Wistaston Church Lane Academy School Governors
Dr Audrey Skidmore
Audrey is a biosciences lecturer at Keele University, teaching future healthcare professionals. A French citizen, she became a governor to better understand the English education system and support inclusive education. Since joining in 2018, Audrey has embraced training and mentorship to build her governance skills. She is passionate about sustainable healthcare education and numeracy. Audrey enjoys walking, making beaded jewellery, and engaging with the school community, where both her children have attended. She values seeing the impact of governance decisions first-hand.
David Hastie
David is a project manager in the tech sector with a background in startups, loyalty programs, and sports rehabilitation. A parent of two children at the school, he became a governor to contribute to the school’s future. Though new to governance, David brings experience in safeguarding and counselling from previous charity work. He enjoys tennis, pickleball, movies, and travel. David values the insight he’s gained into school operations and enjoys being part of a team focused on student well-being and success.
Ben Leighton
Ben is an experienced primary school teacher and education consultant in the EdTech sector. He became a governor to support education from a new perspective and is passionate about improving outcomes for students. Though new to governance, Ben brings strong decision-making and collaboration skills. He enjoys football, long walks with his dog Moose, and spending time with family and friends. A local resident, Ben is excited to contribute to the school’s success and enjoys seeing the positive impact of governance.
Holly Hulett
Holly is Head of Finance for a major UK retailer. A former pupil of WCLA and now a parent, she returned to support the school’s journey. Holly brings governance experience from her finance career, including risk management and strategic alignment. She enjoys home renovation, planning holidays, and creating family memories. Holly finds joy in seeing children thrive and is passionate about enriching their learning experiences.
Gillian Louden
Gillian is Head of Professional Services at IMS, specialising in marketing and product development for connected insurance and telematics. As a new parent governor, she aims to support her children’s education and strengthen school-community ties. Gillian brings strategic decision-making and risk management experience to her role. She enjoys yoga, running, and family time. Living locally for nearly a decade, she is excited to contribute to the school’s development.
Anthony Buckles
Anthony is Vice President of Client Services UK&I, leading strategic workforce programs across multiple countries. He joined the governing board to support education and bring his corporate governance expertise to the school. Though new to the education sector, Anthony is passionate about helping schools navigate challenges. He enjoys fishing, darts, and hopes to return to cycling. A Wistaston resident with a child in KS2, he finds the role rewarding and insightful.
Sheridan Barnes
Sheridan is a retail Store Manager with extensive experience in team leadership and performance management. She became a governor to make a difference in her local community and develop strategic oversight skills. Passionate about horses, she competes in dressage, showjumping, and cross-country, and also plays netball. Sheridan grew up locally and is enjoying learning how schools are governed and how she can contribute to their success.
Governors are appointed by the TLP Governance Committee, under the deferred responsibility from the Board of Trustees.
Audrey Skidmore (Chair) - Parent Governor (11/06/2018 - 10/06/2026)
Holly Hulett - Parent Governor (03/05/2023 - 02/05/2027)
David Hastie - Appointed Governor (19/04/2024 - 31/08/2028)
Anthony Buckles - Appointed Governor (08/01/2025 - 31/08/2028)
Benjamin Leighton - Appointed Governor (16/12/2024 - 31/08/2028)
Sheridan Barnes - Appointed Governor (27/01/2025 - 31/08/2028)
Gillian Louden - Appointed Governor (13/03/25 - 31/08/29)
Historic Governors (left within last 12 months)
Mike Finnigan - Governor (25/04/2017 - 31/08/2025)
Robert Hodson - Appointed Governor (29/01/2024 - 10/10/2024)
All meetings are held at 4:00pm at WCLA
Thursday 2nd October 2025
Thursday 29th January 2026
Thursday 21st May 2026
Thursday 9th July 2026
| Governor | No. of Meetings | No. Attended |
| Audrey Skidmore | 4 | 4 |
| Mike Finnigan | 4 | 3 |
| Holly Hulett | 4 | 4 |
| David Hastie | 4 | 3 |
| Sheridan Barnes | 3 | 2 |
| Anthony Buckles | 3 | 2 |
| Benjamin Leighton | 3 | 3 |
| Gillian Louden | 2 | 1 |