Governors

Mr David O'Brien

Chair of Governors

I have been a Church of England Minister since 2004 and held posts in Blackpool and Shrewsbury before returning to Blackpool in July 2019. Prior to becoming a Vicar I lived in Blackpool with my family in Marton, Bispham, South Shore and worked in central Blackpool, so I know the town very well!

I have been involved as a governor across different schools since 2006. From 2006-2008 I was a Governor at Kincraig Primary School, Blackpool.; between 2008-10 I was the Chaplain at Arnold School, Blackpool; from 2010 to July 2019 I was a Foundation Governor of Oxon CE School where I was chair of Standards and Curriculum.

I have always enjoyed taking assemblies, being involved in schools and working with the local community. I am very much looking forward to serving as Chair Of Governors of Devonshire Primary Academy and serving our community. If you would like to contact the Chair of Governors, please email admin@devonshire.svt.org.uk or telephone 01253 478271.

Start: 01/01/21 End: 31/12/28

Appointed by: LGC

Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 3/3

Ms Victoria Heaney

Vice Chair of Governors

Appointed by LGC

Start: 09/03/22 End: 08/03/26

Appointed by: LGC

Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 0/3

Mr Simon Clark

Co-Opted Governor

Hello my name is Simon Clark and I became a Community Governor for Devonshire Primary Academy in 2020, so I am very new to the role. I have been involved in the locality around the school for the last 35 years through the local church and my work in Environmental Health.

My aim as a Governor is to: support the work of the school team to deliver the best education for our young people in safe and caring setting, challenge the school’s processes and procedures, so that the school operates in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

My hope is that all children who attend Devonshire Primary Academy will reach their full potential while they are with us and will look back with pride at what they have been able to achieve.

Start: 15/03/20 End: 14/03/28

Appointed by: LGC

Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 3/3

Mrs Margaret Jowett

Community Governor

Hello, my name is Margaret Jowett and I’m excited about becoming a Community Governor for Devonshire Primary Academy in 2024/25.

As well as working as a School Business Manager at a north-west high school and sixth form, I am also a member of the Senior Leadership Team and am the Data Protection Officer. With more than 27 years of experience, I like to think I know the ins and outs of how schools run and how to make schools run well – for everyone.

I have been working in education for a number of years; in my role I am responsible for finances, HR, estates, health & safety, data protection, policies and procedures, marketing, administration, IT, operations and more.

I care deeply about, and work hard to ensure, any school is the best it can be for the children, staff and the whole school community.

I’ve been integral in successful school improvement including: ensuring robust financial management; securing additional funding and grants; enhancing school facilities and making infrastructure improvements; implementing energy efficient measures; and executing effective home-school communication strategies. I’m ready to bring that same energy and success to both Devonshire and The Sea View Trust.

I really enjoy working alongside others and believe that together, we can achieve great things. I pride myself on my effective communication skills. I’m confident, approachable, empathetic and an active listener. I believe in empowerment and the importance of ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. For a number of years I have been closely following the school’s journey to address areas for improvement to provide the very best education for all its pupils. It’s clear to see that the staff and governors work incredibly hard to ensure the highest standards of education, care and experiences for the pupils.

I endeavour to work closely with the school community to continue to make Devonshire Primary Academy the best it can be!

Start: 25/02/24 End: 24/02/29

Appointed by: LGC

Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 2/2

Mrs Giuliana Hornby

Teaching Staff Governor

I joined the Devonshire staff team in 2015 and I am currently the Preschool Teacher, Geography Subject Lead and Eco Lead through the school.

As a staff governor, I am dedicated to upholding the values and standards of Devonshire to ensure that we make a positive impact on the educational journey of our students and the well-being of our school community. I believe that happy and healthy staff members are better equipped to provide the best possible education for our students and I am committed to overseeing the wellbeing of our staff, which is essential to the success of our school.

I actively engage with parents, students, staff and fellow governors to ensure that our school remains an open and welcoming learning environment which nurtures the well-being of our staff and pupils. I believe in fostering not only academic excellence but also social, emotional and environmental responsibility.

I am passionate about instilling eco-consciousness in our pupils and I strive to create a greener, more sustainable future for our school and the wider community.

Start: 15/11/22 End: 14/11/26

Appointed by: LGC

Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 3/3

Miss Charley-Jean Cuthbert

Non-Teaching Staff Governor

I have been employed as a Teaching Assistant at Devonshire since 2022 and I have a rich background of many years supporting children and young people.

Opting to become a Governor stems from my desire to provide support, not only to the pupils at our school, but also to their families and my colleagues. I am committed to actively listening to the needs of our pupils, staff and wider community, whilst also contributing my own thoughts and insights. I am dedicated to identifying what works well in our school, areas for improvement and envisioning our future needs.

Start: 14/11/23 End: 13/11/27

Appointed by: LGC

Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 2/3

Mrs Kayleigh Wynn

Parent Governor

Hi, my name is Kayleigh and I am a newly appointed Parent Governor at Devonshire Primary Academy.

I am a Mum of five girls and our journey at Devonshire began in 2012 when my eldest daughter started at their Preschool. I have watched two of my daughters go though school at Devonshire; the third is about to leave Year 6 and the fourth has just started Preschool.

Over the years I have volunteered at Devonshire as a reader with Year 1 pupils, a supporting adult during school trips, a helping hand at Christmas events and a member of the Parents Forum.

I am looking forward to working alongside other governors on the Local Governing Committee and hope to support the school by bringing new and amazing ideas to help Devonshire be the best it can be.

Start: 09/02/24 End: 08/02/28

Appointed by: Parent Election

Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 3/3

Mr Chris Brambles (Resigned)

Co-Opted Governor

Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Chris stepped down from his role as Community Governor 31/08/2024.

Start: 01/09/20 End: 31/08/24

Appointed by: LGC

Meetings Attended in 2023-24 – 3/3

Miss Nicola Hitchon (Resigned)

Parent Governor

Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Nicola stepped down from her role as Parent Governor 06/03/2025.

Start: 09/03/22 End: 06/03/25

Appointed by: Parent Election

Meetings Attended in 2024-25 – 0/2