Catriona Farnsworth (Chair)

I’m the Chair of Governors and have been part of the school for over 20 years, serving as a Parent Governor & Co-Opted Governor before taking up the role of Chair in 2022.

All three of my children attended Ladybrook and I have seen first-hand the benefits of a Ladybrook education. I am passionate about everything the school has to offer to the local community.

Prior to my recent retirement, I worked as a Business Manager in another local school and I draw on that experience as a member of both the Staffing and Finance and Premises committees.

Jonathan Worrall (Vice-Chair/Co-Opted Governor)

I have been part of Ladybrook for five years now, four as a Parent Governor and more recently as a Co-Opted Governor. I have twin boys who attend Ladybrook. I have also, very recently, been appointed Vice-Chair of Governors supporting the Chair and the wider Governing Body.

Away from the school, I work in Human Resources for a national retailer. I have a passion for developing people and act as the Development Governor for Ladybrook.

Debbie Presswood – Head Teacher

Ladybrook has been my professional home since 1995 when I was privileged to join the team as the new deputy headteacher. I became head teacher here in 2015.

During my career I have taught all infant and junior year groups in Leeds, Manchester and Stockport schools. I am passionate about and committed to the school experience being one through which every child, whatever their starting point, can grow as a person as well as an academic learner with a range of attributes, knowledge and skills that can be celebrated. Learning must be without limits.

In my personal life I share a love of climbing with my husband and two daughters. I am a keen walker out in the northern hills and I have a tiny jungle of a vegetable garden to tend in Manchester.

Caroline Woosnam – Deputy Head Teacher

I joined the Ladybrook team in 1998 as part of the SLT leading Special Needs and Literacy. I then became deputy headteacher in 2015. Prior to joining Ladybrook, I worked at another Stockport School.

I have taught in both KS 1 and 2 and believe that there is something special about every stage of a child’s development so don't really have a favoured key stage. Whatever the age of the child, I truly believe that their inquisitiveness should be embraced and encouraged and that we should help all children to ‘dream big and aim high’. Literacy, SEND and wellbeing remain my leadership areas in school.

Outside of school, I have two older children and a cocker spaniel who keeps us busy! I love to be by the sea and in the sunshine so the two combined are heaven … throw in a good book and life is good! 

Karen Fairweather – School Business Manager

I have recently been appointed as School Business Manager and previously I was a School Business Manager at a small nursery school.    Prior to this I was a personal injury lawyer for 10 years and had no experience of working in schools.

I have two children, one in primary school and the other in high school and can appreciate a parent’s point of view.  

I enjoy working in a team and the variety of tasks this role provides.

Donald Webb (Co-Opted Governor)

I live in the local area and have been a governor for 10 years at Ladybrook. Like Catriona, my daughter went to the school and I love being able to give something back and support the development of the school.

I chair the Finance & Premises Committee, oversee Health & Safety across the school and have a career in consultancy.

Pauline Benton (Co-Opted Governor)

I have been a Governor at Ladybrook for 14 years. As a retired teacher my career experience has given me the opportunity to bring my professional skills and knowledge to Ladybrook. I enjoy being involved in the strategic management of the school and supporting the Headteacher and Staff with their high aspirations for all the children.

I particularly enjoy my visits to Ladybrook where I always feel welcome.

Paul Graham (Co-Opted Governor)

I’m one of the schools Co-opted Governor (having previously been a Parent Governor) who sits on the Governing Board and my son also still attends the school. I enjoy being able to bring the views of Parents to the school and, given I’m a Strategic Financial Advisor, I support the Finance & Premises Committee as well.

I’m passionate about sport and run one of the school football teams!

Anna Ross (Parent Governor)

I’m a Parent Governor and came onboard in October 2021 to act as a parent viewpoint for the school. My son attends the school so I see the full picture as a parent and a governor.

I work for Astra Zeneca having previously worked in the nuclear industry.

Ruth  Pearson (Parent Governor)

I’m a Parent Governor and have two daughters (one in Ladybrook and one soon to be in Ladybrook!). I am passionate about education and, since 2005, I have been a Secondary School teacher at another local school.

I love my role as a Governor and the family feel of the school.

Anna Simmons (Parent Governor)

This is my first year as part of Ladybrook governing body as a parent governor however, I know my 20 years experience as a secondary school teacher, and 10 years experience as a teacher governor means I am ready for the challenge. I have a real passion for supporting all children to achieve their best during, and beyond, their formal education. My twins are currently in Year 1, and I am committed to supporting this exceptional school to continue to thrive.

Sharon Tussie (Local Authority Governor)

I’m a recently appointed Local Authority Govenor of this lovely school and hope that the experience I gained during 30+ years of running an accountancy practice, as well as my having been a Co-Chair of my now adult three childrens’ school’s PTA, will serve Ladybrook well. 

What I bring to the role is my enthusiasm and a desire to give all the children of Ladybrook the happiest and best educational foundation possible.