Meet the Governors
The governors are responsible for ensuring the quality of the education provision and monitor and
challenge the progress of the school in meeting its priorities.
If you need to contact the Governors for any reason, please email clerktogovernors@todhigh.co.uk.
Please click here to see the THS Behaviour Principles Written Statement
Jon Hairsine
After over 30 years working in commercial businesses, leading change and transformation programmes in the legal, insurance, financial services and technology services sectors, Jon now works full time in both a professional and voluntary capacity in the education sector.
As a governor, Jon has 16 years experience in a range of schools in varying settings across West Yorkshire and currently serves on several governing bodies.
In his work, Jon is able to make good use of the experience he has gained in board level positions, which have included responsibility for areas such as strategy, human resources, finance, IT, project management and business operations. He also draws upon extensive experience in education, including participation in the National College of Teaching and Leadership’s ‘Tomorrow’s Heads’ and ‘NPQH’ programmes. Jon also holds a Masters Degree in Education.
Recognising that excellent teaching changes lives, Jon is passionate about improving the quality of education and about the important role governors can, and must, play in driving up standards.
Jon, and his family, live in Hebden Bridge but he prefers Tod when it comes to having a good night out! An obsessive cyclist and fell runner, he spends as much of his spare time as possible taking the steepest possible routes up and down the valley sides!
Cllr Steve Sweeney
I have been a Todmorden Councillor in Calderdale for the past four years. Whilst in that role I have held significant posts in the Council’s administration including Chair of Planning, Cabinet Member for Communities and Chair of Todmorden Development Board. I have also represented the Authority on outside bodies including Chair of the West Yorkshire Flood Committee, Chair of the West Yorkshire Migration Group and Member of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel.
I has always been concerned about the education of young people in its fullest sense and spent over 35 years working around the informal social and political education of young people. I have worked as a play worker and with older groups as a Youth Worker in both the Voluntary Sector and the Local Authority. Retiring as an Area Youth Officer in 2010. I currently sit on the Licensing Committee and the Community Safety Partnership and am a Trustee of the White Ribbon Campaign.
My work has provide me with experience of building management, management of budgets, staff recruitment and selection and team management.
Nadine Pittam
Committees: Quality Teaching and Student Progression Working Group
I care very much for Education and I care very much for the staff and students at Todmorden High School.
In my role as governor I aim to support the Governing body to help the staff at the school deliver and develop the very best education for the students of this wonderful town.
I am a teacher. I have taught English in six different schools from Gloucestershire to Bolton since 2003.
I work with Mr Milnes as link governor for maths.
Jaki Howes
Committees : Quality Teaching and Student Progression Working Group
Finance and Resources Working Group
Jaki is an architect. She has retired from teaching at Leeds Beckett University. She has had a long career in teaching architecture, has had secondments to industry and practice. She specialised in effective use of computers in teamwork. She has written three books and has written numerous articles.
Since retirement she has worked with Leeds Education Business Partnership to improve communication skills in secondary schools, and with the Construction Industry Training Board to promote careers in Design and Construction.
She is a grandmother and enjoys walking, swimming and sailing, music and art.
She is dedicated to improving education for everyone.
Mary Rooney
Committees: Finance and Resources Working Group
Quality Teaching and Student Progression Working Group
I am a Parent Governor elected in November 2012. I have two granddaughters at Todmorden High in Year 7 and 8, and one younger granddaughter at Todmorden Church of England School. I retired from work recently and, finding time to take more and more interest in the childrens education, I felt I could contribute to both schools. I help as a volunteer at the primary school once a week and volunteered to be a Governor at the High School. By taking up this role I hope to work with the Governing Body, the Head teacher and the staff to make Todmorden High School the best it can possibly be.
David Leggett
I have enjoyed being a parent governor for over two years now. I see the role as being supportive of the school, both leaders and teachers, offering advice if needed, and questioning, if appropriate.
Being a governor has given me great insight into the strategic direction of the school, which in the case of Tod High, is clearly going in the right way. This is thanks to the incredibly hard work of the dedicated teaching staff and the excellent leadership team. My daughter has thrived since arriving in 2014 and it is a pleasure to play a tiny part in the ongoing success of such a great school.
Andrew Oulton
Andrew has over 25 years of experience in Information Technology, with over 15 years at Head of Department or Director level in Retail/Hospitality and Financial Services.
Passionate about mentoring and developing his own teams, Andrew now hopes that having his own children at Todmorden High School will provide the perfect opportunity to volunteer his industry and financial management experience with the Governing Board to support the school in their goal to achieve outstanding status.
Philippa Mcnamara
Mary Scott
Sits on the Standards group.
Harry Brown
I am extremely proud to be Head Boy of Todmorden High School; I came to this school in year 7 and have seen the transformation that has occured over the years.
This school is a fantastic learning environment; students receive great support from help with university applications to career opportunities and more. Our school also has a great connection with our local community, all our staff and students are constantly organising and engaging in events that involve members of the community.
Being Head Boy gives me the opportunity to communicate with students throughout our school and neighbouring schools and, hopefully, to act as a role model to many of these students who have inspiring aspirations in life.
Faye Norman
Our school’s vision of ‘Aspirational, Inspirational, Remarkable’ is something that I feel very strongly about. Our teaching staff are aspirational, giving all students support and guidance; students are committed and encouraged, there are so many opportunities here, both in and out of the classroom and I am proud to be part of such a remarkable school community.
I was a member of school council for 5 years and have been a co-form tutor throughout this year; I was overjoyed when I was given the title of Head Girl, I want to develop my own skills whilst inspiring others.
Todmorden High School has grown and flourished over the past few years; I hope that I can continue to support this amazing transformation and truly embody ‘Aspirational, Inspirational, Remarkable.’
