Meet Our Governors

Margaret Cunningham

I have lived in Withington for the last 30 years and have been a member of St Catherine's church community for as long as we have lived in Manchester.
I have worked in Catholic education all my life and for the last few years I was the Executive Headteacher of St Willibrord's and St Margaret Mary's Primary Schools. 
I am delighted to be a governor at St Ambrose RC Primary School. The children and staff have all made me feel very welcome and I am pleased to be a part of a great community!

Gabrielle Higham

Presently the CFO for a nationwide contract catering company specialising in the care, welfare and education market I have a multitude of experience in SME and private equity backed companies. I steer the strategic direction of the company along with my fellow shareholders.

I am an honours graduate from Liverpool Hope University and like many accountants started my career in one of the Big Five accounting firms but soon realised there were more exciting things to life so joined the world of business.

I live in the parish of St Ambrose and have two sons currently away at University.  My hobbies include yoga, ski-ing and music.

Francis O’Connor

I was co-opted as an Associate Governor in 2014.

I am a lifelong resident in the Didsbury area.  I am married, and have worked full-time for the Co-op since 1974.

I am a parishioner of St. Cuthbert’s Church, Withington, where I have been a reader and helper with Mass collections for many years. I am also a member of the St. Cuthbert’s branch of the St. Vincent de Paul Society which helps and befriends the poor in the community.

I am a member of a Co-op volunteer scheme helping five-year-old children with their reading.

I am proud to have been a member of Lancashire County Cricket Club since 1974. I also listen to a lot of music and I am an avid reader.  I enjoy concerts, theatre and the arts in general.

Laighton Walters

My name is Laighton Walters and I’m a parent governor as of Sep 15’ I have lived in Manchester for nearly 3 years with my wife and three children.  My children have been coming to St. Ambrose since that time. My full time job is an ‘Urban missionary’ that’s a posh way of saying work for God and Eden Merseybank.

I can be found most days on the Merseybank estate running the Den café, playing football and being part of the team who run Sunday church gatherings. I have lots of experience working with local families. If any parents would like to raise any questions or comments regarding school please chat to me - I am here to be your voice.

Helen Murphy

I am the staff representative on the Governing Body and sit on the Finance and Curriculum committees. I have been a governor for the past ten years and have enjoyed helping the school move forward. I grew up in Sale and now I live in Hulme.

John Connor

Currently head of Hale Prep. Prior to current appointment, head of a grammar school and deputy head of Xavier College Manchester. Author of a range of school text books both at primary and secondary levels. Extensive experience as a governor prior to appointment at St Ambrose.

Claire Wallace

I am delighted to have been appointed to the Governing Body of St Ambrose. As someone who has benefitted from a Catholic education, I see this as an opportunity to give something back to the community. I am a practising Catholic at the parish of St. Mary and St. Paul, Hyde. As a parent myself I understand the importance of a high quality primary education for our children. In my professional life I have been a teacher within the Catholic sector for over 20 years and have recently been appointed as Deputy Headteacher at The Barlow, Didsbury. I am looking forward to being part of the next stage of the St. Ambrose journey.

Tiffany Cooper-Jones

I was elected to be parent governor in April 2017 but have been a part of St Ambrose a lot longer. I have lived in Chorlton for 26 years and have been coming to St Ambrose for many years.  I currently have two children who attend St Ambrose and another child in high school.  

I am a friendly face and always open to discussions, so if there is ever anything I can help with please feel free to ask.