Governors

Andy Canham - Chair

Trust Governor

1.12.20 – 30.11.24 

Pupil Premium Governor, H&S Governor

I was originally appointed by the Local Authority to join the Interim Executive Board (IEB) at Utkinton in 2018 and was involved in the academization process when joining CDAT. I agreed to join the Local Governing Body as Chair to facilitate the transfer in governance arrangements when the IEB was disbanded as school academized. I have been a school governor for 8 years and in addition to my work at Utkinton, I am also a Local Authority governor and currently Chair at Elton Primary School and Nursery. In 2019, I joined the executive of Cheshire West Governance Association and am currently Treasurer for the Association. As a governor, my interests include finance and budgeting to support school development, understanding performance data, SEND, staff retention, recruitment and well-being. I am also a Councillor for the Parish of Elton. I am a professional geologist and the director of two companies providing consultancy and analysis for hydrocarbon, civil engineering and environmental companies globally.

Sian Simcock

Staff Governor

30.9.2022-1.10.2026

Hello, I am Sian Simcock and I am staff governor, Robins Class teacher and also Head of School.

I am so passionate about our lovely school and ensuring it is a place where all can thrive and flourish. I feel very fortunate to be in the position to work and lead within this community, with our children and wonderful staff. I am most enthusiastic about the Christian Distinctiveness of our School, from my first visit I felt this small school had a big heart.  Our values of Respect, Service and Aspiration make our school special and unique but are also personally very important to me. I believe relationships sit at the heart of all successful endeavours and I hope to continue to develop these and build upon them with all stakeholders as the year progresses. 

 I have been a teacher for 8 years and couldn’t imagine a world doing anything else – I was first inspired by a wonderful teacher I had in Year 1 who really instilled a work ethic and lifelong love of learning in me. I don’t believe I would be here today without that teacher. This has always made me want to be a teacher - and I never changed my mind! I believe it is the most amazing job in the world, to have the opportunity to make a transformative, positive impact on the lives of young people. Outside of work, I love trying new food and I love cooking (when I get the time!) I love getting outdoors and exploring new places to walk and hike.  

Jim Bridgman

Foundation Governor

15.11.21 – 14.11.25 

Safeguarding Governor, Sports Premium Governor, Wellbeing Governor

In September 2021,  I started in the role of Rector of Tarporley, which serves the communities of Tarporley, Uktinkon, Eaton, Rushton and Cotebrook. Before moving to Tarporley, I was Vicar of Timperley in Greater Manchester for 8 years. I am married to Jenny, who is also ordained in the Church of England, and currently works for the Diocese of Chester in training and supervising curates and pastoral workers across Cheshire. We have three young children, as well as an elderly dog and two brand new kittens, so ours is a busy house! Outside of family and work, I enjoy reading, playing badminton, attempting to cycle (though Quarry Bank is a bit steep!), watching football and cycling, and all things related to Lego and Marvel. As St Paul's is a Church of England Primary school inside our parish, I look forward to helping and supporting the whole school community as a Foundation governor, making stronger links between church and school, as well as helping to maintain the Christian distinctiveness of the school. 

Karen Gutman

Parent Governor

1.12.21 – 30.11.25 

I have been a Utkinton resident and parent at Utkinton Primary School for many years.

Brenda Ramsden

Foundation Governor

1.9.22 - 2.9.26

I welcome this opportunity to join the School Governors as a Foundation Governor.  I am an active member of St Helen’s Church, Tarporley and look forward to encouraging and supporting the school in its Christian ethos and its links with the Church.

I have lived in Utkinton for eight and a half years since we retired here after running a village shop and post office for 15 years.  Previously I worked at the Examinations Board in Manchester, and many years earlier in the Inland Revenue.

I have a daughter and granddaughter who are teaching in Primary schools, and another granddaughter still in Primary school, so I am kept in touch with present day educational issues.

As a member of the WI in Utkinton, I have had plenty of opportunities to support the village community and look forward to supporting the school community too.

Paula Foster

Clerk