Layton Primary School
Our Governors
Welcome to Layton’s Governance Page
The core functions of the governing body of Layton Primary School are:-
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding the Head teacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and ensuring value for money.
The governing body consists of twelve members and meets each half term.
Meet our Governors
Mr Stephen Shaw – Chair
Co-Opted Governor
Areas of responsibility: Core Subject Scrutiny Group, Headteacher Performance Management, Wellbeing, EYFS
Date of Appointment as Governor: 11th October 2011
Appointed Chair : 1st September 2026
Term of Office: 15/11/2017 – 13/11/2029
More information on Mr Shaw to follow
Mr Mica Goldstone
Parent Governor
Areas of responsibility: Core Subject Scrutiny Group, Website Compliance
Date of Appointment: 15th May 2013
Term of Office: 15/05/2017 – 12/05/2029
As a governor, I have developed an appreciation of the bigger picture of what it means to co-ordinate a large school. Being a part of shaping long-term goals and seeing them become part of the successful day-to-day running of the school is rewarding.
It has been very pleasing to see that the success of remote learning, for example, was largely due to the immediate accessibility of iPads for children. This is something that was largely possible by the long-term strategy for increasing the use of personal technology as an integrated part of learning.
Mr Mark Smith
Local Authority Governor
Areas of responsibility: Pay Committee, Finance
Date of Appointment: 1st September 2011
Term of Office: 11/05/2023 – 10/05/2027
I have been a governor at Layton school for eleven years now, during that time my daughter has also attended the school. The quality of learning she obtained during these years gave her a good foundation with excellent academic learning and personal skills for secondary school. I believe this was helped by Layton School being an Apple approved school as this gave the pupils a means to strengthen their learning in their own time at home.
I am also an elected Blackpool Councillor for the last eleven years and represent the residents of Talbot Ward.
My professional career is accountancy, and I run my own accountancy practice. Because of this, I can use my skills in giving financial oversight of the school financial budgets, ensuring the school finances are in a strong position now and every year.
Mr Peter Rumley
School Governor
Areas of responsibility: Foundation Subject Scrutiny Group, Health and Safety
Date of Appointment: 01/12/2022
Term of Office: 01/12/2022 – 30/11/2026
I retired as Premises Manager in October 2022 having spent 5 brilliant years at Layton School. Prior to working at Layton I was a Chartered Builder working in industry, then spending 18 years teaching Construction at Blackpool & the Fylde College. I have previously been a Governor at both Blackpool Primary and Secondary schools, so have a wide breadth of knowledge of both the education system and the role of governorship. My spare time is taken up with young grandchildren and volunteering as a Scout leader in Blackpool for over 25 years. I also volunteer in school on a regular basis.
Having a fair amount of experience of other schools in Blackpool, on coming to work at Layton I was struck by how happy the children were in school and the excellent behaviour the majority displayed. This is solely down to the superb teachers at Layton and the excellent leadership the school enjoys. Upon my retirement, I was pleased to be asked by Jonathan Clucas to continue my association with the school as a co-opted Governor.
Mr Frazer Rogers
Parent Governor
Areas of responsibility: Foundation Subject Curriculum
Date of Appointment: 26/03/2024
Term of Office: 26/03/2024 – 25/03/2028
I’m proud to serve as a Governor at Layton Primary, with two step-children currently attending the school in Years 4 and 6. I previously served a four-year term as a Parent Governor at Boundary Primary School and was keen to get involved again when the opportunity arose.
Professionally, I work in the defence sector and have over a decade of experience in data roles across Finance and HR. I’m currently part of a long-term global transformation programme focused on HR Data and Analytics within BAE Systems. I’m particularly passionate about how data can be used to inform decisions and support continuous improvement in education.
What I enjoy most is coming to school and experiencing the positive atmosphere first-hand—seeing the children engaged in their learning is always a highlight.
Ms Gemma Collins
School Governor
Areas of responsibility:
Date of Appointment: 16/10/2025
Term of Office: 16/10/2025 - 15/10/2029
I am extremely proud to serve as a Governor for Layton Primary School, especially as it was the primary school that I attended. I remember the school and my teachers fondly and give them a lot of credit for helping me get to where I am today. It’s brilliant to be involved again in the Layton community and contribute to making it a brilliant place where every pupil can flourish.
Professionally, I work in the non-profit sector, with a focus on social mobility and socioeconomic inclusion. I currently work at a corporate foundation as their Portfolio Lead, I manage grant-making and charity partnerships in the UK and Europe. Before that, I worked at The Sutton Trust, where I managed employability and work experience programmes for 16-18 year olds.
I live with my partner, two young children and dog. Outside of school governor, work and family life, I spend my free time volunteering for Girl guiding as a Treasurer (and was formerly a Brownies leader) and mentoring students who would like to study at university in the USA (as I was very lucky to earn a full scholarship to study there myself so like to pass on my insights and advice).
Mr Matthew Ashby
Parent Governor
Areas of responsibility:
Date of Appointment: 14/11/2025
Term of Office: 14/11/2025 - 13/11/2029
I am very happy to join the Board of Governors as a Parent Governor. My son is currently in year 6 and my daughter is in year 2.
I have seen first-hand the progress my children have made whilst they have been in the school, and I was keen to give back and assist the school in any way I could. My children both speak really highly of the level of care and teaching they have received over the last few years.
In my role as an operations manager for a major supermarket, I have a number of transferable skills that I hope I can bring to the role. I'm keen to help build on the already great foundations of the school.