Who's Who?

    
Nicola Gaulton

Headteacher

I am thrilled to join this special school as Headteacher from the Summer Term 2025.

I am looking forward to working with the team, the children, the families and the Governors to ensure our school continues to grow and succeed.

I am passionate about giving our children a wealth of opportunity to encourage success and achievement both personally and academically and hope that we can work together to give our children the best primary experience possible. I qualified as a teacher in 2003 after studying my degree at Manchester University and then my PGCE at Manchester Metropolitan University. I have since worked in Tameside schools as a class teacher and later as Assistant Head. For the last 7 years, I have been Deputy Head at a Stockport school not far from Styal. 

Lee Walsh

Chair of Governors

Leadership and Management Committee

Link Governor for Attendance

Complaints Committee

Headteacher Performance Management

Pay Committee

I graduated from Huddersfield University with a Masters Degree in Architecture and I am now the Principal Director of a successful Manchester based architecture firm. I am also a Director of a building management company responsible for all major finance and building maintenance for prominent city centre buildings. In addition, I work within the NHS Dental Sector as the Principal Business Director of a dental surgery. My son Max and my daughter, Marta, attend Styal Primary School. In my spare time I enjoy travelling with my family, cooking and keeping fit. 

Natalie Grandison

Pupil Premium and Cared for Children Governor

Appeals Committee

I’m a parent governor with two of my children at Styal, a girl and a boy. I also have another boy who will be coming in a few years time. In my profession I am part of a retail management team. I am very much committed to supporting the team here at Styal. 

Amy Yardley-Goldrick

Staff Governor

I am honoured to be a part of the school’s governing body, striving for excellence for our lovely school and wonderful children. I trained as an Associate Teacher in 2016 and was thrilled to be back working here as a teacher 2 years later.

I have a real passion for the teaching of Reading and Writing, facilitating the learning of fundamental skills, that children will rely on right into their adult lives. I feel privileged to be the school’s English Subject Lead. 

Gemma Pinnington

Co-opted Governor

EYFS link Governor

EHWB link governor

SENDCo link Governor

Exclusions Committee

Pay Committee and Headteacher's Performance Management Panel

My name is Gemma and I am so happy to become part of the governing body as a co-opted governor. I live in Handforth with my family and my son attends Styal Primary. I qualified as a Veterinary Surgeon in 2010 and am practicing locally at a small animal practice. I am passionate about Styal, it’s community and the school, and look forward to supporting Styal Primary for the years ahead. I have a particular interest in the school's curriculum and am excited to learn more about this. Outside of work I love to take walks with my family in the countryside and have an interest in decorating and DIY.

Helen D'Urso

Co-opted Governor

Safeguarding Governor

Link governor for RSE

Complaints Committee

Exclusions Committee

Pay Committee

Headteacher's Performance Management Panel

My name is Helen Moss and we have lived in Styal village since 2015. I have 3 young children. I work as a Doctor in the NHS and I’m particularly passionate about Palliative Care. In our spare time, we love exploring Styal woods and cooking traditional Italian food. I am pleased to be a co-opted governor and look forward to serving the community and our wonderful school.

Jennifer Brooke

Co- opted Governor

Chair of Learning and Achievement Committee

Link Governor for Foundation subjects

I have been with the National Trust at Quarry Bank for 5 years, as the Visitor Operations and Experience Manager. I have responsibility for the delivery of our business plan and strategy, focussing on operations and visitor experience. I’m very proud to be joining the Governing Body at Styal Primary School and I’m very keen to strengthen the connection between the National Trust and the School. I am also passionate about young people and learning, and will use my background in teaching to help where I can.

Chris Novak

Vice Chair of Governors

Co- opted Governor

Chair of Leadership and Management Committee

Link Governor for Website Compliance

SFVS Link Governor

Benchmark Governor 

I have lived in Styal since 2011 with my family. My eldest started the school in 2016 and my youngest will start in a few years’ time. In ‘real life’, I run a Mortgage Brokerage based in Alderley Edge, I’m also the Chair of Styal Parish Council. In my spare time, I can usually be found cycling, watching my son play football or working as a Commissaire for British Cycling.

I’m excited to be part of the School Governing Body, having been co-opted after previously being an Associate Governor, supporting the Head and Staff of the school in a unique learning environment.

Shan Bristow

Co-opted Governor

Learning and Achievement Committee

I have been a Cheshire teacher for many years, working first in large primary schools in Wilmslow. Later I developed a love for small schools: was  Deputy Head at Lower Peover School and Head at Kingsley St. John’s School.I taught for 5 years at Edgehill University, Ormskirk on the B.Ed programme for initial teaching training and post graduate courses. In my teaching I have always championed the value of the Arts (Visual Arts, Music and Dance). My children were both at a Wilmslow Primary and secondary schools.I love being involved in community activities: I am a Quarry Bank Mill volunteer, a Citizens Advice adviser; member of Barnby choir and a Green Room supporter. I am delighted to be involved as a Governor in the unique Styal Primary School.

Hana Collins

Parent Governor

Leadership and Management Committee