If you would like to get involved and become a governor, please contact Emma Stoddard at clerk@lcect.co.uk for further information.
Local Governing Committee
The Local Governing Committee consists of 12 members. The constitution is;
- the Headteacher
- three foundation governors
- five co-opted governors
- two parent governors
- one staff governor
Mr P Roach, Headteacher
Councillor K McKeon, Chair
Councillor K McKeon, Chair (Safeguarding Governor), is a retired secondary school teacher and is a member of Bolton Council. He has three grown up sons and five grandchildren. His experience and interest is in education.
Rivington and Blackrod High School serves the community he represents, and he says the school has a proud history and an excellent reputation. With the rest of the Governors, he is keen to use his skills and knowledge to support the school in its mission to nurture and educate the young people in our care.
Councillor McKeon is Chair of the RBHS Local Governing Committee, Chair of Governors at Chorley New Road Primary School and a Governor of Bolton Foundation Trust.
His term of office began on 08/12/2020.
Reverend D Griffiths, Foundation Governor
Reverend Griffiths is a Church Foundation Governor and a retired Church of England vicar in Horwich, Heaton and Ainsworth. He is married, and their three children attended Rivington and Blackrod High School. His particular interests include Rivington and Blackrod High School being an 'open' inclusive church school, involved in the community with high standards across subjects including Religious Studies; and provision for most able and special needs students.
Reverend Griffiths has no business interests to declare.
His term of office began on 27/06/2021.
Mr P Holden, Foundation Governor
Mr Holden is a Foundation Governor who is married with two adopted grown up sons.
He is Church Warden at Rivington Parish Church and a retired secondary school teacher of Mathematics, Computer Studies and Information Communication Technology with thirty-two years of service. His last teaching post was Head of ICT and ICT Coordinator at Bishop Rawstorne C of E Language College.
Peter believes that education is the foundation for life as an adult and young people need support to access opportunities open to them.
As a practising Christian, he feels that the church has a role in helping to provide education for all.
His term of office began on 27/06/2021.
Dr C Wakefield, Foundation Governor
Dr Wakefield is an Associate Professor at Liverpool Hope University and a former pupil of the school. Coming from a science background, she is keen to assist with the development of the science subjects and make these accessible for all pupils. Working in a University setting, she is also passionate about helping young people to reach their potential and developing the transition from school to university life.
Her term of office began on 12/11/2021.
Mr P Wright, Co-opted Governor
Mr Wright is a Horwich resident, a primary headteacher in Salford and a coach of one of the RMI youth football teams. He is passionate about creating the very best provision of a wide range of opportunities for youngsters in our area and sees the school as central to serving its pupils and the community. Through his work in education, he has full knowledge of curriculum, finance, staffing and premises. He would particularly seek to ensure constructive links with stakeholders to give the best possible transition for pupils from primary to secondary and is keen to see the school continue its strong links with colleges, universities and local/regional employers.
His term of office began on 01/12/2019.
He was re-appointed on 30/11/2023
Dr C Rehan, Co-opted Governor
Claire is keen that all children reach their full potential and take an active role in their learning; in a school environment that supports positive emotional health and wellbeing. She is a Clinical Psychologist working with adults with physical health problems and is based at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Her clinical training gave her a broad range of experience working with children, adults, learning disabled adults and research. She hopes to use these skills in her term of office.
Her term of office began in 10/12/2020.
Ms S Lucas, Co-opted Governor (Vice Chair)
Ms S Lucas was a staff member at RBHS for almost 17 years in many roles such as a Classroom Assistant, Cover Supervisor, Outdoor Education Instructor and Duke of Edinburgh Manager. Sandra is a local resident and past RBHS student and has two children who both attended Rivington & Blackrod High School.
Sandra said, “I believe in equal opportunities for all, and that education has a vital role in achieving this”.
“As a previous member of staff, I feel well positioned to understand the challenges facing students, teachers, support staff and the leadership team. I believe that I can contribute positively, as a governor, to supporting RBHS achieving its aims for young people.”
Her term of office began on 07/10/2022.
Mr G Merritt, Parent Governor
With over 22 years of experience in secondary education, Mr Merritt assists school leadership in key decision making.
He said, “As a parent of three children who are, or will soon be attending RBHS, I have a genuine interest in the success of the school. I am grateful for the opportunities RBHS has given me, including an interest in science that ultimately led to a career as a secondary school teacher. This has given me extensive knowledge of education and the specific challenges facing schools today.
“Having 22 years of experience in secondary education enables me to support school leadership in school improvement. I have previously held the position of Staff Governor, where I demonstrated diplomacy and professionalism in holding school leaders to account to secure the best possible outcomes for students.
“As a Horwich resident, I am aware of the key role the school plays in our community. I now wish to contribute my skills, knowledge, and experience, both in education and in local issues, as a Parent Governor at RBHS.”
His term of office began on 19/12/2019.
Gary was Re-elected on the 26/01/2024.
Mr L Yates, Staff Governor
I am passionate about RBHS. I pride myself on my ability to think strategically and empathetically whilst prioritising positive impact for both students and staff. I have been fortunate to work inside the classroom in my previous role and understand the importance of teaching, learning and ethos which help students succeed. In my IT role I have gained insight into the demands of various departments and curriculums and prioritise jobs for the most impact. I am personable, logical and calm.
I believe I will bring an honest and rational contribution to the Governing Board. I will conduct myself with respect and integrity in the work that I do in this role, working collaboratively with the team of Governors. I will use my balanced and varied experience of classroom based and wider school roles to ensure that my views are given honestly when prioritising the progress and success of the RBHS community, benefiting all stakeholders. I will use my knowledge and experience to actively make positive changes to the school.
His term of office began on 01/12/2022.
Mrs Pauline Lomax, Co opted Governor
Mrs Lomax was a past student of Rivington & Blackrod High School as a Grammar school and is a Horwich resident. Pauline’s three children and four grandchildren also attended RBHS, so she has a close connection with the school. As a retired counsellor, Pauline is keen to use her skills and experience to support the school. Pauline has been an active volunteer, starting as a co-ordinator for Victim Support and progressing to being a Magistrate. She believes that education should provide an inclusive experience for all.
Her term of office began on 20/12/2023.
Mr James Beardsworth, Parent Governor
Mr. Beardsworth is a passionate believer that every child should be given an opportunity to realise and achieve their potential, and he believes that RBHS achieves that.
With a background in further education, he spent five years managing an apprenticeship department at Europe's largest Further Education college. Since 2019, he has been working in the employability sector, assisting individuals facing various barriers to employment in finding sustainable work. He aims to utilise these skills and knowledge in his role as a Governor.
Mr. Beardsworth is looking forward to collaborating with the Governing Committee to explore innovative ways to overcome any barriers the school may face. Personally connected to RBHS, both his partner's child and his own daughter attend the school in the same year, and they both thoroughly enjoy their experiences at RBHS.
He was elected on 26/01/2024