Steve McNorton

Having been the Safeguarding Governor at Merefield since 2014 and the Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors for several years, I was elected as Chair of the Board in July 2025. This followed the retirement of Brenda Porter who had served in that role for many years.

Of course, in October 2025 we joined Southport Learning Trust as an Academy and consequently I was appointed a Trustee of that Trust, as are all the Chairs of Governors for all the schools in the Trust. This broader role has put me on a steep learning curve whilst our school has quickly been embedded into the Trust. The support we are given by the Trust is excellent and they have fully taken and used the experience of Merefield leaders and staff to the benefit of all the other schools in the Trust.

My background is in policing. I joined Merseyside Police in the 70’s, ending up as Inspector, latterly in charge of Neighbourhood policing for Ainsdale, Birkdale and (sometimes) Formby. My experience was across the board as I was operational for 25 of my 30 years service. The other five were spent in police training. I did have a lot of contact with specialised police units in Child Protection, Missing Persons and had plenty of involvement with social services and mental health services. Hence, I was put forward for a Safeguarding role.

We are very lucky to have such an excellent school and I will commit to maintaining the incredibly high standards that have been set by ALL the staff at our school.

Karen Roberts

I have been a parent Governor at Merefield for over 12 years and my son who has complex needs has been a pupil here for over 16 years.

I have been a foster carer for many years and have had lots of children with various needs of care. My past roles have been a therapeutic social worker, and worked in a boarding school environment.

I do safeguarding in children’s work and vulnerable adults in various roles through church and Royal Rangers. I have a passion for supporting the school in caring for our children and supporting Parents views.

Karen Roberts

Kate Campbell

I was born and educated in Southport, and I have spent the past 20 years teaching in schools across both Liverpool and Southport. During this time, I have been privileged to work in a range of leadership roles, including Assistant Headteacher, Subject Leader, and, more recently, SENDCo.

I currently work within the Southport Learning Trust at Greenbank High School. As a parent of two boys—one attending Birkdale High School and one a pupil at Merefield School—I have a strong personal connection to the community and a deep commitment to supporting its young people.

It is an honour to serve as a governor, and I am proud to contribute to the continued success and wonderful ethos of Merefield School.

Lesley Hall

Joanne Sharpe

Martin Blair

I have been a Co-opted Governor at Merefield School for several years and feel very proud to be part of such a special community. As a parent of a child at the school, I see first-hand the care, dedication and positivity that make Merefield such a wonderful place for children to learn and grow.

I am always struck by how well the staff know each child as an individual, and the genuine care and encouragement they provide every day. There is a real sense of ambition for every pupil to achieve their very best, alongside a nurturing and supportive environment. As a Governor, my aim is to support the school in continuing to flourish and to help ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

In my professional role, I work with schools and academy trusts to support recruitment of senior leaders. I believe strongly in the power of education and understand the challenges schools face, and I bring this experience into my role as a Governor to support the school as effectively as I can.”

Pam Moxon

I have been a co-opted governor of Merefield School for the past 4 years.

I am a retired primary school teacher. I enjoyed my many years teaching, which included experience with a wide range of physical and mental abilities.

I have 2 children and 3 grand children and we enjoy lots of family times together. My hobbies include sewing, cooking, pilates and swimming. I am an active member of Ainsdale in Bloom. I enjoy being part of a team, the community and especially my time in Merefield, where I have seen how each child is encouraged to reach their full potential and be valued. Both staff and pupils work together as a team.

Lesley Delves

Darren Holloran

Denise Clarke

Lynne Thompson

Gemma Parker