Meet the Governors

David Charlton

Chair of Governors 

I was Head Teacher at Weaverham High School from January 2000 until July 2018 and previously served on the Governing Body of the college for six years. Prior to becoming Head at Weaverham I have taught and held leadership positions in a number of 11 to 18 schools in different parts of the country. I live in Acton Bridge and my three sons attended the college before proceeding to university. I currently chair the Cheshire West and Chester Schools Forum and am chair designate of the Cheshire West Education Improvement Board.

Philip Bellamy

Vice-Chair of Governors 

Working within the Very group for over 30 years, my roles have included: systems analyst, data analytics (including speech analytics), debt portfolio manager, third party relationship manager (including debt charities and the Samaritans) and my current role is a Governance Partner for the Credit Risk function. I am experienced in outsource management, risk management, governance frameworks and quality assurance. I pioneered support within the credit industry for vulnerable customers and achieved three industry awards. I have a Masters in Environmental Science from Liverpool University. I enjoy playing and coaching at Frodsham Junior badminton club. I am a qualified Badminton England coach. I am also treasurer for Frodsham Players Dramatic Society. My daughter is a former pupil of the college and is now in her third year of medicine at Queens Belfast.

Julie Brandreth

Community Governor

My teaching career commenced in September 1983 and concluded in August 2019 when I retired from my headship of a local secondary school.  I have taught across the 11-18 age, ability and socio-economic range in seven schools, three in the Independent and four in the State sector. I have a Masters in Business Administration (Educational Management) and a keen interest in ongoing school improvement and how to manage that process.  I am also Chair of the Governing Body of a Cheshire primary school and Vice Chair of the Governing Body at a local secondary school. I can thereby offer experience and understanding of governance at primary, secondary and post-16, as well as knowledge and understanding of academisation, accountability processes, strategic planning and translating policy into practical reality, working with and engaging a variety of stakeholders in the local and wider community.

Mike Cooksley

Community Governor

A former accountant, entrepreneur and businessman I have comprehensive experience as a leader of several key public/private bodies and partnerships including Chair of Visit Chester & Cheshire, Chair of The Weaver Valley Management Board and a Government Advisor on The Inland Waterways. I previously served on the board for six years before being reappointed and I am also a Trustee of The Petty Pool Vocational College.

Robert Halsall

Parent Governor

I have worked in food retailing for 32 years, many of these have been spent as a store manager for Tesco Stores Limited, working in many areas of Britain. In my spare time I enjoy classic cars, my motorcycle collection and watching motorsport.  I live in Cheshire and my daughter is a student in Year 13 at the College. I have a keen interest in education and currently serve as the Chair of Directors and Trustees of the YES Trust and Chair of the Local Support Board of The Fermain Academy.

Peter Jackson

Community Governor

During my 40-year career in marketing and corporate communications I successfully developed and implemented a wide range of brand marketing strategies, projects and campaigns. I have worked in a variety of settings including in higher education, local government, financial services, co-operatives and PLCs. I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and among other qualifications have a diploma in Wines and Spirits.

I live locally and both of my daughters attended and prospered at Sir Johns Deane’s. I am a former governor of Weaverham High School.

Simon Livingstone

Parent Governor 

I have a background in FMCG sales and sports coaching for over 30 years, playing and coaching Hockey to a high level in my earlier days and working in many different school, further and higher education settings.  I now work in international sales managing global customers for a diverse and inclusive Halal food brand. I am currently Vice Chair of Governors at Weaverham High School where I have been on the Governing Body for six years and Co-Chair of the Cheshire West Governance Association, a voluntary, independent organisation supporting the work of school and college governors, trustees and clerks.

Justin Nsengiyumva

Community Governor 

I am a civil servant with extensive experience in education and management. I was Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Rwanda until 2008 and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry prior to that. During my PhD studies at the university of Leicester, I served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. I was previously a Governor at All Hallows RC High School, Salford for four years. I also have extensive experience working with communities having served as Policy and Research Development Manager with Refugee Action for five years. I was also a national trustee for the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit.  I live with my family in the local area and my son is a student at the College.

Anne Thomas

Community Governor 

My association with Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College began in 1997 when I was appointed as Teacher of Chemistry. During my 24 years of employment at the College my roles have included Head of Chemistry and Physics and Head of Chemistry. I have served on cross-College committees and always taken an active part in the wider life of the College. I retired in 2021 having been a head of department for 12 years. Prior to this I taught in another sixth form college in the Northwest and in an 11-18 comprehensive school in Gloucestershire. My daughter attended the College prior to going to university.

Angus Vause

Community Governor

I live in Barnton, working as the Sales and Marketing Director for Tata Chemicals Europe, a key Northwich employer and contributor to the local economy. I’ve also held the position of Chairman for the UK Salt Association, and am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. I’m widely travelled, with experience of doing business in five continents, and presenting at numerous global events. Besides Chemicals, I’ve worked across a number of industry sectors, including IT & Telecoms, Consultancy Services, Pharmaceuticals, Further Education, Central & Local Government, Financial Services, Energy & Utilities and Manufacturing. I have three children, and try to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Leisure time is spent indulging my passions of antique collecting, music and cookery. My younger daughter is currently a Year 13 student at SJD; while my elder daughter – who also attended the college – has recently graduated in Business & Management from the University of York. My son is in the earlier stages of academic life at Little Leigh Primary School. I keep a vested interest in the well-being of young people, and am keen to help ensure the on-going development of SJD, meeting the needs of students, parents and the wider community. I’m very familiar with managing and participating in committee meetings, keeping them focused on the task at hand, and generating positive outcomes.

Christopher Atherton

Principal

Sian Armstrong

Head of Governance 

Danielle Oultram

Staff Governor

Sian Aryee

Staff Governor