Our Governors

The Governors of Westhead Lathom St James' CE Primary School believe it is important that Governing Boards reflect the diversity of the school communities they serve. Diverse Boards promote inclusive school environments and provide diverse role models for staff and young people. The Governors are currently collecting data on the diversity of the board, including data on age, gender, and ethnicity. They will use that data to inform their recruitment and training needs and ensure there is always a diverse range of perspectives around the table to support robust decision making. At the present time, we do not publish this diversity data online, as individual Governors could be identified, and we have a legal obligation to protect their personal data.

Who are our Governors?

Mr Paul Livesley- Chair of Governors

I am a Local Authority Governor and also a parent of four children, three of whom are still at the school.  I am totally committed to ensuring the very best Quality of Education at WLSJ and consider it an honour and privilege to serve as Chair of our committed, enthusiastic and skilled governing body.  I am a local secondary Headteacher and Chair of the Strategic Partnership Board at Edge Hill University; roles that enable me to maintain current knowledge and experience to bring to my role as Chair of Governors.

Mr Martyn Walmsley- Vice Chair of Governors

I first became a parent governor at Westhead Lathom St James in September 2006 when our eldest daughter joined Reception.  Nearly 20 years later I am still here, now as a co-opted governor and the vice-chair of the governing body.

In that time all four of our children have gone through the school, and the youngest turned 18 this year.  There have been eight prime ministers, fourteen education secretaries, and our school has had two Ofsted inspections – both of which were graded Outstanding.

As well as being a parent and a governor, I am also an IT manager at NSG (formerly Pilkington) and have been a magistrate for 17 years.

Miss Helen Clark- Ex-Officio Position as Headteacher

As Headteacher and ex-officio governor, I am committed to working collaboratively with the governing board to support the continued development of the school. I aim to provide clear and thoughtful leadership, ensuring that decisions are well-informed and always focused on the best interests of our pupils. I value the strong relationships we have with staff, governors, families, and the wider community, and strive to foster a positive, inclusive environment where everyone feels supported. Through a shared commitment to high standards and wellbeing, I am proud to contribute to a school where all can learn, grow, and succeed.

Mrs Kate Brennan- Staff Governor

My name is Kate Brennan and I am the staff governor at Westhead Lathom St. James. I teach the Year 5 & 6 class, as well as leading KS2 English, History, Geography and running the Young Voices choir. I have worked here for 6 years and enjoy being part of the governing body, to help make decisions to improve the curriculum and quality of education at school.

Miss Louise Westhead -Co-opted Governor

I've been a Governor at WLSJ for a number of years and was once a pupil! 

I still have close friends from my WLSJ days, as an adult now, we look back and always comment on how lucky we were as children to have such wonderful childhood experiences in the village and at our school, something I hope all WLSJ children share, especially now as a parent and Governor. 

I work full-time in Higher Education as a Departmental Administration Manager and have previously studied at University of Teesside, St Helen's College and Cheshire Therapy Centre. 

I used to volunteer as a Samaritan, though now this time is spent 'playing taxi' to different kid’s sports clubs and activities! 

Mrs Helen Davidson -Parent Governor

My name is Helen Davidson, and I am one of the parent governors here at Westhead Lathom St James’. I live in the local area and have two girls, one whom previously attended the school and another currently in Year 5. As a former Early Years Trainer and currently working in higher Education, I feel as though my experience in education makes me a good fit for the role as parent governor of the school. I have been on the school governing board since 2020, by taking on this role I wanted to contribute to the school and wider community. I strongly support the school’s values and aims in providing the best possible start in life for all of their pupils.

Mrs Lyndsey Gateley- Parent Governor

As a former pupil of Westhead Lathom St James, I am proud to now serve as a parent governor, a role I’ve held for just over a year. I live locally in Lathom with my husband, our son, and our lively black Labrador. 

    I became a governor to gain a deeper understanding of how the school operates and how it connects with the wider community. With many fond memories of my own time here I’m passionate about supporting the school's continued growth and ensuring today’s pupils enjoy the same positive experiences I did.

    Professionally, I work in the logistics industry specialising in importing gift bags and gift wrap from the Far East and Denmark with warehousing in the UK. I've been at Eurowrap Ltd. for 19 years now, it's a role I find both creative and rewarding. Outside of work I enjoy walking in the local area and take a keen interest as a member of the Lathom South Parish Council.