Meet our Governors

Karen O'Connor - Headteacher

My name is Karen O'Connor and I am the Headteacher at Taxal and Fernilee CE Primary School.

I have the pleasure to work alongside the Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body to further improve our fabulous school through fostering our shared 'Nurture, Grow, Flourish' vision and supporting all stakeholders to uphold excellence in all that we do.

I have experience in curriculum development, assessment analysis, educational leadership and an interest in using recent research to further improve teaching and learning strategies including metacognition and feedback in the classroom so that all learners achieve their absolute best.

My teaching passions including building strong relationships with children so that we truly understand their learning needs and can enrich experiences wherever possible.

I have taught across all year groups and believe that all children can achieve personal and academic success in a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment. Taxal and Fernilee's ethos and vision for education matches my own beliefs that all of us can strive for success in an environment of understanding, care and nurture.

Fallon Wilkinson - Parent Governor

I am a Parent Governor, and have two children at Taxal and Fernilee. I became a Governor because I believe all children (regardless of background) should have the best start in life, and education plays a big part in this. I am the link Governor for SEND, Pupil Premium and Mental Health and Wellbeing. I visit the school regularly to speak with staff who have responsibilities in these areas, and to observe work in classrooms or school events, allowing me to provide feedback to all governors. I am also the link governor for data protection (GDPR). Outside of school I have experience in politics, policy development, regulation and compliance.

Heather Taylor - LA Governor

I trained as a primary school teacher and have worked in primary schools across Salford, Stockport and Cheshire during my career. I was headteacher at Disley Primary School for 17 years and retired from that post four years ago. I started volunteering at Taxal and Fernilee Primary School, as both my grandchildren attend here, and enjoyed hearing the children read. I became a governor at the end of 2024 and have continued to help out in classes and on school trips since then. It’s good to be able to give something back to the community again.