Welcome to the Governor section of our school website.

As Chair of Governors, I am proud to serve a school community where children are nurtured, challenged and valued as individuals. At the heart of our school is a strong Christian vision that shapes daily life, learning, and relationships, encouraging our pupils to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

The Governing Body works closely with the Headteacher and staff to support the school’s leadership, ensure high standards of education, and uphold the school’s distinctive Christian character. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment where every child is encouraged to “let their light shine” and develop a love of learning that will stay with them for life.

Our school thrives on the strong partnership between pupils, staff, parents, the Church and the wider community. Together, we aim to ensure that every child is well prepared for the next stage of their education and equipped with the values of respect, compassion, courage, and service.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. We hope it gives you a clear insight into our school and the vibrant, caring community that we are proud to be part of.

Mr David Woodhouse

Please click here to see the governing body of school.

Please click here for the Committee List providing details of the committees.

Peter Bennett

I have been an active member of our Governing body since being elected as Parent Governor back in 2003. After my 2 children left our school, I became a Foundation Governor, a position I am proud to have held since.  I am the vice chair of the Governing body, in addition to being chair of one committee, members of others,  and also the nominated Governor for Health & Safety, Pupil Premium and PE Grant spending.
I have worked in the local area all my working life, so am very aware of the challenges that our school faces, and the problems and barriers that a lot of our parents face on a daily basis. The most important people in our school are our children, and giving our pupils the best educational start in life, in a setting that is right for them, is something that I have kept at the centre of my role as a Governor for approaching a quarter of a century. 

Samantha Coulton

I’m Samantha, a new Staff Governor at Poulton. I’ve been part of the school for nearly five years and have recently taken on the role of School Business Manager. I’m really looking forward to supporting the school further and contributing to its continued success.

Hannah Buckham

I am currently the Year 3 teacher at Poulton-le-Sands and this is my ninth year teaching at the school. Having attended the school myself from Reception to Year 6, I was always eager to get back to teach here. I have very fond memories of primary school and want to play a part in helping children feel the same way about their schooling.  I enjoy being a governor and supporting my fellow governors/school family.

Helen Thomas

I am a Foundation Governor and have lived in Morecambe for nearly eleven years. Prior to moving to Morecambe and retiring I was a Deputy Head Teacher at a church school in Darwen. (Poulton le Sands school reminds me very much of my ex school). I have over thirty five years teaching experience, mainly in KS1. I have also had experience of being a teacher Governor and was a Governor at St Wilfrid’s C of E High School in Blackburn for seven years. I am very much an advocate for teachers and am passionate about developing the whole child- caring not just for academic progress but for fostering personal, social and health education.

Christine Stebbing

I am honoured to have been a Foundation Governor at Poulton le Sands school for over 30 years and have witnessed huge changes in safeguarding and the increased demands placed upon teaching staff professionals over that period. When the role of Numeracy Governor was created I volunteered and have spent many happy hours in school carrying out the requirements of that position. I am Chair of the Curriculum and Standards Committee and of the Head’s Performance Management as well as having other Committee responsibilities.

I am a Human Resources professional working, latterly, at County Hall, Preston and have been retired for many years now. I am a Trustee of both the Morecambe War Memorial Hall and Trimpell Sports and Social Club. I am Chair of Morecambe Heritage and Vice Chair of Morecambe Carnival Committee. I am also a Mum, Granny and Great Granny. Both children attended this school in the 1970s and my Great granddaughter, Maisie, attends now and is thriving. As a Christian, the evident Christian ethos within school is important to me.

Philip Ramsden

Originally from Sheffield myself and my wife moved to Morecambe in 2004 and I got a job with Lancashire County Council transporting Adults and children to Day care centres and schools as a passenger assistant. For several years now that has been exclusively Children with learning and Special Needs from the ages of 5 to 16 years at Morecambe Road school, I have developed a special interest in Autism and as such have been the Send governor at Poulton school for several years. I find my job challenging at times but enjoyable and rewarding. I’m currently also a Trustee at a local homeless charity that supports and gives advice and does great work in the Morecambe area.

Michelle Needham

I am a Local Authority Appointed Governor initially appointed in November 2015. I am a member of the Resources Committee, which covers the areas of staffing, finances and the school premises.  Additionally, I administrator this committee on behalf of the school.
Born and raised in Morecambe, and being able to claim the title of a true Sand grown ‘un’, I have the privilege of supporting the outstanding teaching and support that Poulton-le-Sands extends to all its pupils, families and across the local community. As an ex-pupil of the school, it is a true privilege to now be able to assist and guide the school as it provides a secure and innovative place to prepare the children for the opportunities and challenges of living in the 21st Century. I bring to the role over 30 years’ experience of working in the education sector, being involved in both national, regional and local initiatives as Senior Executive Officer to the Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University, as well having held the position of Chair of Governors for a local secondary school. I am also a volunteer for a local doctors practice in Morecambe.  I have two children, both were educated in Heysham, and have consequently gained successful careers, and four grandchildren. My own children’s success encourages me to inspire and help provide for other children to have similar opportunities to learn. I am passionate about the regeneration of Morecambe, to understand its history and its future potential, and being able to work with our local community to support and provide a diverse range of prospects that will ultimately open young children’s minds and imaginations, encouraging them to realise their own possibilities and how to achieve these.

Suzi Shearsby

I have been a Governor now for 5 years, and it’s great to be part of such a special school. I am a mum of three children, two having moved onto High School and one who is still at Poulton- le- Sands. Originally I am from the south, having moved up to go to Lancaster University back in 2002 and I have never moved back! I am a committed Christian and I try to express my faith practically in the community where I live. My background is in teaching, working with adults with learning disabilities and young people in vocational studies. I now manage a Debt Centre in Lancaster & Morecambe, offering free debt support to those in financial distress. I am passionate about the community here in Poulton and I care greatly about playing my part to continue the warm welcoming and encouraging atmosphere at Poulton-le Sands. 

Paul Worthington

I was locally born, early days in Lancaster and have lived in Morecambe for over 30 years. I am a fully qualified Driving Instructor, my wife is a teacher at a local High School and have a son in Year 1. As an instructor I have a keen desire to help people achieve their goals and understand that to bring the best out in themselves, it is done through; Education, Encouragement, Interaction, and Development. In conjunction with a friend and fellow instructor, run a 14/16 driving experience day at Morecambe Football Club with the aim of preparing young people for the road ahead, quite literally, and I have seen that over the many years how beneficial this has proven to be, both through personal development and future safe life skills. I hope to bring these qualities and magical moments to our younger generation. I am absolutely delighted to join the School Governors. I am always infused by the sheer dedication, commitment and optimism of the staff and am looking forward to being part of it for many years to come. I have joined because I believe every child is special and I hope to bring my experience, enthusiasm and a community outlook to the school and will strive to make every child’s day a little better, as we venture out of these difficult times and into new beginnings.

India Strong

I am a Parent Governor and have been since 2024. My own two children attend the school and are in Years 1 and 5. I have seen first-hand the positive, nurturing environment the school provides, and I feel privileged to support its continued development and success. I am currently studying to become a therapist, which has strengthened my interest in children’s emotional wellbeing and the importance of creating a safe, supportive space for every child to thrive. I am passionate about contributing to the school community and helping ensure all pupils have the opportunity to reach their full potential in such a caring and inclusive environment.