Jane Owens MBE

I am pleased to have been co-opted onto the board at The Mosslands School recently and delighted to have been elected as chair of the board for the next academic year. I am looking forward to working with Mr Whiteley and staff and getting to know the school community.

I am a former National Leader of Governance and work with governing boards across the country through my consultancy business. I am also chair of trustees of a local multi-academy trust in Wirral, chair of a local special school, a member of a trust in Cheshire West and Chester, chair of a single academy trust in Wirral and also a governor at a faith school in Liverpool.

I was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to education in Wirral and also received the Wirral Civic Award which recognised the work I do freely across Wirral.

I can be contacted via the school office should you wish to speak to me.

Duncan Haworth MBE

I am a former National Leader of Governance, having worked with governing boards across the north west of England, helping to improve governance of schools.

Currently I am Chair of Governors at an “outstanding” large primary school in Cheshire West and Chester Local Authority, as well as a trustee of a large (1750 pupils) secondary school, also in Cheshire West and Chester. I have been Vice Chair of Governors at a secondary special school on the Wirral for the past 5 years.

At a national level I am a trustee and director of the National Governance Association and also an accredited lay inspector for Estyn, having inspected over 100 schools in Wales since 2010. I was pleased to be awarded an MBE for services to education in 2016.

Joy Schmack

I have worked in education for many years in Croydon and Merseyside. I have been a Head of Department in a range of schools and taught Humanities, Drama, English, PSHE and Social Studies. As an Adviser/Inspector I have supported schools with teaching and learning of RE, Spiritual, Social, Moral and Cultural Development, Community Cohesion and British Values. Since 2001 I have worked at local Universities on the Teacher Training and Masters in Education programmes.  I also supervise the Farmington Scholarships (Harris College, Oxford University) for local Primary and Secondary Teachers who have release time from school to focus on professional development through educational action-based research.

In my spare time I volunteer for interfaith and community programmes and enjoy walking along the coast near to where I live in Leasowe.

Rosie Moran

Philip Lightwing (Staff Governor)

I was born in Saltburn in the North East and was brought up in a small village called Marske-by-the-sea. When I was growing up my mam worked in the local care home on the night shift and my dad worked as a plater at Middlesbrough docks.

I have always been a keen sportsman, playing football and badminton to county level whilst at school, and later going on to playing football for Tadcaster and my university in York. I gained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Physical Education. In addition to my affection for Middlesbrough FC, I also enjoy writing poetry and read (mainly fiction) as often as time permits.

In my experience of work I have been employed by HM Revenue and Customs (as a VAT officer) and I have also been a landlord of a pub in Hipperholme near Halifax.

I have enjoyed my teaching career so far.  I trained in Abraham Guest School in Wigan and St John Almond in South Liverpool to gain my PGCE. I then began my teaching career with a first job at Oldershaw School on the Wirral, before moving to Mosslands School.  I have been responsible for a number of roles during my career up to my present role, from time as a Geography Teacher, Extra Curriculum coordinator, Head of Geography, Assistant Director of Learning for Humanities, Assistant Head of Ruskin and my current responsibility is Head of Grenfell House at Mosslands School.

The best moment of my life (so far) was in May 2013, when my little girl was born after three years of IVF treatment. She is now 8 and fills my life outside of school with laughter, happiness and love. My wife also works in education; she is a Headteacher on the Wirral. We both have a huge passion for teaching and helping to make the lives of the young people we come in contact with better.

Calum Towers

I am a former student of The Mosslands School, having attended between 2010 and 2015. I have fond memories of my time here and believe my experience at the school, combined with the support I received from staff, set me up with the best possible start to my career.
My first job opportunity came as a result of mock job interviews that the school had arranged! I am still with the same business today, forming part of one of the UK’s largest software companies. My role specialises in digital learning and I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the largest brands in the world.
I wanted to become a governor at The Mosslands School to play a part in ensuring students that follow my attendance are able to get the same fantastic experience that I did. In a world that is constantly being shaped by the technology we are surrounded by, I hope that my experience within the software industry, combined with my experience as a student, will form a useful part of the governing body.
In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering with a number of organisations including Merseyside Scouts as a trustee and North West Ambulance Service as a Community First Responder.

Kathryn Fox

I was born in Lancashire and lived in Yorkshire for many years before moving to the Wirral over 20 years ago with my husband and two young sons.
I have a background in dentistry and dental education, having worked as a dentist and a university lecturer for over 30 years. In addition to clinical practice and education, I have also been involved in research and undertaken a range of leadership roles within Higher Education.
I have recently retired from clinical practice, but I still hold an honorary Senior Lecturer contract with the University of Liverpool, and have gained a qualification in career development coaching from the University of Cambridge.
I have a passion for education and supporting students and staff to achieve their goals. I have previously served as a chair of governors at a primary school in Wirral that achieved an outstanding status, and I am involved in other governance roles within the dental profession.
I am dedicated to working with everyone at the Mosslands School to ensure the best education possible for the boys.

