Mrs Nicola Pugh

I hold a degree in Business and Financial Management and have over 37 years of experience working in Local Government and the Civil Service. I bring a wealth of leadership, governance and strategic management experience to my role as the Chair of Governing Board.

My connection with Parkfield Primary School began in 1997 when my eldest child started in Reception. As a parent of three children who all attended the school, I joined the governing  board in 1997/98 to support the continued success of a school that has played an important role in my family's life. I have had the privilege of serving as the Chair of Governors since 2016.

I am proud to work alongside a dedicated governing board, an exceptional Headteacher and a highly talented staff team who are all committed to providing the very best education and opportunities for every child. The governing boards role is to provide strategic leadership, ensuring that the school continues to thrive and deliver the highest standards of education.

Whilst raising standards and supporting pupils to achieve their full academic potential are key priorities, I am equally passionate about the strong programme of enrichment and wider learning opportunities that Parkfield offers. I firmly believe that these experiences help children to develop PARK qualities and the skills they need to succeed in the future. This commitment to educating the whole child is one of the qualities that makes Parkfield Primary School such a special place.

Outside of my role as Chair of Governors, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our three children and our two small grandchildren. I  also have a black Labrador called Poppy, who is happiest when she's chasing a ball and loves to go swimming.

Mr Mark Blackburn

Information coming soon.

Mrs Caroline Lawson

Hello, I’m Caroline Lawson, and I’m proud to serve as a Governor at Parkfield Primary school. I bring over twenty years of engineering and leadership experience. Throughout my career, I’ve led teams, supported people’s development, and helped deliver major complex projects—all of which have strengthened my passion for problem‑solving, collaboration, and helping others thrive.

My professional background has given me a strong understanding of planning, organisation, and clear communication, and I enjoy putting these skills to good use in my governor role. I’m particularly interested in ensuring that processes run smoothly, supporting staff, and helping create an environment where every child can succeed.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, whether that involves sharing a meal, socialising, or simply catching up. I also take great pleasure in walking the dog, cooking, and hosting, and I particularly value the opportunity to bring people together in a welcoming home environment. In addition, I enjoy travelling and planning future journeys, as well as undertaking household DIY projects, where I am always keen to design, improve, and create.

I am delighted to contribute to the school and look forward to continuing to support its ongoing development and the success of all its pupils.

Mrs Sue Kent

Before joining the Governing Board at Parkfield I had never even thought about being a Governor but after a 30 year career in the automotive industry and living all around the UK plus Spain, Hungary and Chile I semi-retired back in my home town of Middleton to look after my ageing parents and looked for ways to “give back” to my local area.

For many years I have volunteered at The Christie and arranged Christmas present collections for the Women’s Refuges around Manchester but really wanted to add value to my home town and found myself joining the Governing Board at Parkfield in 2018.

With my experience of education limited to my own personal development it has been challenging at times but really rewarding. It’s an absolute pleasure to spend time with the incredibly caring and talented staff and in my position as Safeguarding Link Governor with additional responsibility for SEND I’ve learnt a huge amount from the Parkfield team.

It’s so nice to interact with the children during the school day and see how polite and attentive they are in class, the great relationships they have with their teachers and how they enjoy coming to school and learning in a supportive environment.

Before joining the Governing Board I had no personal connection to Parkfield but the school, pupils and staff are now firmly personal connections.

Mr Kevin Langan

Information coming soon.

Mr Rob Dugdill

I am proud to be a governor at Parkfield Primary School and have been in the role for over five years.

I work at a local further education college, supporting young people and apprentices as they prepare for their future careers. My role there gives me a good understanding of the skills pupils will need as they move on in their education, and I bring this into my role as a governor. I work with school leaders and other governors to support the school, while also asking questions to help it improve.

I am particularly keen to make sure all children feel safe, supported and able to do their best. I’m proud to be part of the Parkfield community and to help the school continue to grow.

Mr Andrew Pollit

I am delighted to have been elected as a Governor at Parkfield Primary School in Autumn 2024 and I am keen to contribute to the continued success of the school. I am a Scientist having worked across Europe but finally settling here in Middleton. I work in the healthcare sector, and I also teach at a local University - I hope to bring the wealth of knowledge, experience and skills that I have built up throughout my career to the role of Governor, for the benefit of our school. I am also a parent, having a son at Parkfield and another son who I would very dearly like to join us when he reaches school age. I have a strong passion for social justice and fairness, I want our children, from our community, to get the very best education that we can achieve together. 

Mr Simon Haughton

I currently have over 25 years of association with Parkfield: I was a pupil here myself as a child for five years and have now been working here as an adult for 20 years. In my job as a teaching assistant, I enjoy working in every class teaching Computing lessons, running themed ‘ed-venture’ days with Years 1-6, managing all of the ICT resources and updating the school’s website. I have had the pleasure of getting to know many Parkfielders over the last two decades, including watching them: grow, develop and shine on their path through the school.

With this strong commitment to Parkfield and my awareness of many aspects of school life and its community, I feel confident and passionate in being able to share my vast knowledge to support the governing body’s functions. I am keen to ensure that all children make good progress in their attainment as well as receive an exciting, ambitious education full of ‘memorable moments’ of learning – as such, I strive to ensure that my contribution to governor’s meetings is comprehensive and has a positive impact in helping Parkfield’s future developments and initiatives.

Mr Marc Kemp

I am proud to serve as a governor at Parkfield Primary School, where I also work as the Headteacher. I have been part of the Parkfield community since 2010, initially joining as Deputy Headteacher before becoming Headteacher in 2019. Throughout this time, I have developed a deep understanding of the school, its values and the community it serves.

As a governor, I bring a strong focus on school improvement, safeguarding and ensuring that every child receives the highest quality education. I work closely with fellow governors and school leaders to provide strategic direction, challenge and support, ensuring that our decisions always put the needs of our Parkfielders first. I am passionate about creating an inclusive environment where all children can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Mrs Sophie Clawson

I feel privileged to be both Deputy Headteacher and Staff Governor at Parkfield. My roles allow me to play a part in shaping the future of our school community through supporting the strategic direction of the school alongside the wellbeing and development of both staff and students. Being in this position, gives me the opportunity to contribute to meaningful decisions, champion the voices of both pupils and colleagues, and help create a positive, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.   

I began my teaching career in 2016 teaching in both key stage 1 and key stage 2 before joining Parkfield in 2022 as Year 6 class teacher prior to becoming Deputy Headteacher. I believe every child deserves to be heard, valued, and receive a high quality education and I am committed to creating opportunities for all pupils to express themselves with confidence and purpose. I am passionate about fostering a love of reading, empowering pupil voice, and promoting oracy as a vital life skill. Building positive relationships across the school community is central to my role, alongside clear communication and acting as a link between staff and governors. I am committed to ensuring pupils, regardless of their background or starting point, achieve their potential during their journey as a Parkfielder. As a Governor and school leader, I conduct myself with integrity, empathy, and always put pupils first in any decision making.