Governors

Local Governing Body

Fiona Quinlivan – Chair  and lead Governor for Safeguarding

Fiona is the Chair of Governors at Atherton High School and brings 13 years of headship experience.

Fiona is a passionate advocate for learning and believes that every child deserves a nurturing environment that fosters their growth and empowers them to reach their full potential. Fiona is committed to the vales of Atherton High School, and is committed to creating a school community where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to excel academically, socially, and emotionally.

Fiona is honoured to be part of the Atherton High School team and has had the pleasure of watching the transformation of the school to its current thriving position.  Fiona is immensely proud of the school, its staff and its amazing pupils and is dedicated to providing the very best for the children.

Charlotte Hanrahan – Vice Chair and lead Governor for Pupil Premium / Curriculum / Health and Safety

Charlotte is currently Whole School Lead for Disadvantaged Pupils at St. Mary’s Catholic High School and a long-standing member of her local parish community. She completed her education in the Greater Manchester area, receiving a First-Class Honours Degree in Theology from Manchester University and a Masters in Education from Manchester Metropolitan University. Charlotte is passionate about effecting social change and is an advocate for equity in the education system and for giving back to her local community. She is excited for this next step in her development, as a member of the governing body, where she is looking forward to sharing her knowledge, experience and passion for education, in support of our school, pupils, parents and staff.

Michelle True – Parent Governor and lead Governor for SEND

Michelle has over 12 years experience of working in Adult Education from both a Tutoring and Administration perspective, working closely with Adults with specific learning difficulties and disabilities. She has two children that attend Atherton High School and is committed to supporting and challenging the school in its commitment to deliver the curriculum effectively, creatively and enjoyably, inspiring life-long learning.

Paul Walker (commonly known as Paul Blinkhorn) – lead Governor for Wellbeing

Paul lives in Atherton and has two children attending schools in the locality; one of which attends Atherton High School. Paul has worked in the creative industries for over 12 years and is passionate about the role that schools, and the arts can play in inspiring children and young people to fulfil their potential. Paul is committed to working with, and challenging, the school to deliver an engaging curriculum that benefits the life-long prospects of its pupils, and to ensuring that students and staff receive the pastoral care and support they need to truly thrive.

Ross Doohan – lead Governor for Careers and Personal Development

Ross has worked for The Heights Blackburn Alternative Provision School since September 2018 and has a wealth of experience in pastoral education and support. His leadership experience includes Pastoral Support, Careers, Data & Assessment and he is currently the Behaviour Lead and a member of the safeguarding team. Ross is a qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 5) and has a Careers Leadership Level 6 qualification. He is a Community of Practice Lead for Lancashire Careers Hub supporting schools in developing their careers provision. He has gained extensive knowledge and experience of governance from having been Staff Governor for the last 4 years.

Emma Jones – Parent Governor and lead Governor for Behaviour and Attendance

Emma lives in Atherton and has four children attending schools in the locality; three of whom attend Atherton High School.

Emma has worked within secondary education for over 8 years and is currently an Assistant Principal for Behaviour and Attitudes. Emma is passionate about education both in and out of the classroom, believing that schools not only educate young people academically, but also ensure that pupils leave with a capacity to contribute positively to society.

Emma is committed to working with and challenging the school to develop its vision and strategy, to ensure that every pupil has the best possible opportunities for success and progress.

Jack Higson – Governor

Jack lives in Atherton with his wife, two children and their dog and is a dedicated supporter of both Wigan Warriors and Bolton Wanderers. With over a decade of experience in education, Jack began his career teaching Popular Music and now oversees the quality of Education Programmes for Young People, Apprenticeships, and Adult Education, focusing primarily on further education. Most of Jack’s career has been dedicated to quality assurance, ensuring that every learner receives the support they need to achieve their ambitions.

Jack is deeply passionate about two key aspects of education. Firstly, Jack believes every learner should be given the tools and support necessary to realise their full potential. Secondly, and equally important to Jack, is advocating for SEND learners. As the parent of a daughter with profound disabilities, Jack is committed to ensuring that SEND learners are given every opportunity to progress and achieve just as much as their peers.

In Jack’s current role, he focusses on maintaining the highest standards of education for all apprentices and learners.

Local Governing Body Information

Click the links below to download the following statutory information regarding our Governing Body:

• Governor Attendance 2023-24
• Governor Membership 2024-25
• Governor Business & Pecuniary Interests 2024-25
• EPT Governance Scheme of Delegation