Meet the Governors

Marjorie Sargent (Co-opted Governor)

I am passionate about the benefits of education and look forward to playing an active role as a governor at Upton Westlea. 

Originally from Yorkshire, after university I moved to Chester and have lived in Upton for more than forty years. My two grown up children have benefitted from being educated at Upton schools. I took early retirement after a long career with BT. I held various roles, mostly finance and strategy related, including managing budgets.

I am a volunteer with Passion for Learning and am currently providing one to one support for two children at Upton Westlea. I enjoy walking, cycling, gardening and I am a memeber of Upton W. I. and a local book club.

Helen Burrell (Co-opted Governor)

I have a background in fashion PR. After raising my three children I began volunteering for Passion for Learning (7 years ago) and support children at Westlea and Upton High in a mentoring role. I enjoy playing games, cooking, arts and crafts, gardening, anything which will ignite a passion and interest in the children. I recently re-trained as a counsellorand completed my training with Healthbox. I was a governor at Acton Primary, Nantwich 20 years ago. 

I enjoy gardening, flower arranging and cooking in my spare time.

Derek Underwood (Co-opted Governor)

Hi, I feel honoured and thrilled to have the opportunity to volunteer at Westlea. I am involved with supporting the young learners through the enrichment club, provided by the local Passion for Learning charity.

I very much look forward to working with the Headteacher and other governors to maximaise the young learner's potential and enjoyment through their school journey.

I have lived in Upton for 21 years with my wife and two daughters who were/are educated in Upton. Maximising the potential at this young age is crucial to future learning and their lives beyond. I have an electronics aviation background, employed by the civil service, having several roles, moving into commercial and most recently project, programme and portfolio management.

I enjoy participating in and watching sports. Currently multi-sport training and completing triathlons is my main passion whilst also managing to squeeze in a game of golf or two.

Louise Thompson (Co-Chair of Governors / Parent Governor)

I'm so pleasedto have the opportunity to be on the Governing Body at Upton Westlea. I currently have two children within the school with my third child due to begin in September 2023.

I am a secondary school Drama and English teacher and am deeply passionate about wellbeing and the dofferentiation of learning to ensure that all students can achieve their full potential.

Having recently moved back to Chester, it was vital for us that our children would begin in a diverse and community minded school with lots of extra curricular opportunities and we could not be more happy with Upton Westlea.

At home we have a crazy labrador and all enjoy cycling, swimming and discovering new walks together. When I'm not taking the children to various clubs you can find me with a cup of tea and a good book or at the theatre.

I really look forward to working closely with the fantastic membersof staff at the school, focusing on Phonics, Early Years and Year 2.

Thomas David (Co-Chair of Governors / Parent Governor)

I am delighted to be a member of the Governing Body at Upton Westlea and look forward to being able to contribute towards the school that has done so much for my two boys who currently attend Westlea. I strongly believe that education and particularly early years education is vital in giving children strong foundations to be able to thrive and develop to their full potential.

We are very pleased with Westlea as a school and the positive and diverse social and learning environment it has provided our two boys who are thriving in their educational and social development.

I am a Chartered Surveyor specialising in rural property, particularly farms and estates and work throughout the North West and Wales. In my personal life we have an energetic cocker spaniel, chickens, fish and 30 sheep shared with my parents. When we are not playing farming we spend time taking the dog out for a walk, having family film nights or pottering in the garden.

I look forward to working closely with the school staff, governors and the wider Upton Westlea community.

Nathaniel Keelan (Co-opted Governor)

I am pleased to have joined Upton Westlea Primary School as a Co-Opted Governor in November 2023.

I am delighted to be given the opportunity to work with the Governing Body to enhance the children's learning and development as well as supporting the school in giving children the best start in their educational journey.

I have 15 years experience in childcare across a variety of roles including Teaching Assistant, Middday Assistant and Playworker. This has enabled me to gain valuable knowledge and experience that I can apply to this Governor position.

I passionaltely believe that all children should have the opportunity to develop and learn fundemental skils in a safe and caring environment to help them throughout their lives.

Mat Oakley (Co-opted Governor)

I have been a Co-opted Governor at Upton Westlea Primary School since October 2023, I am excited to be working with the Governing Body to maintain and enhance the work carried out for the young people in our local community. This is a fabulous opportunity to work closely with one of Upton-By-Chester High School's main feeder schools and further develop the strong relationships and enhance transition between Primary school to High School for all children.

My career began in 2005 and I have worked in several different educational settings across a number of Local Authorities. My current role at Upton-By-Chester High School is Assistant Headteacher (Director of Key Stage 3) and I have been in post since September 2021. Previously I have been in various roles including Associate Assitant Headteacher, Head of Learning, Head of Department and for the bulk of my career in pastoral care as Head of Year.

My passion lies in supporting all children to fulfil potential by working collaboratively with children and families. This links directly with my current role as Assitant Headteacher as I am focused on the academic progress and pastoral care of all Key Stage 3 children. I strive to ensure education is accessible for all and school is safe, welcoming and an exciting place to grow, improve and learn.

Clerk to Governors - Nicola Stewart

School Business Manager - Sarah Dawson

Current vacancies - 1 x LA

                                   1 x Co-Opted