Meet the Governors

We have a very supportive Governing Body who put the children central to all their decisions. They ensure they are carrying out their three core functions:

1.) Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.

2.) Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of the staff.

3.) Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent, including pupil premium.

We currently have a vacancy for Chair of Governors but Mrs Anderson is currently our Acting Chair in her capacity as Vice-Chair. She can be contacted on [email protected]

Our Governing Body is made up of 12 Governors with two observers, Mr Aspinall and Mr Noblet. It is only our 12 Governors who have voting rights. You can find out more about the make up of our Governing Body by clicking below on the Instrument of Governance.

Mrs Claire Anderson (Vice-Chair)

My name is Claire Anderson and I am Vice-Chair of Governors and am a community governor. I am a Clinical Psychologist with experience working with children and young people to support their mental health and emotional wellbeing. I currently work as a clinical tutor on a doctoral training programme for clinical psychologists. This role incorporates service review and development, alongside assessment and pastoral support. I hope to apply the transferable skills I have gained from these roles to the role of governor, focusing on accountability to promote positive experiences of education and learning for all pupils of the school.

Mrs Safeera Ahmed (Local Authority Governor)

I am proud to serve as the school's Local Authority Governor, now in my second term of office having been a governor now for four years and a parent opf a child at the school. As a Local Authority Governor, I am committed to supporting the school to provide the very best education and opportunities for every child.

 

Professionally, I am a Managing Consultant within the NHS, where I work across complex programmes of change and improvement, leading organisations and teams through large scale transformation to deliver positive outcomes and improve services. This role has given me extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, governance, partnership working and supporting people and organisations through change.

 

As both a parent and governor, I bring a strong personal commitment to the school and its pupils. I am passionate about ensuring that children feel safe, supported and valued, while also being encouraged to achieve their full potential. As Chair of Governors, I look forward to continuing to work closely with the school leadership team, staff, parents, pupils and wider community to help the school thrive.

Mr Andrew Galbraith (Community Governor)

Andrew Galbraith brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to his role as a school governor, drawing from nearly three decades of service in education. Currently serving as Principal at Fulwood Academy in Preston, Andrew has held a range of leadership positions over the past 18 years, demonstrating a deep commitment to improving educational outcomes and fostering inclusive, high-quality learning environments.

His governance experience spans 15 years, during which he has contributed extensively to primary education through his roles at two primary schools in Knowsley and Wigan. His work has encompassed strategic oversight, curriculum development, and safeguarding, always placing the needs of pupils at the heart of decision-making.

Andrew's comprehensive knowledge of school leadership and teaching ensures he brings strategic insight, rigorous accountability, and a strong focus on educational standards to the governing board. Passionate about equity and opportunity for all children, he is particularly skilled at supporting schools in raising achievement and nurturing a culture of aspiration and care.

A committed lifelong learner and reflective practitioner, Andrew’s contribution as a governor is underpinned by his professional integrity, collaborative leadership style, and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within primary education.

Mrs Nicky Gomersall

My name is Nicky and I have been the Headteacher of Queen's Drive since September 2022. I was only supposed to stay for a term as Associate Headteacher, but Queen's Drive drew me in with its amazing family feel, welcoming children and hard-working, committed staff and I ended up applying for the permanent post and being successful. This is my third Headship, now in my 21st year of being a Headteacher with over 30 years of teaching experience. I love being a teacher first and foremost and committed to our children, staff and families of Queen's Drive. My passions are sport and music which permeate through and out of Queen's Drive.

I am very family orientated with a husband, who works in secondary education, and one son who is in KS2 at a school in Kirkham.

Mr Michael Aspinall

Michael is the Deputy Head teacher at a Queen's Drive Primary School. He has 30 years of experience in primary education as a class teacher, Assistant Head, Deputy Head and recently as the Acting Head teacher. Michael has particular curricular interests in Science and Physical Education and is very keen for children, and adults, to be physically active. Outside of school work, Michael is a regular participant in adult gymnastics at which he competes at a national and international level. He has collected 14 British titles in recent years and has recently represented Great Britain in World Masters gymnastics competitions in Germany, USA and Croatia. Michael likes to watch football and supports his home-town team of Preston North End. Michael has three children, two of which attend a primary school in Tarleton. His eldest child works in the health sector in Sheffield.

