Governor Biographies

Marianne Bennett – Co-opted

Nicole Burstow – Parent

I am a parent of three children, the eldest of which attends CHSL and joined the Governing body in May 2024.  I am currently the Chief Financial Officer of the Bridgemere Group of companies established by Steve Morgan CBE, consisting of a portfolio of strategic long-term investments and businesses in housebuilding, land and property development and leisure.  In addition, I am a Non-Executive Director of Regional REIT plc and a Trustee of the Steve Morgan Foundation.   I have over 20 years’ experience across the financial services sector and I am a qualified chartered accountant.  My experience includes a 15-year career at Deloitte where I was a Director, before moving to DSW Capital plc where I led the business through an IPO to become one of the youngest female executives on the AIM Market.
Dedicated to promoting diversity, I was part of part of Deloitte’s Women in Leadership program and was recognised as a finalist for CFO of the Year at the 2023 Women in Finance Awards.
As a Mum and an alumna of Sir John Deanes College, I care deeply about our community.  Through my role as Governor, I am committed to collaborating with stakeholders of the school to uphold educational excellence and inclusivity.

Ada Chrys-Chikere – Parent

I joined the governing body in 2022 and I am pleased to be a part of very experienced governors in providing support for the smooth running of the School. 

I am an Occupational Health Doctor and I hope to bring my experience in general. I moved to Northwich a few years ago from Aberdeen, Scotland and in Aberdeen, I was actively involved in a similar role in one of the top schools.

My experience is quite vast from training in various medical rotations as a junior doctor which included Paediatrics and General Practice; then progressing into Disability Medicine, Oil and Gas Medicine, then in general Occupational Medicine. I understand how to give unbiased opinions that can help the school community.
I have a passion for education, but I understand that all children are different. I strongly believe in fairness, equality and diversity.
I am married and have two children attending the school. Having studied in Eastern Europe myself and travelling across various countries, I tend to keep a very open mind which helps my decision making.
I hope to engage with The County High School Leftwich positively and contribute in its achieving excellence goals.

Jo Curry – Staff

A Governor since January 2015, I have taught at The County High School, Leftwich for over 25 years. I began my career at the school as a Music teacher in 1997, having graduated with a dual BMus (Hons) degree from The Royal Northern College of Music and Manchester University. I became Head of Music 2 years later.

I am also a Governor at Davenham CE Primary School where my 2 sons attend, though the elder is due to move to The County High School, Leftwich in September. I also work closely with Davenham, helping to deliver their extra-curricular music provision.

Joanne Flower – Chair

I was elected Chair of Governors in November 2022 after serving as a governor at CHSL since 2013, initially as a parent governor and now in a co-opted role. I have been involved with a wide range of governor responsibilities over the last 10 years including: Welfare, Finance, Appointments, Pupil Premium, SEND, Student Progress and Achievement, and Safeguarding. I have also been Chair of some of our committees and a member of them all over my tenure, giving me a good understanding of the work involved across school governance.

I have been a teacher for 30 years, working in primary school across Cheshire in a variety of roles. I now work in a Northwich school as a KS1 teacher, Reading intervention teacher and Senior Mental Health Lead.

Living in Northwich for most of my life; I am a former pupil and our two children, who both attended CHSL before progressing to Sir John Deane’s College and then on to university, thrived here. They enjoyed the wide range of opportunities on offer such as Wind Band, Robot Club, and the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award.

I volunteered to be a governor back in 2013 because I wanted to be involved with, and supportive of, my children’s education. My children have now passed through this phase, but I am still keen to use my knowledge and experience of education and the local area to continue to support to The County High School, Leftwich

Rob Fowler – Co-opted

I joined the governing board in 2023 after moving from teaching back into industry. I went to school in Lymm before studying natural sciences in Durham, and teaching Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science in schools across the country. From 2017-2020 I served as a department leader at St John Deane’s Sixth Form College, where I discovered the County High School community.

I sit on the the inclusion and culture committee, specialising in safeguarding, and occasionally assist the curriculum and quality group. This is a fantastic way to put my experience to work and engage with schools from a different perspective. Whilst ensuring a caring and exceptionally high-quality education for our thriving community.

In 2021 I left teaching, following a master’s degree at Imperial College London. I have since worked at King’s College London and briefly with the BBC, before taking up my current post in health, safety and environmental protection at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, CERN.

Julia Harries – Co-opted

I joined the Governing Body October 2023. I have taught in Northwich for over 40 years and I live in the Leftwich community, therefore I am delighted to be working with The County High School to support and offer guidance in my role as governor.

Since retiring I volunteer to work with Whitegate Primary School preparing dances for their Christmas and end of Term productions and I organise the Northwich Education Partnership “Day of Dance”.

In my spare time I play hockey and squash. I am also actively involved in hockey administration with my roles as Deputy President Cheshire Hockey Association and Chair of the East Cheshire County Hockey Academy. My love for dance has evolved with me competing in Ballroom and Latin Competitions and teaching pupils at our school.

I look forward to supporting the Headteacher and all of his staff in ensuring the school continues to provide the opportunities “where students enjoy, thrive and achieve”

Phil Hilditch – Co-opted

Since retiring as the Headteacher at Davenham C of E primary school after some 21 years in the post, joining the Governing Body at The County High School has given me the opportunity to continue to serve in the community.
Prior to joining the teaching profession I worked in Civil Engineering and Estate Agency.

Both my daughters attended The County High School and they benefitted from a wealth of opportunities including music and sport, as well as a broad curriculum. They are both pursuing successful careers, one in teaching and one in hotel management.
Amongst my varied activities since retiring I have become the Education Trustee for the Cheshire Downs Syndrome group based in Northwich.

I have therefore had a long association with The County High School as a parent as well as in my professional capacity. I have witnessed The County High School develop and grow as a centre of excellence and I look forward to continuing a productive and profitable relationship with the school community.

Mandy Pimlatt – Staff

I have worked at The County High School, Leftwich since December 1999, becoming a Staff Governor in February 2010.

Starting in general administration at the school, I am currently the Headteacher’s PA and Personnel Manager.

I am married with 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren.

Nick Welch – Co-Opted

I started as a parent governor in 2019, and after four years am now a Co-Opted Governor, and a member of the Resources Committee.

I graduated from Keele University with a degree in Law and Management Science, and since graduation have built up 25+ years’ experience in a number of commercial and management roles in the Nuclear, Telecomms and Water industries, including both the public and private sector. I am currently Strategic Operations Director for a global engineering, design and project management business – working on the world’s largest, most iconic and complex infrastructure projects.

I live in Northwich and my two children have both attended The County High School Leftwich (my son is still at CHSL, and my daughter now attends Sir John Deane 6th Form College). I’m delighted to have the opportunity to support the school in its endeavours and maintain the high standards that have been set by the team.

Martin Wren – Co-opted

I was appointed a Governor in 1998 and continue to date in various appointed roles.

I have played an active part in the Northwich community having previously been a member of Parent Teacher Association at another local high school and of Sir John Deane’s 6th Form College. I was also one of the founder members of Weaverham Community Centre and a Committee member. I am currently a member of the Weaverham Trust and carry out regular weekly duties maintaining Owly Wood and the surrounding environment.

I’ve held various positions in Cheshire and at a national level through the sport of Squash, including Director of England Squash Committee 1996 to 2002 and Chair of the Technical Committee for the Manchester Commonwealth Games 2002.

I have a first degree in Physics, a post graduate degree in Management and worked in industry in roles relating to technical, plant, commissioning, and project management.