Birchwood C of E Primary School

Mrs Nicola Fox - Chair Of Governors/Parent Governor

I joined the governing body at Birchwood CofE Primary as a Parent Governor and have since had the privilege of becoming Chair of Governors for the past couple of years. With my little human currently at the beginning of his school adventures, I value being able to contribute to a school and community that means so much to our family. I am also an active member of the PTA and enjoy being involved in the wider school community.

I grew up in Warrington and studied Primary Education at Edge Hill University. Although I moved away from teaching after starting my family, education has always remained a passion of mine and my background gives me a valuable understanding of school life.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my little humans, going on family adventures and exploring quirky new places.

Birchwood is a wonderfully welcoming school, and I have seen first-hand the care and commitment shown by its staff to our children and families. I feel incredibly proud and privileged to serve as Chair of Governors and to play a part in Birchwood’s continued journey.

Nicola Bradshaw - Staff Governor

My name is Nicola Bradshaw and I have been teaching for 9 years.  Currently, I am the Year 5 teacher here at Birchwood C of E and throughout my time I have taught across the primary age range. Since starting at Birchwood, I have thoroughly enjoyed leading science (my passion) and more recently the subject of English (reading, writing and phonics). Recently, I have now taken on the role of leading the curriculum within school and making positive changes to the way children learn. You will also find me on the PTA where we create as many memorable and fun experiences for our children and their families throughout the school year. This year, I welcomed a little baby boy into my family who is utterly perfect.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my role working alongside hard-working, dedicated staff and a team that are striving to provide the best education possible for each child every day. I understand how important it is for children to go home each day and feel valued and to be encouraged to try their best.

I am passionate about education and absolutely believe that children should be at the heart of our practice. However, I am also fully aware of the trials that come with this job, and the effect that workload and external pressures put onto school staff. I will represent the voice of staff here at Birchwood C of E and be the link between staff and governors, to ensure that we can continue working together to make this school not only the best environment for children, but also for staff who work here.

Olivia Edge - Foundation Governor

I have served as a governor at Birchwood C of E Primary School since 2019. During this time, I've been involved in supporting the school through various milestones, including the last Ofsted inspection.

With my 10 years of teaching experience, I bring a strong educational background to the governance team. I am currently a year 6 teacher and year group leader in a 3-form-entry Church of England primary school in Warrington. My understanding of curriculum and assessment plays a crucial role in supporting both my pupils and those at Birchwood effectively. Teaching and serving as a governor in a Church of England school is truly rewarding, witnessing children's growth not only academically but also spiritually. Their faith reflects in all aspects of their development, instilling values that will guide them throughout their lives.

Being part of this journey and witnessing Birchwood flourish has been a fulfilling experience for me as a governor. I take pride in playing a role in Birchwood's growth, and I am excited to continue supporting its development in the future.

Anthony Taylor - Foundation Governor

I joined the Governing Body as a Foundation Governor in Autumn 2025.

I have been resident in Woolston for 35 years, previously having lived in Gorse Covert for a few years, and have been a member of the Church of Ascension congregation in Woolston over that time. At church I am the Parish Safeguarding Officer, a member of the LLT for Woolston & Birchwood, Editor of the parish Magazine, and have been volunteering as a Youth Worker at of Woolston Youth Club for 20 years. I am a member of the Battle of Winwick Society locally, having a keen interest in history, and I have also been a season ticket holder at Bolton Wanderers FC for 25 years.

In my professional life, I previously taught IT in Further Education (for 10 years, before retirement), delivering IT apprenticeship programmes, having spent 18 years in the IT industry, including 5 years abroad in Germany, and I was a MFL teacher in secondary education for 8 years prior to that. I am currently also engaged annually as an Exam Invigilator (GCSE) in a local secondary school, following recent retirement.

Having grown up and lived locally in the Warrington area over the years, I am pleased to have the opportunity to represent the Church and community at this school.

Wendy Kelly - Foundation Governor

For over 30 years, I was a teacher, primarily at Richard Fairclough Secondary School and then at Sir Thomas Boteler C of E High School. My main subjects were History, and RE and later I became Assistant Head with the responsibility of promoting the Christian Ethos within the school through our values, worship and the curriculum. Since retiring I have missed being part of a school community and it will be so rewarding to be able to support both the children, throughout their learning experience, and the staff as they ensure that Birchwood C of E Primary is the best school in Warrington.

I belong to the parish of Birchwood and Woolston, worshipping at the Church of the Ascension, and am the Secretary to the PCC. Once a month I visit this school as I am a member of one of the Birchwood Quiz teams, although very rarely winning! Also, I organise a monthly meeting for a group of women where we invite speakers from various charities and organisations, raising funds for their causes.

I am looking forward to becoming a governor at Birchwood C of E Primary School this year and getting to know, not only the staff and pupils, but also finding out about all the school’s achievements and progress. When I was walking around the school and playground, I was very impressed by the friendly environment, the great facilities and the excellent behaviour of the pupils. I am really appreciative to be a member of Birchwood School’s welcoming community, supporting the teaching and learning and promoting the already established strong Christian values.

Revd Tabitha Rao  - Foundation Governor

Revd Tabitha Rao is a South Indian-born priest whose deep-rooted faith was inspired by her grandfather and father. Her maternal grandfather was a Priest in the Church of South India, and her father (now retired) is a Bishop in the Church of South India.

Before moving to England and making Liverpool her home, she worked as a lecturer in Microbiology and Immunology and later completed a postgraduate degree in Environmental Management. After training for ordination at Cranmer Hall, Durham, she was ordained in 2017, served her Curacy at St Bede with St Clement in Toxteth, and became an Associate Priest at Our Lady and St Nicholas the Parish Church of Liverpool, in 2021.

She is currently a team vicar in the Parish of Warrington. Outside of her ministry, she enjoys travel, good food, walking, and reading about the profound connection between faith and science.

Hayley Lack - Parent Governor

My name is Hayley Lack and I’ve recently joined the Governing team as a parent Governor. I grew up in Warrington and have strong roots in the local community. I am a proud mother of six children, all of whom attended Birchwood Church of England Primary School. Through my family’s journey with the school, I developed a deep appreciation for the positive impact that a nurturing and values-based education can have on children. This experience led me to become a parent governor, where I am committed to supporting the school and helping to ensure the best outcomes for all pupils.

Alongside my role as a governor, I work as a band 6 Clinical trusted assessor at the local hospital. My career in healthcare has strengthened my skills in teamwork, communication, and compassion, and has given me a strong sense of responsibility to those I serve. Balancing my professional role with family life and community involvement, I am passionate about giving back locally and contributing positively to both education and healthcare in Warrington.