Meet the Governors
Our Governors support Tilston School, the headteacher and the staff by helping with the leadership and management of the school. Their formal role involves setting the main objectives, policies and targets for the school. These include targets for educational improvement, the Strategic School Development Plan, the budget and staffing policies. The role of Governors includes monitoring the progress and success of the school and challenging the headteacher in a constructive and supportive way.
To get in touch with any of the Governors, contact the School Office on (01829) 250204 or e-mail admin@tilston.cheshire.sch.uk
Our Governors are local people with an interest in helping make Tilston a thriving and successful school. Eleven Governors make up the Governing Body and most are appointed for a four year term of office.
The full Governing Body meets once a term and committees of Governors do more detailed work in areas such as Achievement and Safeguarding, Staffing, Finance and Buildings. Most Governors have an individual role to take a special interest in areas such as Safeguarding and Health and Safety.
Full details of Governors' roles, responsibilities and terms of office can be found by scrolling down to the bottom of the page and opening the 'Governing Body Details' document.
Our current Governing Body consists of:
Su Tedham: Chair of Governors
I am a retired Primary school teacher with a qualification in teaching children with dyslexia. I am passionate about literacy and love volunteering at Tilston School. I have lived in Tilston for over 30 years and am a churchwarden of Tilston church. I love music and I sing with the Border Singers, and with my husband we enjoy travelling to visit our children and grandchildren, abroad and in Scotland.
Lucy Cheshire: Co-opted Governor
I am a mum of three and moved to the local are in 2002. I have been a governor at Tilston since 2018, firstly as a parent governor whilst my youngest was at Tilston and now as a co-opted governor. I studied sports science at university specialising in nutrition and have continued my love of all things sporty though it is mainly from the side-line now! I currently work in our Estate Agency business and most of my free time is spent with my family enjoying competing our ponies, walking the dogs or spending time in Anglesey.
Chris Gilbert: Foundation Governor
I was an Art Teacher in Liverpool for 23 years and also, during that time, my wife and I fostered two young people with sever learning disabilities for 25 years, raising them alongside our two daughters.
In church, I have always been involved in playing music, whether it be playing drums or guitar, and I also ran Children’s Work and led the All-Age Family Services.
Once I left teaching I spent ten years as a freelance artist and musician, The Art & Soul Man, leading art and faith-based projects in primary schools across Cheshire.
Since moving to Cheshire I have become a Licensed Lay Minister in the Anglican Church, ministering in St Mary’s, Tilston and St Edith’s, Shocklach.
I have had a long and fruitful relationship with Tilston School and thoroughly enjoy taking assemblies there, or leading art projects, or simply hanging out with the wonderful staff and children.
I currently work as an Art Technician within the Art Department of Bishop Heber High School.
Therefore, my whole life and career can be summarised as being primarily concerned with Family and Faith; Art and Music; Young People and Education; with a particular interest in Disability and SEN.
I hope that, as a Governor, I can continue to promote these issues and support the school’s mission.
Christy Bryan: Staff Governor
I graduated at Chester University as a teacher back in 2003 and have thoroughly enjoyed my career ever since. I have worked at Tilston for 18 years and over the years have worked with many wonderful children and their supportive families in both key stage 1 and 2. I currently teach the Robins class (Year 1/2) 4 days a week and I am responsible for developing Science, Phonics, PE, Global and Design and Technology throughout the school.
When I am not working, I love nothing more than spending my time with my husband, Rob, and our son, Zachary. We enjoy family days out and lazy days in.
Jo Huxtable: Co-opted Governor
My name is Jo Huxtable, I have been involved with Tilston School for over 18 years, firstly as a parent and then for the past 14 years as a member of staff. I am currently working in both key stage 2 classes sharing my time between The Kestrels and The Housemartins; this is something I love as it gives me the opportunity to work with the children across both age groups. My role has taken on a different emphasis over the past few years as I have been able to put my mental health training into practice, working with children with specific needs, this part of my job is very important to me as I believe mental health and wellbeing plays a vital part in creating a happy and inclusive environment helping children being the best they can be.
Kelsey Mort: Staff Governor and Headteacher
I was appointed as Headteacher at Tilston School in January 2018 and I thoroughly enjoy my role. I have been in the teaching profession for 27 years and have worked across Nottingham, Stoke-On-Trent, Shropshire and Cheshire. I have been a senior leader for the past 12 years. I love learning and have continued my own professional development in special educational needs. I am very proud to be part of such a hard working, caring staff and feel very well supported by our dedicated Governing Body. Our core principal is to 'Bring out the best in everyone.' Together we work hard to achieve this.
Poppy Lucas- Parent Governor
I studied Psychology at university, specialising in child development and educational psychology. I spent considerable time working with young children in various settings and am passionate about a strong education and the importance of a safe, happy environment for children to learn and to thrive.From university, I qualified as a lawyer and have spent the last 16 years working as an Employment and Immigration solicitor. I currently work for the London firm, Harbottle & Lewis. It is a privilege to volunteer as a parent governor and I wholly support the school’s vision of bringing out the best in everyone.When I am not working or juggling 3 children, I can often be found walking around the Bickerton & Peckforton hills and I like to escape to the North Wales coast as much as possible.
Martin Shaw: Parent Governor
Caz Hewitt: Co-opted Governor
I've had a varied career that I feel gives me a valuable perspective to bring to the governing board.
I began in international business as Sales and Product Development Manager for a Swedish cosmetics company, travelling extensively and learning first-hand the importance of adaptability, strong relationships, and clear communication. I later moved into the financial institution sector, working in management and personnel roles where I developed a strong grounding in leadership, governance, and supporting people to succeed.
Since retiring, I've enjoyed giving my time to local community charities, helping raise funds for causes that matter close to home.
I am proud to be part of the governing board, and I'm looking forward to bringing my professional and personal experience to help support the school's core principles and its mission to provide the very best for every pupil.