Mrs Claire Warner -  Foundation Governor  and Chair of Governors 

I'm a Foundation Governor and was proud to be appointed by the PCC in 2022. My youngest daughter spent seven happy and thriving years at St Paul’s and I've seen firsthand the nurturing and ambitious environment that St Paul’s creates for its children and families and the care and individual attention that each child receives. 

I've worked in and with the UK charity sector my whole career.  I'm currently Director of Marketing, Brand & Development at Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (working mainly remotely). For eight years I ran a consultancy that helped charities improve colleague wellbeing and workplace culture.  And prior to that, I held senior leadership roles in some amazing charity organisations across the North West. 

I was born into a church family. My Dad and paternal Grandad were both Ministers and my maternal Grandad was the church organist. We attend both St Pauls, Hoddlesden and our family church in Cheshire on a regular basis.

I was honoured to be asked to serve as Chair of Governors from November 2025 and look forward to putting my skills and experience to good use with the school, church and governor teams

Mrs Victoria Walmsley

I have proudly served as a Governor at Hoddlesden St Paul’s Primary School for nearly eight years, and from March 2024 to November 2025 I had the privilege of taking on the role of Chair. During my time as Chair, the school underwent an Ofsted inspection and was graded Outstanding in all areas, an achievement that reflects the dedication of the entire school community and one I am incredibly proud to have been a small part of.

Both of my daughters, now aged 18 and 11, attended St Paul’s and truly thrived during their time here. Throughout their years at the school, I was also an active member of the PTFA, supporting the wider school community wherever possible.

I firmly believe that a primary school is at the heart of its community, shaping not only children’s education but also the values, connections, and support networks that carry them into the future. St Paul’s plays a vital role in bringing families together, nurturing confidence, and creating a sense of belonging. I am incredibly proud to represent a school with such strong community spirit and to contribute to ensuring it remains a place where every child feels supported and inspired.

Professionally, I am the director and owner of a company specialising in outdoor play, working closely with schools and local authorities across the country. This experience has given me valuable insight into how high-quality play and learning environments can positively impact children’s development. I am passionate about using my knowledge and experience to support the continued success of St Paul’s and ensure that every child has the opportunity to flourish.

Mr Christopher Dugdale - Headteacher 

I am a dedicated executive education leader with a proven track record of raising standards, fostering inclusive school cultures, and driving sustainable school improvement. With over 18 years in education—including extensive experience in system leadership—I have has been instrumental in shaping high-performing school environments across Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.

As Executive Headteacher at Meadowhead Junior School and Hoddlesden St Paul’s CE Primary and Pre-School, I also lead on strategic development, curriculum innovation, and safeguarding. My leadership at Meadowhead has been pivotal in addressing historic curriculum gaps, improving pupil outcomes, and embedding a culture of high expectations. At Hoddlesden St Paul’s, my work has reinforced the school’s reputation for excellence, with recent inspections highlighting outstanding teaching, pupil leadership, and curriculum enrichment​.

My passion and expertise extends beyond individual schools; I have played a key role in system-wide school improvement. As a Local Leader in Education and School Improvement Group Lead, I have supported schools in diverse and challenging contexts, mentoring new headteachers and implementing impactful educational strategies. My work on safeguarding, inclusion, and governance—including his role with the Children’s Safeguarding Assurance Partnership (CSAP)—ensures that school environments remain safe, supportive, and aspirational for all pupils​.

Holding the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) and a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with ICT (QTS), I am passionate about developing future leaders, optimising resources, and ensuring that every child—regardless of background—can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. It is my hope and prayer that my leadership continues to shape the educational landscape, ensuring that schools under my direction not only improve but excel.

Mrs Victoria Brown- Parent Governor 

I am a parent at Hoddlesden St Paul’s Primary, my son is currently in Reception and I also have a daughter who is due to start in Preschool in 2023. Even though I am new to the community of St Pauls’ I want the school to build on its outstanding OFSTED rating and continue to improve and develop for years to come.

I have over 12 years’ experience as a primary school teacher and I am an EYFS specialist. Alongside my teaching experience I have spent two years as an assistant headteacher of a church school where I have been able to attend governor meetings and gain experience and understanding of the important role that governors play in the strategic development of a school. This has given me experience of organisational leadership of a church school including writing and evaluating school improvement plans, writing and updating policies, safeguarding, OFSTED inspections, analysing data to identify gaps and highlight target groups, managing staff and being involved in staff recruitment.

I understand that role the of a governor is not only to support the school and its dedicated staff but also to challenge decisions when necessary and I am not afraid to ask difficult questions on behalf of the children and families of St Paul’s.

Mr Joshua Riley- Parent Governor 

I am excited to join the governing body as a parent governor and contribute to the continued success of the school. As a proud father of two, with one child thriving here and another soon to join the school in a few years time, I am passionate about working closely with the school to enhance its strong offer.

In my role as a Regional Service Sales Manager, I help businesses achieve energy-efficient solutions and manage projects for sustainable building environments. I hope to bring my experience in engineering, project management, and strategic planning to support the school's future developments and initiatives.

Mr Jason Newsham- Foundation  

This role is one of passion and pride, due to my previous role within school as a class teacher and SENCO from September 2017. I was extremely fortunate to undertake these roles until April 2019, where I was then able to be seconded to a school in Lancashire. Due to the outstanding leadership and school improvement learning I gained from St Paul's, I was able to continue this and support another school with their school improvement journey.

Hoddlesden St Paul's CE Primary School is an incredible place and where children and staff (once like me) can thrive and flourish to become the best they can be. As an Assistant Headteacher of a large inner city primary school, I am able to draw on my day to day experiences to help support the continued growth and success of St Paul's. My experience in school improvement has and will continue to inspire my role as a governor at this wonderful school. As a Dad of 2 young children, the church school family focus is something I am extremely passionate about and I am pleased to be able to continue to be part of this family, now as a governor. 

Mrs Jade Grime- Foundation 

I have been involved in education for twelve years and have held many roles including: Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, Key Stage Lead and deputy designated safeguarding lead.  I have had the experience of working in many different mainstream primary settings but currently have the privilege of working in Alternative Provision teaching children with behavioural difficulties who have been excluded for mainstream schools.

I also represent the Church PCC at our United Parish of Hoddlesden St Paul’s and St Barnabas.  Both my daughters attend the school and are flourishing in there education – I love the school and I am looking forward to helping in which ever capacity that I can as a foundation governor.

Mrs Laura Bradley -  Staff Governor  

I am a dedicated staff member at St Paul's school and enjoy a number of fulfilling roles as Assistant Headteacher, Curriculum Lead and Science Subject Lead. Becoming a member of the Governing Body has added a new dimension to my role within school and created further opportunities to make a difference. I enjoy and thrive on the challenges that come with every aspect of school life and am passionate about high quality education and each and every child reaching their full potential.

Rev Ben Marston -  Ex-Officio

I grew up in a village in Lancashire and started attending church regularly aged seven, partly thanks to an invitation from the local vicar. After university I spent ten years working for a charity helping students discover and grow in Christian faith. Because of my own story and experience, I am passionate about making sure church is engaging and enjoyable. A real highlight of my week is being in our local schools, helping young people explore who Jesus is and what difference He could make to their lives, and I am delighted to be doing that not far from where I first discovered that for myself.   

2x Vacancy- Foundation