Mr Chris Inch

Vice Chair of Governors

I am originally from Liverpool but have lived in Runcorn for over 30 years now and I am currently serving as Vice Chair. I am a retired Chartered Accountant and worked worldwide in industry for a number of blue-chip companies, including Cadbury chocolate. I was a local councillor in Halton ten years ago and served as a parent Governor for a primary school in Moore. When I retired, I thought it would be an opportunity to, once again, serve my local area and hence I have been a Grange Governor for three years. I am also the treasurer for a local charity, Halton Community Transport, who provide subsidised bus services for Runcorn and Widnes disabled residents.

Mr Lee Barber

Co-Opted Governor

I was formerly the Principal of a 14-19 Studio School in Warrington, from pre-opening phase to Year 2 (before being recruited by UTC Warrington). I started my career as an ICT and PE teacher, then became Head of Department before progressing to Senior Leadership. I was previously Assistant Headteacher in an 11-19 school in Salford, specialising in IT and partnership work with industry.

I am a former commissioned RAF VR(T) Officer in my spare time with RAF Air Cadets as well as a Mountain Leader volunteer with Duke of Edinburgh award

I am also a keen mountaineer and cyclist; football coach and a dad to 2 children

Miss Eimear McGeough

Staff Governor

I am originally from Ireland and moved to England to complete my PGCE at Hope University in 2016. I have worked at the Grange Academy since 2017 as a Music teacher and then as Head of Performing Arts since 2020. I have a BA Hons in Applied Music from Dundalk Institute of Technology. After completing my degree, I worked in America as a singing teacher for aspiring Broadway performers. I am passionate about providing our students with the best possible education so that each student can reach their true potential. I am committed to ensuring that each student and staff member feel supported at The Grange Academy.

Mr Gary Kelly

Staff Governor

C​oming soon.

Mrs Milissa Weston

Staff Governor

I started at The Grange Academy as a recently qualified teacher in September 2018, taking on the role as Reception Teacher. Prior to this I worked at 2 schools in Liverpool where I was also a Reception Teacher. I graduated from Edge Hill University in 2017 after completing a degree in Early Years Education with QTS. I aspire to develop my Early Years Foundation Stage leadership skills and am passionate about ensuring The Grange is a positive and friendly environment for the staff and children. My ambition is to ensure every child entering our school has a settled start to school life, providing them with the skills and knowledge to flourish in a nurturing environment. I have recently acquired the role of staff governor which I am excited about as this will allow me to support the development of our school and the children.

Mrs Louise Downey

Parent Governor

In September 2021, I joined the Governing Committee at The Grange Academy as a Parent Governor and my main link area is whole-school Reading. Alongside being a parent to a Primary student, I work in the Secondary Phase of The Grange Academy as our Resource Base Coordinator.

I have always been passionate about education and hold a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education and Special Educational Needs and Disability. I believe a governing role offers me the opportunity to make a further positive impact in a school that provides students with high quality education and works closely with our local community to generate the best possible outcomes for our students.

I feel privileged to sit on the Governing Committee thus enabling me to contribute to school’s continuous development and growth.