Foundation Governors

Mrs A Cowell

Chair of Governors

My name is Ann Cowell formerly Ann Nichol. I was appointed as teacher of Food Technology at Christ the King High School formerly St John Fisher in 1978 and had the privilege of working there for 38 years in various roles. After retirement I wanted to continue working with the school I love and became a Foundation Governor in 2016. Due to my long tenure at the school I know many of our parents as former students and I hope that I can continue to provide all our students with memorable experiences that they will be able to look back on in years to come with great fondness. To enable this I aim to support my fellow governors, staff, parents and students in their understanding and involvement in all aspects of school life.

Ms C Watson

Vice Chair of Governors

Mr J Kay

Mrs C Monaghan

Safeguarding Governor and Chair of Curriculum & Standards Committee

As the current serving Headteacher at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Preston, I bring my knowledge of the curriculum, school management and school improvement. I am passionate that Catholic education should enable all children, regardless of their background to achieve their true potential. Through my contribution to the strategic direction of Christ the King, I am able to live out my faith and serve the community.

Miss A Oastler

Fr C Pedley

Member of: Resources Committee

I am a Jesuit and Parish Priest of St Wilfrid’s, Preston. I was born and brought up in Rugby and joined the Jesuits after studying Economic and Social Studies in Manchester. I did my training in Rainhill, Birmingham, London, Zimbabwe, Cambridge Massachusetts and the Philippines and was subsequently ordained in 1986. I initially worked in retreat houses before becoming involved in administration and for thirteen years was Librarian at Heythrop College, University of London. From 2013 I was on the staff of Farm Street Church, London, before coming to Preston in 2021.

Parent Governors

Mr M Inglis

Member of: Resources Committee

Newly appointed parent Governor. Father to a child currently at the school and another to follow. I have joined the governors to support the school for the good of the children and surrounding community. With 30 years in the motor trade working at varying levels’ I see myself as a team player. A keen sports’ and social media fan with a particular interest in all things Preston and the great things the city has to offer I hope I can be a valuable addition to the Governing Body.

LA Governor

Mr S Desai

I am a past pupil of Christ the King who followed onto Newman College then studied Maths and Physics joint honours at Royal Holloway College, University of London. Further studies followed with an MSc in Scientific Instrumentation from Manchester Met and a PGCE in Secondary Science from St Martins College Lancaster. All this was put to good use as a Processing Engineer for the Royal Mail.

I am currently a City Councillor for the City Centre Ward.

Staff Governors

Mr R Day

At Christ the King, I currently hold two positions of leadership responsibility: Head of English (KS3) and Head of Learning and Life Skills. I am passionate about Education and value that Christ the King recognises and develops the whole child – by supporting all in achieving their potential – spiritually, academically and personally. I feel strongly that our English Curriculum is a major component of this because it equips the students with the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate the world whilst fostering their curiosity, awe and wonder for learning. I take responsibility for leading a high value PSHE curriculum by guaranteeing the strategic delivery of statutory content and embedding it within the whole school curriculum. My overview of these areas, as well as supporting the Student Council and Prefect Team, ensures that we prepare the students not only for academic success but create responsible citizens of the future.

Co-Opted Governors

Ms J Lomax

Member of: Buildings & Resources / Students, Community & Admissions

As a senior HR professional, I am excited to join the Board of Governors and bring my years of experience of working in private and public sectors into an educational environment. I specialise in organisational change and transformation bringing a strategic and commercial approach to identifying operational, internal, and external drivers for change. I work across a broad range of stakeholders and use my expertise and experience to effectively design, deliver and embed sustainable change via maximising buy-in and minimising risk. I am currently working on the high-profile Bee Network under the leadership of the Mayor of Greater Manchester. This is my first Governorship, and I am proud that it is within a school that is clearly passionate about its student’s education and wellbeing and which has such strong ties to its local community.