I became a governor because I wanted to use my knowledge and experience to give something back to the local community and support a school that puts children at the heart of everything it does.
Abbey Hulton Primary School’s vision of creating a nurturing and inspiring school where every child flourishes as a confident, compassionate and lifelong learner is one that I wholeheartedly share. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued and inspired to achieve their very best, and I am proud to be part of a governing body that is committed to making this vision a reality.
The school’s core values of Kindness, Respect, Ambition, Curiosity, Excellence and Responsibility are values that strongly resonate with me, both personally and professionally. I believe that kindness and respect create a culture where children feel valued and able to thrive.
As Link Governor for English, I take a particular interest in supporting the development of reading, writing and phonics across the school. I believe that learning to read is one of the most important gifts we can give a child, and I enjoy using my professional experience to support the school’s commitment to ensuring every pupil develops the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
Outside of my professional and governor roles, I enjoy spending quality time with my little girl. Watching her grow and learn reminds me every day of the importance of creating positive, nurturing learning environments where children feel happy, supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential.
It is a privilege to be part of the Abbey Hulton Primary School community, and I look forward to continuing to support the school in living out its vision and values while helping every child flourish, achieve their full potential and make a positive difference in the world.
HOW TO CONTACT US
Please direct Governor enquiries to:
Abbey Hulton Primary School
School Road
Abbey Hulton
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST2 8BS
Telephone: 01782 235551
Email: admin@abbeyhulton.orchardct.org.uk
Our Chair of Governors is Mrs A Gadsden