Sue Finney

I was born on the Wirral and have lived here ever since. I had my three children relatively young and then at the age of thirty, when my youngest son started school, I studied at the University of Liverpool for a BSc degree, followed by a PGCE. After qualifying as a primary school teacher, I went on to teach at a local primary school for 22 years, until I took early retirement due to my father’s ill health. During that time, I taught Y6 for 16 years and worked closely with secondary schools in Wallasey and the surrounding areas to assist with a smooth transition from KS2 to KS3.  Also, during my teaching career, I was Math’s Subject Leader and Assessment Leader; as well a member of SLT and a Staff Representative on the school’s governing body for several years. My own boys both attended Mosslands School, and my two grandchildren are currently studying at the school.
I have always been very sporty and for many years enjoyed playing county level squash and recreational tennis, as well as hill walking in the Lake District.  I do hope in the future to be able to take up these hobbies again once my knee injury improves.
Having worked for many years in a school with children through to the end of KS2, I look forward to now working with a school that continues the journey from KS2 through to sixth form.  I feel privileged to have been co-opted onto the board of governors at Mosslands School and look forward to working with the governing body in supporting the school and its community in any way I can.

Nina Grant

With the exception of a summer working in the Lake District, a summer working in the USA, and a couple of years in Liverpool for University, I've lived in Wirral my whole life and have been in Wallasey for the last 15 years.

I live in New Brighton with my partner, two teenage children, one of which attends The Mosslands, and our springer spaniel. I love being active outside and can most days be found walking the dog on the beach. As a family, we love spending time in The Lake District (my favourite place) hiking, paddleboarding (weather permitting!) and generally exploring.

I currently work for a large UK insurer in strategy and insight where I focus on using data and customer insight to help drive improvements and inform strategy. This also involves communicating with and influencing stakeholders to ensure that shared goals are widely understood and supported.

I'm excited to take on the challenge of the parent governor role at The Mosslands School. I'm committed to working together to help ensure that students receive the education they deserve and that all students can reach their full potential.

Michael Gun-Why

I was born in Wallasey, first attended St. George's Primary and was then a pupil at Mosslands from 1995-2002. Having been co-opted as a Governor I am pleased to be able to give my support to a school whose good teaching and strong leadership propelled me to Cambridge University.

Since completing my BA in English Literature in 2005, I have worked in education. First as a Teach First Teacher of English, then at two high-achieving Multi-Academy Trusts in London: ARK and the Harris
Federation. Across 15 years in London I built up vast experience as a
Subject Consultant within a MAT and then as a Senior Leader within schools. In addition to this, I took a career break to complete an MA in Public Policy at King's College London.

Having returned to Wallasey in 2022, I am currently working as a Director of School Improvement for Secondary Schools at a Merseyside CMAT. I am invested in ensuring that Mosslands provides a high-quality education to each and every young man that enters through its doors.

Amanda Riley

Originally from N. Ireland, I have been living in Merseyside for over 20 years, moving to Wallasey two years ago. I have two sons, the oldest of which attends The Mosslands School, and the youngest is at a local primary.

I work for one of the largest energy companies globally as a Key Account Manager, managing the relationships with some of our largest customers across the globe. Within my current role, I am lucky to travel internationally, and to work with stakeholders internally and externally from many different countries, backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. I have a background science, studying Pharmaceutical and Chemical sciences at Liverpool John Moores university, beginning my career in my current company working in their research laboratories. I can bring these skills and experiences to the governing body role.

I am privileged to be a parent governor at The Mosslands School, and I am committed to working to ensure that the children who attend receive a high-quality education in an environment where they are proud to be at The Mosslands, who feel that they can achieve, and are happy with their education experience.

 James Tomlinson

Originally from the Lake District, I attended The University of Liverpool to study Law, followed by several postgraduate courses to qualify as a Solicitor.  I have remained in Merseyside ever since and moved to the local area four years ago.

I work for one of the largest law firms in Liverpool and I specialise in Litigation. I also have experience as a guest lecturer at one of the local Universities. My legal role involves managing a group of staff, maintaining relationships with clients and other relevant parties along with dealing with complex and challenging cases and situations. I am calm under pressure, experienced in creating processes and systems to improve client experiences. I hope my skills from the legal sector can support the governing body moving forward.

Both of my parents were involved in education, I have always held a passion for allowing students to achieve their potential. I am delighted to have joined the board at Mosslands and am hopeful that I can play a part in ensuring students are given the best opportunity whilst at the school.