Governing Board

Governor Bio’s

Maria Taylor – Chair of Governors

Maria was appointed to the Brookfield Governing Board by the Local Authority in 2017.

She is a School Business Leader at a local Maintained Primary School responsible for the school’s business management and support services. Maria has contributed to many schools to school support initiatives and is passionate about collaboration, supporting apprenticeships and high quality teaching and learning especially the coaching and mentoring of new staff.

Prior to entering a career in schools Maria worked as a practice manager for law firms in the Northwest including liaison the Legal Services Commission and the Northern Circuit Judges in respect of financial reporting. Her early career saw her working as an insolvency administrator for accountancy practices in both the Northwest and Southeast of England, specialising in forensic investigations into fraudulent trading.

Victoria Blakeman – Vice Chair

Victoria joined the Board of Governors in 2017.

Currently working as a Leadership and Business Consultant Victoria is a former Divisional Managing Director within the charitable sector, responsible for a diverse portfolio delivering programmes and services to a range of marginalised communities, including education and training to young offenders in the secure estate.

Victoria also undertakes assignments as an International Counter-terrorism / Rule of law Consultant, working on behalf of the British Government, International Governments and the UN in Somalia, Somaliland, Kenya, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Algeria and Tajikistan.

A former Prison Governor she served as the Head of UK Corrections and Detentions in Afghanistan.

Andrew Murray

Andrew is currently the Executive Headteacher of two PRUs in Lancashire. He has 25 years of teaching experience of which 12 have been as a headteacher. He has extensive experience in pedagogy, leadership, management, governance, and finance.

Andrew and his family are former Local Authority foster carers who cared for over 30 young people , many of whom attended specialist schools.

Andrew Cartwright

Andrew is a senior IT leader with many years of experience delivering transformation programmes for some of the largest brands in Europe and the UK. This experience twinned with his passion for technology and learning brings a drive for improving education provision.

Mary Stirzaker

Mary is Chair of the local town council and brings a wealth of experience, connections and influence to her role as Governor. Mary has been influential in our recent expansion, provides exposure, opportunities and is fully supportive of our community projects the local area.

Mike Pencavel

Mike has joined the Governing Body as a Parent Governor in 2023. He shares our passion for providing the best offering for pupils in school and supports school to achieve this wherever possible.

Heidi Kitchen

Heidi joined Brookfield in 2022 bringing with her a wealth of knowledge. She has worked within Education for 20 years plus with and brings with her a strong Safeguarding background. Heidi works with our pupils and families to ensure they receive the best education and assistance to enable them to succeed.