The School Board

Mr. Philip Deakin is the Chair of the Board, and holds responsibility as our Chair of our Finance Committee; the link responsibility for Finance at the school.

Philip is a successful leader of education who has demonstrated his ability to guide improvements in culture and achievement across a number of schools. He has excellent managerial and commercial skills learned from running a thriving manufacturing business, coupled with analysis skills gained at an international blue chip company.

Philip has worked on a number of executive and non executive boards in both education and wider public life advising on the areas of finance, HR and building and estates.

Philip's Finance role description can be downloaded here.

The Chair role description can be downloaded here.

Mrs. Vicki Storey sits on the School Board as our Vice-Chair of Trustees, and holds the link responsibility for Curriculum at the school.  Vicki has a wealth of education leadership experience having taught English at Calday Grange Grammar School since 1994, acting as Director of Student Services, Safeguarding Lead and SENDCo since 2008.

She has worked with West Kirby School and College for several years and brings expertise and support to the school, working with the Curriculum Team to deliver the best learning outcomes for the pupils at the school.

Vicki's role description can be downloaded here.

Mrs. Deborah Gould holds linked responsibility for Safeguarding at the school.

Away from the school, Deborah is a senior criminal barrister with significant experience of leading and directing investigations, and is a Principal Crown Advocate for the Crown Prosecution Service working out of the West Midlands.

She is also Deputy Chair of Wirral Change, a BAMER charity based in Birkenhead and a restorative justice volunteer on the Wirral.

More recently still, Deborah has become interested in restorative justice and is a member of the Neighbourhood Justice Panel for the Wirral and is a Trustee of Wirral Change.

Deborah's role description (Safeguarding Trustee) can be downloaded here.

Mrs. Julie Merry sits on the School Board with linked responsibility for RSE, and also sits on the Finance & Audit Committee.

Julie is a highly respected education professional with extensive experience in both teaching and safeguarding. 

Julie has worked in a wide variety of roles within Education, including Safeguarding & Pastoral Support Manager in a special school. She has been the Senior Designated Person / Safeguarding Lead in a number of schools and settings. She has had lots of experience working with children with additional needs and is a fully qualified Senco – having attained the National Senco Award.

She has been a School Governor since 2005 and currently sits on two special school governing bodies, while also being Chair of Governors in a primary school – a position held since 2016.

Julie's role description can be downloaded here.

Mrs. Annie Grady sits on the School Board as the elected Parent Trustee, and also sits on the Care Committee at the school.

Annie has been a volunteer for the last 2 years with 'Positivitree'; a charity which supports and promotes the wellbeing of carers and parents with children who have medical needs, mental health needs, and SEND.

Annie has a background in law and education and is a qualified teacher. Over the last 25 years, Annie has taught in early years, primary and secondary. She has a keen interest in the academic progress of young people with SEND and has developed her expertise of children with special educational needs and associated behaviours, which she believes allows her an insight into needs of children at West Kirby School and College.

Annie's role description can be downloaded here.

Fr. Brian Bell sits on the School Board as Trustee with linked responsibility for Community at the school.

Brian has been the Vicar of Saint Andrew's (West Kirby) since March 2022, is a local resident, and a well known face in the community.

As a former teacher himself, he knows the world of education well - sharing our passion, commitment and enthusiasm for 'changing childrens' lives'.

In his previous parishes, he has always sought to become actively involved in the life of the schools, where so much goes on that is formative in the education of young people. It is his sincere hope that this will be no different here.

As Trustee with linked responsibility for Community at the school, Brian brings a community perspective to the Board - and supports the school to develop strong community links beyond its walls.

Coupled with his ministry on the Wirral, he is also committed to other charitable organisations in his work as a trustee with two other organisations based in Norfolk and Wakefield.

Mrs. Lynda Powner is the school's Staff Governor, and also sits on the Care Committee at the school.

Lynda has strong positive relationships with external professionals and works in close partnership with agencies, parents/carers and pupils to support and achieve the best outcomes for all. She also plays a key role in the Admissions process and promoting high levels of Attendance.