Governing Body

Appointing Body- Governing Body
Term of Office - December 2023 - December 2027

Hello, my name is Kate O’Donnell, and I am delighted to be the Chair of Governors here at Culcheth Community Primary School. I have lived in the village for the past eight years and feel very much part of this wonderful community. All three of my children have attended the school, so I have seen first-hand the care, dedication, and enthusiasm that make it such a special place.

My background is in education, where I have spent over 20 years working across secondary, primary, and special needs settings. This experience has given me a deep understanding of how schools work and what helps children succeed.

I have been a governor for around 11 years, and I take the role seriously. It is a real privilege to work alongside such a committed team of staff and governors who share the same goal — to support and challenge the school so that every child can reach their full potential.

I am proud to be part of Culcheth Community Primary School and our wonderful children and I look forward to continuing to help our school and community flourish together.

Appointing Body - School parents
Term of Office - October 2020- present

Although I grew up in the south, I have lived and worked in and around Warrington for over 30 years.

In 2013 I moved with my husband to Glazebrook, and in 2015 we adopted a daughter, who currently attends Culcheth Community Primary School.

My career has largely involved working with children and young people in an educational setting; I spent 15 years as a primary school teacher and 10 as a manager and teacher-trainer within the Warrington School Sport Partnership. I have previously been a staff governor at two Warrington schools. Moving out of education, I spent 9 years as a programme manager for environment and regeneration charity, Groundwork, working on projects seeking to improve the environment whilst supporting people. Increasingly I found myself working on improving the river systems around Greater Manchester, through delivery in partnership. I now work in the Environment Agency, supporting water environment projects and partnership working with local authorities, conservation groups, farmers the water company and other stakeholders across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.

Outside of work, my family and I enjoy spending time in the outdoors whenever we can; I am a qualified Forest School and Woodland Skills Leader.

As a governor I am keen to support the school where I can to ensure that every child is able to enjoy learning and reach their potential. I know from our own experiences that Culcheth Primary is a very special school.

Appointing Body Governing Body
Term of Office 11 November 2022- 11 November 2026

Originally from Endon, Stoke, I moved to the Warrington area in 1998 to join Ernst & Young in their Wealth Management team, working across both the Manchester and Liverpool offices. After seven years, I transitioned to BDO, where I eventually led their Wealth Management Division in Manchester. In 2013, I co-founded an independent financial management company with my business partner. Based in Manchester City Centre, we now represent a diverse range of clients across the North-West.
Having settled in Warrington, I first purchased a home in Croft in 1990 before moving to Culcheth in 2005. This area has always felt like home, and we deeply value the strong sense of community—something that has become even more meaningful since having two children. Both attend Culcheth Community Primary School, and we’re committed to ensuring they are educated locally, with plans for them to continue on to Culcheth High School.
I am passionate about contributing to the school and community that have supported our family. With over 30 years of experience in the private sector, including business management and financial governance, I am eager to help the school maximise its resources and support its strategic goals. Becoming a Governor offers a meaningful opportunity to give back and help create an environment where all children can thrive. I hope to bring a fresh perspective and a practical, business-minded approach to the role.

I became a staff governor because I care deeply about our school and everyone in it. As a Year One teacher, I get to see every day how our children learn, grow, and flourish, and I wanted to bring that perspective to the governing body. Being a governor gives me the chance to help make decisions that support both our pupils and staff, and to make sure our school continues to be a happy, nurturing place for everyone.

I grew up in Sutton, Surrey, and trained as a dental nurse, working at St George’s Hospital in Tooting. After leaving my role to raise my two children, I went on to run my own Tupperware business.

When I moved to this area in 1989, I worked in retail and also managed a small cleaning business. Now that I am retired, I have the time to give something back by sharing my life experiences and very much look forward to working with Culcheth Primary School.