Getting to know the Governors

Rev Martin Strang

Martin became a Governor of the school when he moved from Nottingham to Stafford in the summer of 2012. This is when he became the vicar of St Paul’s church and of St Thomas & St Andrew’s church in Doxey. Prior to training for the ministry he spent 30 years in the heavy engineering industry, and for much of the time he was involved with power station boilers, particularly for the overseas market.

Martin enjoys walks with his family and the family dog, also the occasional cycle ride or swim. Martin values his involvement with the school and continues to build on the links between the church and school.

Mr Matthew Davies

I have been the Headteacher of St Paul’s since January 2016. I see what huge potential the school and the children within it have, and I am really enjoying being part of the rapid journey of improvement and excellence that the school is on.

I have been teaching for over 11 years now and have worked in a range of schools, both inner city and rural and taught throughout KS1 and KS2. I have also been involved with school support and improvement. I can honestly say that teaching is the most rewarding (and demanding) job you can do. To spend time with, educate, nurture and develop children who hold the key to not just their but our futures is a blessing and a gift.

In my personal life I believe that family is the key to true happiness and spending quality time with them is what matters to me when outside of work. My wife and I love the USA and try to holiday there every year. My wife loves driving through the hills and mountains of California and I love to get my picture taken with Mickey Mouse in Orlando! I love American history and am an avid fan of Walt Disney – the man as well as his theme parks. We will now be sharing this love with our first son and can’t wait to take him on his first journey across the Atlantic.

I also love music and am a huge Bon Jovi fan (I have even shaken Jon Bon Jovi’s hand!). I also sing (in a band occasionally now), play guitar and write songs.

Mrs Jan Boulter

Jan has been a St Paul’s parent for 8 years and has another 4 years to go. Both her daughters will complete from Reception to Year 6 at the school. Jan believes that they not only receive a good academic education but also experience the community and spiritual values that are St Paul’s.

Jan has been the Chair of Governors since 2014.

Although a Geordie, Jan has lived in Stafford for 24 years and throughout that time has been a solicitor, now a partner with Pickering & Butters. Jan specialises in personal injury litigation and is the Chief Officer for Legal Compliance. Whilst living in Stafford Jan has completed a full term as a Trustee of Katharine House Hospice. Prior to coming to Stafford, she worked for Natwest Bank in London. Jan works full time and has two young girls so doesn’t have much ‘spare’ time, her passions in life are the Rolling Stones and cleaning!

Miss Mo Tierney

Mo has been involved with St Paul’s since 2004. She has five children who have all attended the school and thrived in it’s nurturing environment. She has been a governor since 2010.

Mo’s working history has been in retail management, a tutor in Bavaria, a systems analyst in the IT industry which she gave up and became a childminder after the birth of her second child. Mo’s work and children mean that she has very close links with St Paul’s and she often helps out around the school. Mo is also one of the helpers at Dappa Dance club which is based at the school.

Mo’s ‘spare’ time is usually taken up ferrying her children from one gymnastic event, dance class or stage show to another. She does enjoy going to the theatre, cinema and music gigs when she gets the chance.

Mr Paul Pooley

Paul joined the governing body in 2015. He is a semi-retired physics teacher with 39 years teaching experience, 34 of which have been at Stafford Sports College. He was formerly the Head of Science and Sixth Form. Paul has been with St Paul’s church for 29 years and is a church warden and reader.

Paul enjoys long distance road cycling for sponsored causes and fitness. He is also a long bow archer with Stafford Archers and is the current Staffordshire County Indoor Champion.

Claire Atkinson

Claire has been a St.Paul’s parent since 2014. She joined the Governing Body in November 2016.

Claire holds a degree in Clinical Language Sciences (Speech & Language Therapy) from Leeds Metropolitan University. She is proud to have been working in the NHS for 18 years and is currently a Specialist Audiologist at Manor Hospital, Walsall.

Claire is a busy mum to 2 girls. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She loves to get creative with crafts and particularly enjoys sewing and has recently learned how to crochet. Claire is also a keen baker and her creations can always be found at school events.

Claire loves the outdoors; walking, cycling and camping. In August she and her family can generally be found in the Brecon Beacons, enjoying the Greenman Festival.

Janet Stubbs

I have been a Governor since October 2016. My previous history with the school is as a volunteer reader with Year 2. This I have been going for a couple of years. I have no history in education, other than my own, so being a governor is a real eye opener to me. I never realise that it took so much to keep the school running in the right direction. I served for over 30 years in Staffordshire Police as a serving police officer, finishing my service in a senior operational position. This has given me a broad cross section of skills and I believe I have the ability to communicate well with everyone.

I suppose I offer an independent view of the school and how it has developed. I don’t have much spare time as I am heavily committed to a local Rotary Club, which is always busy with community projects. Recently we held the duck race in Victoria Park as part of ‘Party in the Park’ celebrations. Always good fun. I am a philatelist and enjoy the investigation and history side of the hobby. When the weather shines I am part of the Best Kept Village team as well as on my church PCC. So as you can see a busy lady. As a Governor I hope to be able to dedicate the time required to do a good job and see the children develop into well-rounded young people.