Our Governing body is a dedicated group of volunteers who meet to share in the leadership and management of our school and its resources. They work alongside our headteacher to ensure that our school continues to grow and flourish. Its various members represent the many stakeholders that have an interest in the success of our school: the Diocese of Salford, Blackburn with Darwen Local Authority, St. Paul's Parents and school staff.

Our Governors

Father Shaun Braiden - Foundation Governor

I am Father Shaun Braiden and I serve as a Foundation Governor appointed by the Diocese of Salford. I began my term of office in July 2018 and I am also the parish priest for the St. Oscar Romero Parish. This parish takes in three churches, Pleasington Priory, St. Peter's Mill Hill and St. John Vianney's Livesey. I was born in Bury and studied for the priesthood in Durham. I am an avid Manchester City fan.

Andi Willacy - Chair of Governors

Andi is a parent governor with 2 boys at St Pauls, he has a degree in Sport and Exercise Science from Sheffield Hallam University and runs a local swim school with his wife which they have done for over 10 years.  Andi has a passion for both sports and science and puts this to use as the link governor for PE and science at school.  He is also the safeguarding governor for the school drawing on his knowledge from his working life. Andi is actively involved in the local community as a committee member and coach at a local cricket club. Andi was appointed as parent governor in April 2019 and enjoys being able to offer a parental perspective on the life of the school in continuing to support pupils to love, grow, learn and achieve beyond their dreams.

Bernadette Bleasdale - Co Vice-Chair Foundation Governor

I am a retired Headteacher of 20 years in the secondary sector within the Diocese of Salford. I have 38 years experience in secondary education as Pastoral  Leader, Head of Mathematics and Deputy Headteacher. I also have 30 years experience as a Governor in secondary schools and a member of Pleasington Priory Parish.

Sarah Frost - Co Vice-Chair Foundation Governor

I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in November 2019. I feel privileged to be able to support the school that gave me a fantastic start to my education. I have a Masters in Chemical Engineering from Cambridge University and an MBA from the Open University. I worked overseas in the oil and gas industry for the majority of my working life, living in Tunisia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Thailand and Egypt. During this time I was also a governor of the British School in Alexandria. I am now retired and happy to be back in my home parish of St Oscar Romero and be able to worship at Pleasington Priory. I hope I can use my knowledge and experience to support this wonderful school.

Joe Hickey -  Foundation Governor

It is a privilege for me to be a foundation governor of St. Paul's R.C. Primary School. I was one of the first intake of pupils when the school opened in 1973 and was followed by my two brothers and sister who also attended the school. In more recent times all three of my children have attended the school so I have a long association and understanding of the school. I am also a long standing member of the parish where my family and I have been active members of the Oscar Romero parish community for over 40 years. I have been a school governor for over 16 years at St. Paul's and have held the position of vice chair and chair during that period. 

John Malowana-Murphy – Foundation Governor

Born in Blackburn into a Roman Catholic family I have been a practising catholic all my life. I was educated in schools and colleges in the town and lived in the Pleasington Priory and St. Paul's Parish most of my adult life. I saw both St. Paul's Church and school being built and now in the later years of my life I am able to give greater commitment to the parish community. It is a privilege and honour to be asked by the Diocese of Salford to give further commitment to the life of the parish as a foundation governor of St. Paul's school. In my working life I spent over forty years in the telecommunication industry holding various positions in the engineering area of the business. I have travelled to many locations throughout the UK. In the past I have been a Borough Councillor and Governor of other schools around Blackburn. Currently I give commitment to the area as a Parish Councillor and volunteer at Livesey Library. I am also involved in other bodies in the local area and the town of Blackburn. I look forward to putting my skills and life experience at the disposal of the advancement of catholic education at St. Paul's.

Ellis Lee - Parent Governor

I was appointed as parent governor in October 2021. My son is the third generation of family members to attend St Paul’s and I feel privileged to have this opportunity to support the community that enabled me to succeed throughout my educational journey. I qualified as a Primary school teacher in 2016 and have been in employment in local schools since that time. I am an Early Years teacher, currently working towards a National Professional Qualification for Leading Teaching and I lead science across an infant school. I am hoping I can draw upon my knowledge and experiences of teaching and learning to support St Paul’s in my role as governor.

Simon Turner -  Staff Governor

Simon Turner has been a teacher at St Paul's since 2015. Simon started at St Paul's as a newly Qualified Teacher after graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University with a BA Honours in Primary Education with QTS. Simon is currently teaching in Year 2 and he is the subject leader for Maths and MFL. Simon also leads Whole School Assessment and is the Key Stage 2 leader. Simon is currently undergoing the NPQSL programme. He was appointed as staff governor in December 2016. Simon is a member of the Teaching, Learning and Assessment committee.