More About Our Governors

• Mr Richard Blanchard
  Chair of Governors
  Mr Richard Blanchard

  "I am a parent governor who is also chairman of one of the governors’ sub-committees, which is responsible for pupil welfare. After a long career in retail marketing and new business development in Littlewoods Shop Direct, I now run my own e-commerce consultancy. I am also a Novelist and have published my first novel "Snow Blind". 

• Mr Dave Woods
  Co-opted Governor
  Mr Dave Woods

  David Woods lives close to the school and is an ex-pupil. 
  
  He is a solicitor and a partner in a firm of solicitors based in Huyton. He is the chair of MSB Woolton fc and a member of the board of Liverpool County Football Association.
  
  He is committed to the provision of comprehensive education and to the concept of community schools.

• Mr L Ratcliffe
  Headteacher
  Mr L Ratcliffe

  "I've been Headteacher at Calderstones since March 2017 following a short period of time as Acting Head. In total I've been at Calderstones for 12 years in various roles: Head of English; Assistant Headteacher; Deputy Headteacher. Before working here, I spent 6 years at Rainhill High School in St Helens. I trained as a teacher up in Lancaster which is where I also did my degree in English Literature. I have two children, both girls, and so my hobbies and interests have changed dramatically since they arrived in my life. I still read but less frequently; I still love football but I watch it and certainly play it less frequently. Instead, I now cycle a lot when I get the opportunity. Ultimately though, my family have become my hobby. I do what they want me to do."

• Mr Moner Ahmed
  Co-opted Governor
  Mr Moner Ahmed

  "I have recently joined Liverpool City Council as the Prevent Coordinator, within the Safer and Stronger Communities service.
  
  For the ten years prior to this appointment, I was a secondary school teacher mainly at Calderstones, but with a stint in the Middle East also. I taught a range of humanities subjects including Religious Studies and Sociology at GCSE as well as Politics and Philosophy at A-Level. I have continued my interest in education through my role as a Principal Examiner for A-Level Politics and am now very pleased to continue my association with Calderstones School joining as a school governor.
  
  I have had one son complete his secondary education at Calderstones and another currently attending. I have a passion for community work and Liverpool FC, although this is always balanced against being a taxi driver for my four children."

• Mr Joseph Rowe
  Co-opted Governor
  Mr Joseph Rowe

  "Hi, I am the National Citizen Service (NCS) Manager at Everton in the Community, a leading charity on the international stage. I have worked at Everton since 2011 as a volunteer, volunteer coordinator then moving onto NCS. I have worked with young people for a number of years now providing opportunities to grow and excel.

  Before entering the world of work I attended Liverpool John Moores University studying Sport Development for three years. I am extremely excited to be a part of the Calderstones Family to support the school and its students is something I am very proud of."

• Mrs Jacqueline Sale
  LEA Representative Governor
  Mrs Jacqueline Sale

  "I joined the Governing Body at Calderstones in November 2017 as the Local Authority appointed Governor. I worked in the education sector in the North-West of England throughout my career. 
  
  The roles I have undertaken have included classroom teacher, Headteacher of a Secondary School, Head of a Specialist provision, as well as work within a Local Authority education department. I have been a resident in South Liverpool for over 40 years and am delighted to become part of the ‘Calderstones family’ to support the school and its students."

• Mrs Trish Dowling
  Co-opted Governor
  Mrs Trish Dowling

  "Originally a Parent Governor & now co-opted, I have been a staunch supporter of Calderstones for over twenty years. My approach is high-profile; I've established rapport with staff at all levels & have accompanied Sixth Form pupils on a residential Duke of Edinburgh weekend in Snowdonia.
  
  I am committed to our ethos of inclusive, comprehensive education to meet the needs of our diverse community. I understand the obligation to challenge as well as support.
  
  I believe we are the best that we can be. I will continue to ensure that we enable our pupils to achieve their full potential and thus equip them for their future beyond school."

• Mr Jon Jones
  Co-opted Governor
  Mr Jon Jones

• Ms Sue Walker
  Co-opted Governor
  Ms Sue Walker

  Sue Walker is a Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education (physical education) at Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, England. During her career she has served in the British Army, lived and coached sport in Hong Kong for 5 years, led a P.E. department in a Secondary School and more recently become a physical literacy consultant. 
  
  She is studying for a PhD which examines the barriers and enablers for postpartum women who struggle to lose their pre-gestational weight. She has been lucky enough to play international sport in both Hockey and Netball and completed an Ironman Triathlon in 1998. More recently her time is taken up with her daughter who is a passionate dancer and saxophone player. 
  
  Her motto is: ‘Live life, don’t let it pass you by!’

• Mr S Williams
  Co-opted Governor
  Mr S Williams

  "I joined Calderstones' Maths department as a fresh faced NQT (with a full head of hair!) September 1997. I have enjoyed numerous roles in school, including Head of Maths, and am currently a member of the Leadership group with a responsibility for the 6th form and pupil progress.

  My initial post on the governing body was as Teacher Governor which I held for 9 years. More recently, I have become a co-opted member. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, watching sport and am also an Everton season ticket holder."

• Mr Kamal Mashjari
  Co-opted Governor
  Mr Kamal Mashjari

• Dr Jenny Craske
  Parent Governor
  Dr Jenny Craske

  "I am a nurse specialist at Alder Hey and a Liverpool City Council foster carer. The skills I bring to the governing body are from these roles along with governance, data analysis and data presentation."

• Mrs Nicky Walsh
  Parent Governor
  Mrs Nicky Walsh

  "I have been a Parent Governor at Calderstones for almost one year. I have some previous experience in this role having been a governor at a local Primary School for over 10 years. My partner and I have three children, one at University, one at college and my youngest is in year 8. I am currently employed by Liverpool Safeguarding Children Board – working to ensure agencies work together to safeguard children and young people in the city."

• Mr Mark Evans
  Parent Governor
  Mr Mark Evans

  "I am a newly elected parent governor, I am also a member of both the school improvement and resource committees. The experience I hope to bring to my role comes from 25 years in the design and construction industry, currently owning my architectural practice. Much of which time has been spent working with teachers and pupils designing new education establishments from primary schools to universities. 
  
  I currently provide a taxi service for my two teenage children from our family home in south liverpool. When I get the chance I enjoy running and cycling and I have been a passionate follower of Liverpool F.C. for as long as I can remember. "

• Mrs R Heath
  Parent Governor
  Mrs R Heath

  COMING SOON

• Mrs Ainsley Stewart
  Parent Governor
  Mrs Ainsley Stewart

  COMING SOON

• Mr J Steel
  Staff Governor
  Mr J Steel

  "I spent 7 happy years at Calderstones as a student and have loved my 3 years working here as a teaching Geography and Assistant Head of Year. I am excited to start working with the Governing body to improve the the already excellent provision of comprehensive education here at Calderstones.
  
  When I'm not in work I fill my time playing or watching sport and spending time with my family."