Chair of Governors

Andrew read Civil Engineering at the University of Liverpool, which led to a career in Civil Engineering and an MBA from the University of Westminster.

Following a successful MBO, he retired as Chairman of Weetwood, a firm he set up in 1996, to specifically help developers address water management issues that were increasingly threatening project viability.

Andrew has held several governance positions: President of the Old Arnoldians’ Association in Blackpool, trustee of Arnold School Development fund and Governor of Arnold School.

Andrew currently helps to foster future potential, acting as a professional reviewer of candidates seeking corporate membership of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and Chartered Engineer accreditation.

As a former Chair of Chester & District Housing Trust and a Governor of Argoed High School in Flintshire, Andrew is now Chair of Governors at Abbey Gate College, where his daughter was a pupil, and skillfully leads the Governing body to maximise the potential of the College.

He also chairs various working groups, focusing on the strategic development of the College.

Deputy Chair of Governors, Deputy Chair of Education Committee & EYFS Governor

Paul has held a number of senior posts within the education public and private sectors and is currently a fellow of the University of Central Lancaster.

In the early part of his career, he was Principal of a further education college and the RAF Central Education Training college.

He has experience as a Director of Education in three local authorities and was a Government Advisor, leading on the establishment of the National Academies Programme.

Paul served as CEO and Executive Principal of the Manchester Multi-Academy Trust and a Director within the DFE. Prior to this, he worked in the private sector as Managing Director of the HBS/Mouchel Education Group and as a director of the international consultancy group, ‘Place Group’.

Paul’s position as Vice-Chair of Governors at Abbey Gate College, where his son was a pupil, brings unparalleled, significant experience to the team.

Paul currently works as a senior advisor to a number of Government departments.

Company Secretary

A local solicitor, by profession, Brian was admitted onto the roll in 1978.

After re-locating to Chester in 1987, he chose Abbey Gate College for his children and his involvement with the College began when he served on the Abbey Gate College Social Committee for 4 years.

Brian felt a connection to the College, after his children graduated, having appreciated the quality of education they had received, both academically and pastorally.

His legal background, his wealth of experience and his unwavering devotion to all things rugby league, make Brian a much appreciated member of the Abbey Gate College Board of Governors alongside his role of Company Secretary.

Chair Wellbeing Committee/Safeguarding Governor

Vanessa has a wonderful musical background, having studied piano, clarinet and singing at Trinity College of Music, before training to become a Primary School Teacher.

She taught at The City of London School for Girls before moving to North Wales, where she taught in the infant/foundation phase, until retirement.

Vanessa is currently the Vice-Chair of the governing body of Bronington Primary School and a trustee of the Maelor Mission Area, as well as Safeguarding Officer for St Chad’s Church, Hanmer.

With two daughters who attended Abbey Gate College and her husband as a valued member of our Trust, she has strong ties to the College and brings a great deal of experience to our Wellbeing Committee as Safeguarding Governor.

Chair of Finance Committee, GDPR & EDI Governor,

A Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, James also achieved an MBA from Manchester Business School.

With a breadth of experience, both in the UK and overseas, James is currently an Executive Coach and also volunteers as a Governor at Mill View Primary School in Upton.

James’s son currently attends Abbey Gate College and he felt able to generously offer his time and his skills to the Abbey Gate College Board of Governors.

Member of the Finance Committee

A qualified accountant and business leader with over 15 years’ experience at Board level, Emma is Director of Finance and Operations at Bute House Preparatory School in London having recently moved on from her role as Director of Finance and Resources at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Emma’s involvement with the Learning & Engagement department within the CBSO and the Shireland CBSO Academy, the first ever state funded specialist music school, further emphasises her passion for education.

She was a Business Mentor for the Prince’s Trust for 10 years.

Emma is a former student of Abbey Gate College. Prior to joining the Board she chaired the Development Committee, which raised funds for the All-Weather Pitch, currently in use at the College.

Chair of the Estates Committee

Deputy Chair of the Promotions Committee

Former pupil James, brings experience of building relationships with clients and professionals, brand promotion and networking amongst other business professionals to our Promotions Committee.

A local solicitor, James chairs the Cheshire division of the Agricultural Law Association and has a particular interest in developing links with our Old Saightonians.

James’ eldest child studies at Abbey Gate College, and his first hand experience of the benefits that the College brings to its pupils has inspired him to give selflessly of his time to support the Abbey Gate Board of Governors.

Chair of the Promotions Committee

Roger retired in 2003 after devoting over 30 years to NHS management.

Before his retirement he was CEO of Liverpool Health Authority, prior to which he was the Department of Health Local Director for the Southwest of England for NHS Trusts.

He has held a range of non-executive roles since 2003, in the NPF and commercial sectors, including Chair of the Northwest Skills Council.

An officer in the Territorial Army for over 30 years, Roger retired from the Corps of Royal Engineers in 2010 having reached the position of Lieutenant Colonel.

With NED skills in corporate governance and strategy and his broad competence as a Governor at several schools in the maintained sector, Roger brings a strong commitment to education and a wealth of valuable experience to the Abbey Gate College Board.

Finance Committee, Promotions Committee and PSHE & RSE Governor

A well-respected local dentist, Tim ran his own dental practice for 35 years and brings with him the key skills to support the Finance Committee.

Tim became involved with Abbey Gate College when his son joined and felt a strong connection to the College from the early days. The support and encouragement shown to his son, allowed him to achieve his full academic and sporting potential, for which Tim felt a great deal of gratitude.

As a result, he selflessly devotes his experience and time as a much-valued member of the Abbey Gate College board.

Chair of the Education Committee, ECT, SEND and MAGaT Governor

Starting his career as a Teacher of Physics, Damian has been involved in education for over 40 years.

He is Vice-Chair of the Bridge School in Ellesmere Port and Trustee of The Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust, for whom he chairs the Quality of Education board.

Before he retired in 2019, he was the Head of Christleton High School and now also devotes his time and extensive experience to the Abbey Gate College Board of Governors.

Member (Foundation Governor) of the Finance Committee

Member (Foundation Governor)of the Estates Committee

Member (Foundation Governor)of the Estates Committee