Mendell Primary School Governor Profiles

Jenny Gillies

I am the local Rector (the word is the local term for parish Priest or Vicar) at St Barnabas Bromborough and have worked here for 10 years. – where did that time go? I love my vocation and I love living amongst the people of Bromborough. This is my 6th year of being a governor at Mendell and since 2022 I have held the role of Chairperson. It’s a role I take very seriously.

Although I lived in Lancashire for 20 years and on the Wirral for 18, I was born in Devon and until recently returned every year for holidays. I taught English, Music and Personal, Social and Health Education for 20 years in various secondary schools. I was ordained priest in 2010 and worked first in Bidston and now here in Bromborough. 

A day in my life is as unpredictable as you could imagine. Prayers, weddings, funerals, baptisms and Sunday services are obviously part of it along with visiting people and leading school assemblies. But I have to do a lot of administration and need to keep up to date with safeguarding in the church community as well as for my role as governor. One of the important parts of my job is being available for people to talk to – if you every need a chat, I am here for you.

In my leisure time I like the theatre, reading and walking my dog called Harry. He also comes to church and is a very good boy. I am a mum of 2 adult daughters, one who lives in Bromborough, the other in London. Both work in education, Rachael is a teacher and Anna works for an education resources company called The Key.

Catherine O'Neill Edwards

I am thrilled to be part of Team Mendell, my son attended Mendell for 2 years before we moved out of the area, so it has a very special place in my heart. The best things about Mendell are the inclusivity, the warm, family feel, passionate staff and of course - the children and families!

Mendell is a friendly, family welcoming, community school and I am excited to be leading the team through the next stage in the school's development.

I have 2 sons, a husband and a dog called Lolly. In my spare time I like singing, dancing, laughing and walks on the beach. 

2 interesting facts about me: I have saved someone's life and I have twice found the end of a rainbow!

Mrs K Mansell (Teacher Governor)

From the moment that I joined Mendell Primary six years ago I was hooked! This is an amazing school with an extraordinarily skilled and committed team who strive for the upmost success and contentment for our children. 

As the School Business Manager I am passionate about working together in partnership with the children, staff, governors and parents to continue to develop Mendell as a happy and successful school. For me, the needs of the children are always paramount in the life and decision making within a school. I believe that our pupils should have access to the best possible facilities and resources which underpin learning.

Another important job I have is being a mum to two daughters aged 9 and 11yrs, so I have first-hand experience of being a primary school parent. Outside of my working life I would love to say that I have lots of interesting hobbies; however, my free time is very much taken up with family responsibilities, something that I’m sure many of you will be familiar with!  As a family, we have a love of reading, films, baking and enjoying outdoor adventures.

It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to be a member of the governing body and I hope to bring the same dedication and enthusiasm to this role as I do every day within the school. I am looking forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the wider issues in education, promoting the school’s ethos within governance and adding value where I can. 

Helen Higgins

I have worked with children and families in a safeguarding role for almost 20 years, mostly in Leeds but more recently closer to my roots (I was born and raised on the Wirral).  I currently work for the Local Authority supporting children in care. 

I live locally with my partner and am lucky to be a step parent to his three amazing children. I have a large family on the Wirral and love spending time with them outdoors or gathering to eat food (one of my favourite things to do with anyone!)

I am passionate about supporting children and families to be happy and healthy and I believe we can all make a difference if we come together and care about each other. 

Anna Leadbetter

I’m parent to Miriam, Benjamin and Leah, and my job is as Youth and Families worker at Holy Trinity Church in Spital. I love my church family and working for them serving our families and youth is a real privilege.

I’m not from Wirral originally, but moved over here in 2011 for my job, and then I got married and settled here. In my spare time I enjoy reading, and good food- cooking it, eating it, and sharing it with others. I’ve recently taken up running too, so try not to laugh too hard when you see me red faced pounding the pavements of Bromborough!

I’m delighted to be part of this governors team, and I hope that we can work well together supporting families in the education of their children. 

Chris Bennett

I have two children in Mendell, Clara and Caiden, who originally started at Piglets corner. We’ve recently moved to Bromborough from Bebington, which is great as we can now walk to school on a morning (or more accurately, run before the gates close!) I’m originally from the North-East but I moved to Liverpool many years ago and then to the Wirral 10 years ago as my wife is originally from Eastham.  

Since 2008 I’ve worked for the University of Liverpool, originally with international students but moved in to the administration and policy side of things in the last few years. I’m now working for them on a casual basis as we are in the process of becoming foster carers, which will be my main focus. I enjoy the cinema and took up climbing as a hobby not too long ago. 

I’m pleased to be part of the governors team and am excited to see what we can do together working towards the School’s vision of the future.  

Justin Cowley

Having sat on the Governing Body as an associate member for four years I have now taken up a roll as a full governor.

I joined Mendell as the Deputy Headteacher five years ago and have absolutely loved my time here. What I like best about our school is the feeling of being one big family and how everyone pulls together to get the best outcomes for our children.

I have 2 children who are now both in high school, a wife who is also a teacher and a dog called Mollie. In my spare time I can usually be found playing, coaching or watching hockey or occasionally out cycling.

An interesting fact about me is that I support Sheffield Wednesday FC who are currently playing in the Championship but we are on our way back to the big time (fingers crossed)

Shaun Watts

I have two children who currently attend Mendell, Hattie and Jack both originally started at Piglets corner.

I am originally from Chester but moved to Eastham in 2015, with my wife who is a teacher in special needs school in North Wales and occasionally assists Medell with pupil reading during her days off.

My background start in a sporting capacity spending time at Crewe Alexandra playing and coaching the academy, before progressing through hospitality into financial services, I now work as director heading up a team of finance brokers forming part of a FTSE listed organisation.

Sue Parkin

I have just moved to the Wirral, to be nearer my son and his family, having lived in Kent all my life. I soon discovered it rains a lot more here than in the South East! Although I miss the many friends and links I have in Kent I have been made to feel very welcome by my neighbours and others I have met.

I was a teacher and then a headteacher, working in primary schools for almost 40 years. Since retiring from full time work I have worked part time for Canterbury Diocese supporting heads and teachers in a variety of schools. I have been a governor of a large secondary school, working particularly with the special needs department.

I am a member of the congregation at St Barnabas Church and was very pleased when the Rector, Jenny, invited me to join the team of governors at Mendell School. I have joined a local walking group, attend French lessons and am learning to play Bridge.

I look forward to getting to know the children and their families at Mendell School and helping to support the dedicated team of staff.