Welcome to our governors’ section.

We have an active and committed board of Governors who work very hard on behalf of the school. There are a number of Committees which focus on areas of school life, for example: Staffing, Finance, Curriculum, Premises.

Philip Swanson

Philip Swanson Foundation Governor – Chair of Governors Term of Office:  December 2022 – November 2026.

Originally from Anfield in Liverpool I was ordained a priest in my home church of All Saints in July 1984. During my years of priesthood I served in Widnes and Skelmersdale before being appointed to St Theresa’s in 1995. In 2005 I was asked to take on extra responsibilities and became Parish Priest of St. Bartholomew’s in Rainhill. I have governed schools for over 30 years and am presently a governor at St. Theresa’s, and St. Bartholomew’s primary schools and St. Cuthbert’s High School in Parr. Over the years I have taken on a number of roles in the schools I have been involved with.

I enjoy being part of the life of the school and taking an active part in helping staff, children and parents. I have a busy life and enjoy everything I do as a priest. I enjoy going on holiday mainly to France, Portugal and Italy. I love the city of Rome with its history culture and shops! Philip Swanson.

I’m Paula Cain

 Foundation Governor Term of Office:  July 21 - July 25.

I was a teacher for 33 years before retiring, twenty two of those years teaching at St Theresa’s Primary School. Whilst teaching there, I was also a member of the Senior Management Team and therefore understand the important and sometimes difficult decisions that need to be taken to ensure the school remains successful and every child given the chance to achieve their full potential. For many years I have also served as a teacher governor and am now honoured to serve the school as a Foundation governor.

Sarah Hughes

Foundation Governor, Term of Office: January 2025 – January 2029.

I graduated from university in 2002 with a degree in Law, but went in a different direction and spent six years in customer service management for a local recycling company. In 2008 I joined Pilkington, initially as part of the global supply planning team working with colleagues all over the world. For the last six years I’ve been the Planning Manager for UK Operations, a job much more involved with the day to day glass making process and one which I love. More importantly though, I’m a mum to two boys, and two crazy Springer Spaniels.

As a foundation governor, I hope to play my part in ensuring the school maintains its outstanding status. Although not being afraid to question and query when necessary, I will support the school and teaching staff in giving every child the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Daniel Lorenzo 

Foundation Governor, Term of Office: Feb 2025 – May 2029.

I joined the fire service in August 1996 and after my 17 week recruit course was posted to Parr Stocks Road fire station, in Parr.  Throughout my fire service career I have worked in other areas of Merseyside, Old Swan, Millfields, Speke & Garston and am now stationed at the new St Helens community fire station, on Violet Way, close to the Ravenhead Retail park.  Throughout my service I have worked closely with the communities that I served, visiting homes and schools across the region.  Since moving back to St Helens fire station in 2018 I have visited St Theresa’s Catholic Primary School on many occasions to talk to the children about the fire service and also show the children around our fire engine and wet everything in sight with the hose reels!!  I also volunteer with a local homeless charity called Teardrops, here we provide food parcels and other goods to adults and families who are in need of assistance.  Helping my community is very important to me.

I have 3 children who have attended St Theresa’s, so I am more than aware of the outstanding standards that are set by the school, not only curriculum wise but also for our commitment to the safety and well being of our students and families.  As a foundation governor I will utilise my experience and skills that I have gained through my career to help maintain and exceed the already high standards set and support the school as we move forward onwards and upwards.

Donna Forster 

Foundation Governor,Term of Office: September 21 – September 25.

Many years ago, I attended St Theresa's Catholic Primary School as a pupil and then my son attended the School. I now have the pleasure of being a Foundation Governor there.

I have worked in local government for over thirty years. I started my career in an Education Department before concentrating my career in human resources where I have worked at both a local level and as a senior adviser for the regional employers' organisation. I am now employed as a Principal Employment Relations adviser in a local authority.

I have experience of dealing with governors through my job, but actually becoming a foundation governor brings an exciting change for me and the opportunity to be part of the wonderful Team at St Theresa's. I have experience of the SEN side of school life and truly understand how important each and every child is whatever their circumstances. I firmly believe that all children should be given the opportunity to achieve their full potential at school including those that are gifted or those that have other needs because of personal circumstances beyond their control.

As a Governor, I will use my experience to support the School, its staff and pupils to maintain its amazing status.

Catherine Akehurst

Parent Governor, Term of Office: Feb 2025 – Feb 2029.

As a teacher myself, I have always been passionate about the wellbeing and education of children. When I was a child, I loved learning and wanted to bring that sense of awe and excitement to others. I graduated and began my teaching career in 2010 and have loved becoming part of the school community. When my own children began their education, it was wonderful to see a new side to the school experience and I was keen to become involved in St Theresa's community. As a parent governor, I look forward to helping in any way I can.

Christopher Griffiths

LA Governor, Term of Office: Mar 2025 – Mar 2029.

I have been in various job roles from serving in the Royal Navy for 6 years as a first class marine engineer being at sea for many days and being deployed in some of the harshest environments the world has to offer, to working in fabric maintenance at high schools in West Derby and Rainhill, then moving onto facility management with the Eric Wright Group which is a company I love being part of for the company's community and charity work. I have been with my wife Michelle for 19 years and married for 12 years and we have 2 amazing boys. I am grateful and excited at the opportunity to be the LA governor for St Theresa's Catholic Primary School. I will give it my all in supporting these remarkable children and wonderful staff who do a great job in a tough environment.

Alexandra Martin

Parent Governor,Term of Office: February 25 – February 29.