Governor List

Mrs M Moran – Chair

Email Mrs Moran: here

Hello, I am Mary Moran and I am privileged to be the Chair of Governors at OHA.  I am committed to supporting the Academy on its journey to achieving excellence through providing an inclusive environment which both supports and challenges every student to achieve their potential and to benefit from a range of opportunities available to them during their time at OHA. 

I currently work in the Human Resources department at the University of Liverpool but I first became involved as a Governor while working at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.  I wanted to contribute to my local community and having lived locally for a number of years I have an understanding of the diverse community that OHA serves.  As a mum of two boys, I also have first-hand knowledge of the Academy as a parent, and recognise the commitment and dedication of its staff to supporting every OHA-er to receive a high-quality educational experience which gives them the opportunity to flourish both at the Academy and in the future. 


Mrs J Barley – Community Governor, Vice Chair

I am proud to say I have been a governor for a long time now, from primary to high school and now our fantastic new academy. It has sometimes been hard, with tears, but there have been good times with laughter and a sense of pride in what I do.

I am Vice-Chair of Horizon and part of a team that constantly strives to achieve the best for our young people and community. I live locally with both of my daughters attending our local schools, that’s how I became interested in being a governor – to see how things work and why decisions are made.

I enjoy being a governor although it can be hard work. Ofsted still makes me nervous as we are very accountable. I have been on a journey with education, young people, staff and community of this area. I have learnt so much, made many friends, fought and won battles. Celebrated and commiserated but one thing I do know – I am enjoying being part of Ormiston Horizon Academy.


Mr T Pinkstone – Community Governor

In my role as Regional Lead Practitioner for English at Ormiston Academies Trust, I’ve supported nine schools in the north region by enhancing education quality. This involved collaborating with department leads to refine curriculum sequences, set high expectations, and ensure students meet specific learning outcomes. This collaborative approach empowers teaching staff and benefits students’ readiness for the next stage of study.

I’ve also focused on improving assessment practices, guiding middle leaders in an evidence-based approach to assessment validity. As a result, English departments in the north region now have well-defined assessments, enabling informed inferences about student progress and guiding CPD efforts.

I’ve assessed teaching quality using quantitative and qualitative data and implemented pedagogical strategies like diagnostic assessments, explicit knowledge delivery, and scaffolding. Additionally, I’ve provided one-on-one support to colleagues at various career levels.

In terms of staff development, I’ve delivered whole-school CPD on topics like vocabulary instruction, curriculum design, and student literacy. I’ve also fostered a network among Heads of Department and aspiring English leads to align curriculum principles.

My career has been driven by a commitment to personal development and narrowing educational disparities. For instance, I co-led the English Excellence Partnership, an Opportunity Area initiative focused on enhancing education quality in Stoke-on-Trent. This initiative provided over 70 hours of CPD to staff and helped develop department leads on interpreting assessment data, implementing reading programs, and conducting departmental moderation.


Miss S Elson – Staff Governor

I currently work at the academy as Curriculum Leader for DT and also taught previously at James Brindley High School for a number of years. I love working here, having attended the school myself a few years ago now. I have lots of memories here and I look forward to creating new ones in the future. As Staff Governor, I hope to support the link between the governing body and the staff working here.


Mr N Bialek – Parent Governor

I joined the panel of governors at Ormiston Horizon Academy in November 2021 as a parent governor. Working as a lead auditor undertaking audits in quality, environment and health & safety, I am experienced in gathering data, analysing detail and ensuring organisations continually improve. Being in this role for several years, I have had the privilege of working with a range of large global corporations and holding senior management to account regarding their performance. These skills have culminated in an eye for detail and will be used to ensure our school improves year on year, with any weakness identified and rectified, strengthening our position as a top-performing academy.

Outside of my compliance career, I am a flying instructor with the RAF Air Cadets and also working toward my instructor qualification in the civilian flying world. Again, areas that require an eye for detail and accuracy in operation.


Mr N Hassall – Parent Governor

I joined the academy governors team at the end of March 2022, as a previous student of the old James Brindley High School I feel I have a good connection to the area. As a previous student I was involved in projects that assisted in the school to progress and gave other students opportunities they might not of had otherwise.


As a parent governor I want to help ensure all the students in the school are given the best chances to have success after completing their time at the academy as well as good and happy memories of their time here.


In my spare time I have a keen interest in sports leading me to coach a local youth football team, i have been involved in a number of charity fund raising events where I have completed sporting tasks to raise awareness for the great causes I’ve helped.


Mrs J Harris – Staff Governor

My name is Jodie Harris. I have recently become Support Staff Governor at Ormiston Horizon Academy. I attended the school when it was James Brindley until 1999 and I have had family members attend since. I have worked at the academy for 9 years, for the last 7 years I have been a member of the Success Centre working as a Learning Support Practitioner which I really enjoy. I am hoping to be a great source of support and a voice for the support staff within the academy. 


Miss D Rigby – Community Governor

Hello, I’m Danielle Rigby a teacher at Watermill school, I have worked in special schools for 15 years and I currently teach pupils from year 4 to year 11 with profound, multiple learning difficulties. I have always had a passion for understanding behaviour and trying to help students enjoy their time in school and to achieve. I find being part of the governing body of Ormiston Horizon Academy a privilege and I am proud to have the opportunity to be a bigger part of the school. In my spare time I love walking and exploring the outdoors with my family.


Mrs R Stringer – Community Governor

Hi, My name is Rebecca Stringer and I am one of the Year 6 teachers at Packmoor Ormiston Academy. I have worked at the school for 16 years and taught all year groups within that. Having been in education for over 17 years now, I have witnessed many changes take place. I have a passion for English, especially reading, and currently lead English in school. In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my daughter, visiting new places, reading and running.

Find out all about governance and what our governors do here.