I am a commercial manager for a northwest based construction company and have lived in Whitworth since 2000. I was appointed Foundation Governor in January 2014 and I am the current Chair of Governors. My son was a pupil at Our Lady & St Anselm's and I am committed to promoting the values of the school and supporting the staff, pupils and fellow Governors to ensure the schools continued success.

As a member of the Parish I was appointed to be a Foundation Governor in March 2018. My four grown up children all attended Our Lady and St Anselm’s Primary School and I also taught there for a number of years. This experience has given me an understanding of St Anselm’s as a warm, friendly and caring school, so I have high regard for, and feel passionately about, its heritage and values. The Catholic ethos of love, tolerance and respect make our school the special place it is today.

I have worked in Catholic Education for over 40 years, as a teacher in various roles right through from Nursery, across Primary to Secondary and also in Higher Educational as a Science Technician. I want to use my personal and professional experience of education, in my role as a governor, to assist and support the Head Teacher and staff in helping to direct and uphold the vision of the school, ensuring “all-round” development and outstanding education for each and every child.

I see my job at the school, apart from the statutory requirements, as being part of a vibrant Governing board that will ensure the school, its fabric and reputation continues to maintain its great momentum.

Mrs J Rainey Headteacher

As Headteacher of Our Lady & St. Anselm’s, I also sit on the governing body. This means attending all committee meetings and full governor’s meetings. I am privileged to have a committed governing body who not only attend meetings but also regularly visit school, read with children, assist on school trips and share their varied skills.

Father C McGrane Ex Officio Governor

I am Fr. Chris McGrane and I was appointed Parish Priest of St. Mary & St. Anselm's Bacup and Whitworth in October 2018. I studied in Rome and was ordained priest on 14th July 2001 after having worked in the British Council. Over the last 18 years, I have served in 6 parishes before I came to St. Mary & St. Anselm's having had a lot of experience both as a governor and in chaplaincy in both primary and high schools in those parishes.

I am very pleased and honoured to have been made an ex officio governor at St. Anselm's, a very vibrant and welcoming school with a great teaching staff and happy and confident children.

Mr M Whitby Foundation Governor

I have been a governor of Our Lady and St Anselm's for over 30 years. I am a retired local government manager who used to work within child protection and children in need. I have lived in Whitworth all my life and my family before have all lived in Whitworth and can be traced back to the early 1800's. All family members have attended the school and church since they were first built up to and including my son Simon. Since my retirement I visit school regularly offering my services to assist with listening to children reading. I am extremely proud of our school, its staff, pupils and its achievements over the last few years and the place it holds in the community.

Mr D Peel Associate Governor

I served as a Foundation Governor at OLSA for many years. When my term of office came to an end I decided to continue working as an associate governor so that my links with the school continued. I work closely with the school, responsible for overseeing all aspects of Health & Safety. I am President of St Mary and St Anselm's St Vincent de Paul Society as well as serving on the Parish Events and Financial Committees. I am a Textile Consultant specialising in importing Flame Retardant Fabrics, for use in education, health care and the domestic sectors.

Mr P Corder Foundation Governor

I was born in Liverpool and I am a practicing Catholic. I moved to Whitworth valley as a young child and attended St Anselm's, St Wilfred's and Bishop Henshaw's school. My mother still lives in the Valley, and I live close to the area in Shawclough, Rochdale. I was a Police Officer at Rochdale for over 30 yrs and retired in 2005 . Since then I have worked for a local specialist ink company and retired fully in 2016. I am married with two grown up daughters who both live in the Rochdale area. Following my retirement I was looking for an area of voluntary work and jumped at the chance of becoming a school governor. I endeavour to be a useful member of the team in maintaining and raising standards at our already excellent school, giving all the children a safe and caring environment in which they can reach their full potential. I come into school on a weekly basis and assist in testing the key stage 2 children with their maths times tables.