Local Governing Body Members
Sharon Roscoe – Chair of Governors
Sharon has a wealth of experience in education with extensive governance knowledge and expertise having served as a trustee, governor and chair of governors for primary, secondary, alternative provision and special school governing bodies. Sharon has worked as a MAT CEO for 12 years and mentored aspiring and newly appointed MAT CEOs on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE). She led the Education Improvement Partnership in Blackburn with Darwen before she established the Education Partnership Trust in 2012. She is a member of the DfE Alternative Provision Stakeholder group which advises government and shapes policy. She graduated as MBA in 2011 from Lancaster University. Sharon is committed to pupils being at the centre of all decision making and is an advocate of partnership working and collaboration to improve outcomes.
Matthew O’Boyle – Link Governor for Careers and Personal Development
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.
Miriam Rathore – Vice Chair and Link Governor for Safeguarding and Wellbeing
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 – Link Governor for Health and Safety
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 – Link Governor for SEND
Shelley has worked in Education for 14 years, beginning her career as a Teaching Assistant for 2 years supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), then completing a PGCE In Early Years at Edgehill University and teaching within the primary sector for 11 years. Early on in her teaching career, Shelley showed a passion for supporting children with SEND, particularly children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs after spending some time in a nurture class in a large primary school. She completed the National Award for Special Education Needs Coordination and has worked as a SENDCo for 9 years. Shelley has a passion for improving outcomes for children with SEND and has recently been appointed as an Inclusion Teacher for Lancashire County Council, as part of a team working with mainstream settings, empowering them to make necessary adjustments to ensure the inclusion of children with SEND. Shelley is excited to be a school governor for The Heights and being a part of the future developments and securing better outcomes for the children.
