Rachel Pickles – Foundation Committee Member       (Chair of Committee)

I moved back to Rainhill in 2008 after growing up here, and I have been a member of St Ann's Church since 2012. Both of my children attend St Ann's Primary School and I am a former pupil of the school myself. I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in November 2016 and became Chair of Governors in January 2019. My aim as a governor is to support the school to meet it's objectives and to help support and further develop the close link between the school and the Church. I take an active role in supporting the running of Platform 2 at St Ann's Church, having previously helped with Stanley Bear Club when the children were younger. I work full-time as a Reward Business Partner in the People function at Bupa, supporting the international private medical insurance part of the business. I am a volunteer leader with Girlguiding UK, a member of Rainhill Guide House Management Committee and I have previously been a Barefoot volunteer, delivering workshops to teachers in schools to help them with the primary computing curriculum.

Adam Gribben - Foundation Committee Member

Coming back now into this role feels like a full-circle moment and a great opportunity to give something back to a place that gave me such a strong start in life.

I live locally with my wife and two daughters, both of whom attend the school, so I have a very real and personal interest in supporting St Ann’s continued success.

I currently work in the private sector, where I lead cyber security risk and crisis simulations. Prior to this, I studied Sociology at the University of Liverpool and spent nearly a decade with the National Crime Agency, working in roles focused on child protection, intelligence, incident response, and crisis planning. Throughout my career, I’ve always valued working with others to build safer, more resilient, and inclusive environments — a principle shaped early on by my studies and strengthened through professional experience.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, motorbikes, football, and heavy metal music.

I decided to become a committee member because I want to help ensure every child at St Ann’s feels safe, supported, and are able to thrive.’

Carl Davies - Parent Committee Member

Firstly, whilst I am not a ‘Rainhillian’ born and bred, I have lived in St.Helens pretty much all my life. I moved to Rainhill around 8 years ago with my wife and we absolutely fell in love with the village.

I studied Politics and Public Policy at DeMontfort University in Leicester.  I have always had a keen interest in people, and how we can work together, no matter what our backgrounds, faith or beliefs to improve our community.

I have spent the past 25 years working in the private sector, running contact centres and leading C.I. (continuous improvement) initiatives.

Whilst I have always been interested in education, it was piqued when my daughter started at this brilliant school.

I decided to become a governor as I was really interested in understanding what really happens in a school, how and what makes a school like St.Ann’s, and its sister schools, so successful, and what are the real challenges they are faced with.  Whilst I hope to use my skills to help maintain and develop the school’s success, I am eager to learn from the school, its teachers, governors and pupils.

I am a Saints season ticket holder, and enjoy watching them beat our local rivals at every opportunity I have.

Nicola Hasty - Foundation Committee Member 

I was appointed to the School Committee in May 2023. As a proud former pupil of St Ann's and now a parent to two children currently attending the school, I have a deep, personal connection to the community. I am passionate about supporting the welfare and development of young children, and I believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science from Sheffield Hallam University and completed my PGCE in Education at Liverpool John Moores University. Teaching has always been my vocation, and over the past 20 years, I have worked in secondary education as a teacher of PE and Psychology. I have also completed a Masters in Education, as well as the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL).

My career has been heavily focused on pastoral care. I have held several leadership roles, including Director of Behaviour, School Attendance Lead, and, most recently, Director of Student Engagement. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in student welfare and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in supporting young people.

It is a privilege to serve as a governor, and I’m committed to contributing to the continued success and development of St Ann’s Primary School.

Michaela Grace - Teacher Committee Member

It is my privilege to represent St Ann's as the teaching staff committee member, following Mr Albrecht. 

My career in education began in nursery settings, where I worked as a Senior Room Leader before completing a First-Class Honours degree in teaching seven years ago. Since then, I have taught across a range of year groups in primary schools, gaining valuable experience of children’s learning and development. I have also completed the National Professional Qualification in Education and, most recently, the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL), which I achieved in April 2025 with the support of St Ann’s. The NPQSL course has given me a strong understanding of the importance of effective governance and the strategic partnership between school leadership and the school committee.

Since joining St Ann’s in September 2024, I have quickly felt a strong sense of belonging within the school community. As a class teacher, it is a privilege to now represent St Ann’s as the teaching staff committee member. I am passionate about contributing to the continued growth of the school and ensuring that our children receive opportunities to develop both academically and personally.

Outside of education, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially walking my dog, Narla. I am also passionate about sport and love following both football and rugby. As a committee member, I am keen to help the school provide experiences beyond the curriculum, supporting children to grow as resilient learners and confident young people, while also ensuring they are equipped with the skills, values and opportunities that will prepare them for life beyond St Ann’s.