Meet the Governors

Chair Of Governors: Nathan Marsh

I have been a Governor of Crosby High School since July 2022 and Chair since December 2022. In that time I have been deeply impressed by the professionalism, dedication and expertise of the whole school staff. Furthermore, I have been inspired by our incredible pupils and their joy of life.

My professional career has been spent in both the arts and education (both FE and HE). After leaving school in Crosby, I trained as an actor at drama school in London. After graduating I worked with various theatres and companies before beginning life as a lecturer.

I have previously been an academic staff Governor and a Trustee of The Atkinson in Southport.

I live with my husband, two children, Penny the dog, Ned and Tywin the cats, plus multiple fish and frogs. My hobbies include cooking, history, the arts and quizzes.

Vice-Chair Of Governors: Sandie Regan

I have been a Governor at Crosby High School since 2019 as a co-opted member.

I am married and have two grown-up children, and my two granddaughters both go to school in Crosby. I am retired but worked as an Operational Manager in the banking sector for more than 40 years with the following responsibilities/experience:

management of a workforce of more than 120 staff covering all aspects of performance, recruitment, training and wellbeing,
working to a budget and management of this,
ensuring compliance with all regulatory responsibilities and policies,
leading and involvement in major change initiatives, and
delivery of exceptional service and improving strategies.

In school, I am the Chair of the Finance, Staffing & Premises committee, and the Link Governor for GDPR, Complaints and the Admin team

I am glad that I am involved in ensuring that Crosby High will do everything it can to deliver the best possible opportunities and education for its pupils

Staff Governor: Michael Hannaway

Hi, My name is Michael Hannaway and I am the Staff Governor for Crosby High. I was also a Staff Governor at my previous school.

I have been at Crosby High since 2016 and have worked for the majority of that time as a Base Class Teacher. Prior to this I worked for 11 years as a primary school teacher. During my time at Crosby High I have had the fantastic opportunity to build our Forest School Department and now teach different classes every afternoon of the week, developing their outdoor education experiences.

In my private life I live with my wife and two young sons, spending most of my time ferrying them to sports clubs! I enjoy spending time outside, participating in activities such as hiking, fishing and camping, as well as having a tumultuous relationship with Everton Football Club!

If there is anything that you think I can help with, please let me know and I will help as much as I can.

Co-opted Governor: Karen Miller

I joined the board of Crosby High School in February 2023 and since then have learned so much about the amazing pupils and dedicated staff here, as well as SEN provision in general. I've worked in various communications roles over the years and am keen to use my experience and skills to support the school in the next phase of its development - I am currently the link governor responsible for ICT and the website as well as pupil premium.

My work time is split between Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, where I work in the Department of International Public Health, and my copywriting business where I support a range of higher education and heritage clients. When not working or at Crosby High, I might be found running, watching cricket or supporting Everton Football Club (COYB!).

Parent Governor: Kevin Donnellon

I am a father of two children and I have lived in the Crosby area all my life. I’m also disabled, due to the drug Thalidomide. I am a powered wheelchair user. My first school was Greenbank School of Rest and Recovery near Sefton Park. This was run by the NHS and education was not a priority in ‘special schools’ in those days. Thankfully, my parents fought to get me into mainstream school when I was seven, albeit the primary school and subsequent secondary school were many miles away in the south end of Liverpool. Because of my personal experience I strongly resisted the idea of our daughter going to a special school after she left primary school. However, after my wife and I visited Crosby High School we realised that the ethos and practice of special schools, particularly this one, has changed immeasurably since the 1960s and this school perfectly suited her specific needs. My daughter is thriving here. I am honoured to be appointed as a Parent Governor of this wonderful school. I believe that my lived experience as a disabled person, learning many aspects of disability issues over the years (and not just relating to my own), will bring a first-hand perspective of inclusivity and equality for the children, both in school and beyond. I would also like to think that other parents and teachers alike can learn so much from my input.

Co-opted Governor: Helen Goodband

Born 1946 in Preston Lancashire and lived in Clitheroe and attended St James Primary School. Moved to Birmingham in 1952 and attended Hall Green Primary School. Attended Harrison Barrow Girls’ Grammar School from 1957-1964. Studied music at Trent Park College of Education (later Middlesex University) specialising in teaching pupils 9-13 years. In 1967 began working in White Hart Lane Junior School in North L:ondon where I stayed for 3 years and began training courses in supporting pupils with additional needs. It was a school with children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, many of whom spoke English as a second language.

Moved to Liverpool in 1970 where I taught a mixed group of year 3 and 4 pupils with additional needs.

In 1972 had first child and stopped teaching full-time but continued to work 1 day a week as a peripatetic violin teacher in 2 schools and taught violin privately.

In 1974, whilst on leave following the birth of my second child and against the backdrop of growing feminism, I set up the charity to support women and children suffering from domestic violence, Sefton Womens and Children’s Aid.

For several years I continued to teach violin and worked as a supply teacher in a variety of schools from 4-16, trained and worked as a counsellor and began a jewellery import business.

From 1975 I became involved with Crosby Housing Association and served on their board until 2014.

In 1978 I went back into teaching full-time at St John’s Primary School. I campaigned successfully for the building of the new school.

In 1980 I moved to Rawson Road CP as a Deputy Head Teacher and remained there until the school was closed in 2005.

Partnership Governor: Liz Jones

My name is Liz Jones and I am a governor here at Crosby High School. I live locally in Crosby with my husband and two children and until 2021 had been an Early Years teacher for 19 years within Sefton. Reading for pleasure has always been a huge part of my life, and now I am lucky enough to be able to share this with many others in my new career. Story telling, promoting a love of literature and being creative in a variety of ways are my passions and these all come to life as I work for a children's charity in Bootle called Ykids where I manage a magical children's literacy project, bookshop, and cafe called Kingsley & Co based in Bootle Strand. As a school governor I wish to support the children and staff to be the best they can be.

Crosby High School