Dave Pilkington

Chair of Governors

Robert Jones

Co-opted Governor

Bob Rutt

Co-opted Governor

Dean McDonagh

Co-opted Governor

I have been the lead analyst within the Education service at Tameside MBC for over 4 years. This is a role that has encompassed managing, analysing and interrogating education performance data for school improvement purposes. I’m a skilled trainer, delivering courses on educational performance data to a wide range of stakeholders.

In addition I have held various roles on governing boards of schools, most recently as vice chair, and these have given me valuable insight into the world of school leadership. 

I am excited about the vision for Dane Bank Primary School and keen to offer my skills and expertise to aid the school on its journey to becoming an outstanding school.

Melissa Cope 

Parent Governor 

I have recently been appointed Parent Governor and I am keen to learn and understand the role very quickly so I can do the best by our children and school. 

Both of my children attend Dane Bank and seeing changes within the education setting I will be the voice of parents and children who attend. I am passionate about each child’s individual needs to ensure they can fulfil their individual potential and goals. 

I currently work in Financial Services and have done for 20 years; I have experience of overseeing financial & capability performance. My current role as Communication and Engagement Manager gives me the tools to ensure the school is communicating transparently and timely; plus having excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills I will endeavour to ensure the school’s vision is clear, has a forward thinking direction and holds our children at its core.

Aligning my experiences to the 3 Core Functions of the Governor Body I will certainly make sure our children’s money is spent well and going to the correct resources. My experience of holding people to account will allow me to make sure our head teacher is accountable for educational performance and that the management of staff is of the high standards our children expect.

Outside of work I also play a part-time Taxi Driver taking my children to the numerous activities they do and I enjoy family holidays as this allows us time away from the hustle of daily life. I do have a gym membership…..I would say I am an ad hoc user though. 

Keith Wilde

Co-opted Governor 

I am the Finance Director of a company which supports the IT of hundreds of schools across the country. My work, coupled with having a young family, has given me a real passion for education and I was delighted to have been appointed as a co-opted governor at Dane Bank Primary School.

I am hopeful that my experience in an education focused company dealing with schools, along with my finance expertise, will be of tremendous benefit to the school for many years to come

Joanne Lennon

Staff Governor

I started working as Deputy Headteacher at Dane Bank Primary School in September 2013 and have been a staff Governor since then. Prior to working at Dane Bank, I was a Teacher and Governor in Salford LA.

I am proud to be a Governor and am passionate about ensuring our school provides high-quality teaching and learning opportunities to allow our pupils to make the best possible progress.

Adam Varley

Staff Governor

I started working as Deputy Headteacher at Dane Bank Primary School in September 2013 and have been a staff Governor since then. Prior to working at Dane Bank, I was a Teacher and Governor in Salford LA.

I am proud to be a Governor and am passionate about ensuring our school provides high-quality teaching and learning opportunities to allow our pupils to make the best possible progress.