Dear Parents,

On behalf of all the Governors, welcome to The Heights, Blackburn.

At The Heights governors, staff, parents and young people work as a team, building success, in an atmosphere of care where everyone feels valued.  We are immensely proud of the standards our pupils achieve across the curriculum.

The strong partnership, which already exists between the school, its partner schools and local community, underpins the ethos, which is so characteristic of The Heights Free School.  The change that many young people, from Primary age through to Year 11, undergo at The Heights is truly amazing.  This is due to the high expectations, hard work and relationship building of ALL the staff.  If you are, in any way in doubt, spend some time looking at all the amazing opportunities on offer to all the young people on the website.

As Governors we become involved with a variety of issues including finance, pupil welfare, public relations, building/grounds maintenance and staff appointments. However, without a doubt, we consider that our most important role is to monitor the welfare and education of the pupils.

Governors are appointed to ensure that objectives are met and that planning for the future is both visionary and realistic. We are here to support and encourage the Head of School and all school personnel so that children have access to an enriched education and the opportunities they deserve. 

With best wishes,

Sharon Roscoe 
Chair of Governors

 

Local Governing Body Information

Log into the Governor Portal

Click the links below to download the following statutory information regarding our Governing Body:

For information regarding The Education Partnership Trust financial reports, please click here.

Chair of Governors contact details
Name: Sharon Roscoe
Address: Education Partnership Trust, Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 8QA

Local Governing Body Members

Sharon Roscoe – Chair of Governors 

As Chief Executive of the EPT, Sharon project managed the successful opening of The Heights Blackburn, Eden School and The Heights Burnley. She led the academy conversions for Coal Clough Academy and Pleckgate High School and more recently the re-brokerage and transfer of Atherton High School and Burnley High School into the EPT. Sharon was formerly chief executive of the Education Improvement Partnership (EIP), a formal collaboration between all secondary phase schools in Blackburn with Darwen which raised educational outcomes, developed business links and delivered national education conferences. She was Vice Chair of the governing body for a primary school which was judged as outstanding by Ofsted. Sharon worked as Strategic Manager (Operations) for CXL and Area Manager for Connexions Lancashire Ltd. She graduated as MBA in 2011 from Lancaster University.

Matthew O’Boyle – Careers and Personal Development Governor 

Matthew is a Company Director and Laser Therapist, helping patients suffering with a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. Prior to this, Matthew was an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for safeguarding and pastoral aspects of school life, having taught a wide range of subjects during his time as a teacher. Despite no longer working full-time in education, Matthew retains a strong desire to help young people achieve the best outcomes through education, which is why he became a member of the Governing Body.

Ross Doohan – Staff Governor

Ross is the Staff Governor at The Heights, he joined the team in September 2018. Ross’ primary role is the schools Careers Advisor and working on the Pastoral Team, supporting pupils with challenging behaviour and working with them to make sure they are safe and happy in school. Prior to this Ross worked as a Training and Development Manager for a Fast Food company. Ross has also worked in various education roles including work as a Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support and as Pastoral Lead working with Year 10 Students. Ross’ work means he works with the wider school community, including parents, school leadership and other schools. Ross is a qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 5) and has recently trained as Youth Mental Health First Aider. He is currently working towards his Level 6 in Careers Leadership and Guidance.

Miriam Rathore – Vice Chair of Governors and Safeguarding Governor

Miriam has been a Pastoral Manager since 2005 at Blakewater College and now Blackburn Central High School where she has taken on extra responsibilities and is now Community Lead for the school, she is also Secondary School Lead for Cultural Connections, promoting young people’s interest in arts and creativity. Miriam works closely with primary schools across Blackburn with Darwen to support students through the transition process between primary and high school. Miriam actively promotes the profile of the school to involve students with local charities and communities, significantly contributing to awards such as ‘School of Sanctuary’ status and is currently working towards a Rainbow Flag Award to support LGBTQI staff and students in the school community. Miriam’s commitment to education is shown through her enthusiasm to take on additional responsibilities, working with disadvantaged students and giving them the best opportunities possible to raise their self-esteem and self-confidence, ultimately leading to raising their own personal aspirations this is a part of her work she really enjoys. Miriam is impressed with the levels of time, commitment and care shown to the students at The Heights Blackburn by all the staff and looks forward to contributing to the school in her role as a Governor.

Rachael Wilson – Health and Safety Governor

Rachael has worked in the education sector for the past 7 years.  She spent the first 6 years of her career as a School Business Manager and has recently undertaken a new role as Exams and Data Officer at another school in the Trust.  As a governor, Rachael hopes to bring energy and enthusiasm to help The Heights to maintain high standards and meet future challenges.  Rachael’s goal is for all children at The Heights to be happy, confident, achieve the best possible education irrespective of ability and help them prepare for their next educational venture.  Rachael has an abundance of experience in HR, Finance and Health & Safety as well as knowledge on daily school life, which she believes is instrumental in her performance as a Governor at The Heights. Rachael is very proud to be a school governor and looking forward to being part of the continuing development at The Heights.

Shelley Dunn – SEND Governor

Details to follow

“The culture and ethos of the school encourages a caring and supportive environment in which learning and good behaviour can flourish.”

Ofsted