Mrs Ashley Higgs

I’m Ashley Higgs, and I’m proud to be the Staff Governor. I’ve been a primary school teacher for 11 years, and in that time, I’ve had the privilege of leading subjects like English, Science, PE, Art, Forest School, and Curriculum Development. As an acting member of the Senior Leadership Team, I love being part of shaping the school’s future and helping to create an inspiring learning environment for our children. I’m passionate about making learning exciting, creative, and hands-on, with a special love for outdoor education and giving children experiences that spark curiosity and confidence. There’s nothing better than seeing children discover new passions and grow in belief in themselves. Outside of school, I keep busy playing netball with my local team, adventuring around the UK with my family in our caravan, and taking long walks with my floppy-eared beagle, Copper - who usually leads the way! Most importantly, I’m also Mum to an amazing (and very energetic!) 7-year-old, which means I truly understand the joys and challenges of school life from both a teacher’s and a parent’s perspective! As Staff Governor, my goal is to support staff, pupils and families ensuring that our school is a place where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive—and most importantly, feel happy and valued every day.

Ms Amna Minhas

My name is Amna and I am a parent governor and a mum of 2 boys. I have a scientific background with experience working in pharmaceutical companies and have recently transitioned into a part-time career in family support working with LCC and the NHS. My role involves working with adults and children from a diverse background to provide the best possible support. I am delighted to be part of the Queens Drive Governing body. I joined the governing body to support the school to be the best that it can possibly be for the benefit of our children. I am passionate about ensuring children receive excellent educational care and to create a school environment that provides them with positive, enduring memories.

Mrs Suzie Evans

My name is Suzie Evans, and I’m pleased to be joining the governing body at Queen’s Drive, where my daughter is a pupil. I wanted to become a governor to contribute my experience and help every child have a positive, rewarding experience of school.

I am a Senior Strategic Communications Manager within Lancashire County Council’s Communications Service, with more than 20 years’ experience in local government. I lead teams and advise senior leaders on communications, engagement and organisational change across a broad range of public services. My work involves translating complex priorities into practical plans, using evidence and community insight to inform decisions, and building relationships across organisations. I also develop approaches to consultation and participation, helping people influence the services they use.

I have a particular interest in inclusion, accessible communication and understanding the barriers children and families can face. As a governor, I hope to combine strategic thinking with thoughtful challenge and a strong commitment to the school community.

Outside work, I enjoy theatre, reading, writing, swimming and walking our two miniature dachshunds.

Mrs Emily Gaskell

My name is Emily, and I’m looking forward to contributing to Queen’s Drive as a parent governor. Having attended the school myself as a child, it is particularly special to now be part of the school community as a parent. I am a mum of two, with one child currently attending the school and my youngest due to start in a few years.

I am a primary school teacher and SENCO, and I am passionate about ensuring every child feels included, supported and able to reach their full potential. I wanted to become a governor to contribute to the school community, bringing both my professional experience and perspective as a parent to support the school in providing the best possible opportunities for all children.

I have a real enthusiasm for sport, particularly gymnastics, which has been a big part of my life and one of the things that initially drew me to Queen’s Drive. I believe in the importance of giving children opportunities to discover their interests, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning, both inside and outside the classroom.

Mr Zahid Ibrahim

I am delighted to be a Governor at Queen's Drive Primary School and to have the opportunity to contribute to the school’s continued success.

My professional background is in accountancy, and I have experience of running my own accountancy practice. This has helped me develop strong skills in financial management, problem-solving, strategic planning and decision-making. I hope to use this experience to support the school’s financial oversight, ensure resources are used effectively and help the school achieve the best possible outcomes for its pupils.

I look forward to working alongside the Headteacher, staff and fellow Governors to support the school’s development and help provide a positive environment in which every child can thrive.

Outside of work, I enjoy cycling and going on holiday, exploring new places and making the most of my time away from work.