Local Governing Board - Biographies

Caroline Bradshaw

I’m a new Parent Governor who joined in October 2022. Currently my son attends Parklands and I’m hoping that my daughter will be fortunate to attend also. I graduated from the Manchester Metropolitan University back in 1997 and have worked in financial services for over twenty years. I specialised in Governance, Risk Management and Compliance and have worked for high street banks, building societies and more recently at FinTech firm Tandem. I’m very keen that children received a rounded education, are well supported and can explore their passions. I’m delighted to be Governor at Parklands who provide an excellent, broad education for students.

Leanne Cobham

I am a new Parent Governor who joined in November 2022.  I am a former pupil of Parklands and currently have both my children at the school.  I am a qualified Children’s Nurse and have worked in the NHS for the last 11 year.  I hold a MSc in Child Health and was a qualified Financial Advisor prior to working in the NHS.  I specialised working with children with additional and complex needs and worked with education for almost 5 years, supporting staff to support children with additional needs to access education, covering 7 school s across Lancashire.  I then moved in to safeguarding and spent a couple of years as a Specialist Safeguarding Practitioner.  In July 2022, I moved in a NHS Lead role and I am currently responsible for improving quality and access to health services for Armed Forces Families.  I am very passionate about children’s education and ensuring children can get the best out of their education.  I am particularly keen to improve access to education for those who require extra support and ensuring they are enabled to achieve during their time in school.

Andy Cunningham

I have worked at Parklands for seven years, first as a Support Worker for our Disadvantaged pupils, then as an English teacher and finally as the Connect Pathway Leader. Parklands is a school that it is a crucial part of our town and, as Governor, I want to support the school so that it can continue to make a real difference to Chorley. Given my own background, first as a pupil and then as a member of support staff, I have a keen interest in ensuring that all pupils, particularly disadvantaged and SEND pupils, have the chance to achieve their potential. 

Judith Hagarty

It has been my privilege to serve on the governing body of Parklands High School for many years, firstly as a parent governor, now as a community governor.  I have undertaken several roles during that time.  My current responsibility is Nominated SEN governor. I recognise the excellent education my two daughters received  and wish to continue to support the school.  Every child has the right to a good education.

Kellylee Illingworth-Turner

I joined Parklands as a Co-opted Governor in February 2024. I have worked in sixth-form colleges for twenty years; currently Assistant Principal and Business teacher at Cardinal Newman College, Preston. I am back in the classroom myself as I am studying to gain a MA in Professional Practice in Education.

As a parent to two daughters, I have experienced all stages of education and hope to be able to bring a range of perspectives to this role.

Having spent my career in education I value the difference it can make in supporting all young people to reach their full potential and achieve their aspirations.

Dr Andrew Sprake

I am a new Co-Opted Governor at Parklands Academy, having joined in 2023. I am a research-active Lecturer in Physical Education at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), where I also lead the MA in Physical Education and supervise postgraduate research. I gained my PhD in 2022 entitled: The Place of Learning and Literacy in Physical Education, which explored the culture(s) of Physical Education in schools and creative approaches to pedagogy. In a voluntary capacity, I have various roles for the following professional bodies: North Western Counties PE Association (Executive Committee Member), the International Federation for Physical and Sports Education (English National Delegate), the European Physical Education Review (International Editorial Advisory Board Member), and the International Physical Literacy Association’s Special Interest Group for Education (Member). As a Qualified Teacher of Secondary Physical Education and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, I am passionate that children and young people experience a holistic educational experience and are encouraged to identify and pursue a vision for their lives.

Lisa Williams

I have worked here since 2010, when I came as a volunteer. I am now the SENCo which is a role that I thoroughly enjoy. I am a staff governor and find this an interesting addition to my role as I see and am involved in important decisions about ensuring pupil progress.

Jennifer Wright

I am a parent governor, having previously been governor of a local primary school. I’ve been involved in delivering financial education sessions in schools as well as career insights and mock interviews. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst and Young before moving into Corporate Banking. In my role as Credit Director, I’m responsible for the oversight of a £1.1bn lending book. I play a leading role in our sustainability linked lending and up skilling of the wider team in respect of sustainability. Since my eldest started at Parklands, I’ve been impressed with the culture in the school and I look forward to contributing to the goal of ensuring all pupils can be the best that they can be.