Governors

Our Governing Body plays a vital role in the strategic leadership of the school, ensuring accountability, supporting the Headteacher, and helping to shape the vision and direction of our school community. Governors come from a range of backgrounds and bring diverse skills and experiences to support the school’s development and success.

We are committed to transparency and collaboration, and we welcome communication from parents, carers, and members of the community.

If you wish to contact any member of the Governing Body, please do so via the Clerk to Governors at: daniel.hitchin@evertonfreeschool.com

Profile
Sir John is one of a small, select band of educational professionals who have not only had their achievements recognised in the New Year’s Honours List (2003), but have been able to help and inspire others with their knowledge and passion. One of the most entertaining, inspiring and sought-after speakers on the global educational stage, his achievements and reputation for straigh0talking, leadership and creativity have led him to be invited on to a number of panels and think-tanks.

When Headteacher of three secondary schools over a period for 17 years, he was asked to join the government Policy Action Team for Neighbourhood Renewal at the Social Exclusion Unit. He was also a member of the Headteachers’ National Focus Group on Truancy and Exclusion and the Excellence in Cities Project at the DfES. Sir John was part of the National Remodelling Team and the Leadership and Development Unit sponsored by the National College for School Leadership.

Working part-time at the Centre for Educational Leadership at Manchester University, he presented on a range of programmes as well as designing and delivering a Master’s Course at Liverpool University focused on the leadership of change. A Non-Executive Director on the board of Aintree Hospitals Trust, he was also a Governor of two schools on Merseyside.

Sir John has written two books; ’Truancy and Exclusion: a teachers guide’ and the best-selling ‘The Magic-Weaving Business’ and has co-authored ‘Winning the H Factor: the secrets of happy schools’. He enjoys travelling, keeping fit, the theatre, golf, walking in the mountains and good food and wine. In his past he has played football semi-professionally and earned his living as a singer/guitarist in a rock duo! He is a season ticket holder for his beloved Everton and feels privileged to be Chair of the Board of Everton in the Community and a Governor at Everton Free School. John is also proud to be the Chancellor of Sefton’s Children University.

Governor profile 

Chief Executive Officer - Everton in the Community

Sue joined Everton in the Community over 11 years ago, initially as a programme manager before progressing to Director of Youth Engagement, Employability and Sports Development – a role which she held for ten years until her appointment as CEO in April 2022.   

Significant highlights under her tenure as CEO so far have included two award wins – Premier League’s Best Community Scheme at the Football Business Awards and Premier League Community Club of the Year at the Armstrong Projects NorthWest Football Business Awards.  

Sue continues to lead the charity’s ever-evolving vision, embracing the many opportunities presented by the new Bramley Moore Dock stadium, the Goodison Park Legacy Project and much more. 

Governor profile
Claire was appointed Principal of Everton Free School and Football College, having previously served the school for 12 years as Deputy Principal and Head of the Free School. Throughout her tenure, Claire has been instrumental in guiding the school’s remarkable journey, supporting both students and staff to achieve their best.

Passionate about helping every student realise their full potential, Claire has led the school through significant milestones, including a successful Ofsted inspection shortly after her appointment, where the school was judged Outstanding in all five categories. As the school joins The People’s Learning Trust, she remains committed to excellence in education, fostering a nurturing and ambitious environment.

Claire’s focus is on continuing to strengthen the school community, ensuring that every student develops into a confident, capable, and responsible young person. She is dedicated to building on the school’s successes and working collaboratively with staff, students, and families to make Everton Free School and Football College a truly inspiring place to learn and thrive.

Governor profile
This profile is currently in the process of being updated. Please check back later.

Governor profile
As a Teacher of English, Jacqui began her teaching career in 2008 when she graduated from Edge Hill University with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education for Secondary English. Previous study saw Jacqui complete a BA in English at Liverpool Hope University.

Jacqui worked across the boroughs of Liverpool, Sefton, and Knowsley between 2008 and 2013, teaching English Language, English Literature and Media Studies in mainstream education; she also became a Private Tutor for EAL students.

In 2014, Jacqui secured her position as an English Teacher for Everton Free School and Football College.  A year later, she progressed in her role to become Curriculum Leader for English; ten years on, and after completing the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership, Jacqui continues to lead a successful English Department alongside a team of committed and dedicated staff. She is extremely proud of the department and its’ ability to enhance the learning of all students through innovative, creative, and inclusive opportunities.

Jacqui’s other responsibilities include a position on the Governing Body as Staff Governor for Everton Free School, Professional Mentor for Trainee Teachers, and Induction Tutor for ECTs. Jacqui is a fully committed member of staff and she continues to support the advancement of the school and Football College.

James is an accomplished ACA-qualified accountant with over a decade of experience in the football industry.

His commitment to the school is deeply personal. As a Liverpool-based Evertonian, James understands the challenges and opportunities faced by young people in the area. He is passionate about ensuring that every student has access to a strong educational foundation and is eager to apply his financial expertise in a community setting.

As a school governor, James is dedicated to supporting sound financial decision-making, ensuring the effective use of resources, and helping to secure a bright, stable future for Everton Free School and Football College.

Jennifer has over 21 years of experience in operational delivery within the Civil Service, working closely with vulnerable people and families. They are currently specialising in Performance Management and bring a wealth of professional expertise to the Governing Body.

Appointed as a Parent Governor in March 2021, Jennifer provides a valuable parental perspective. She has completed Safeguarding Training and is currently undertaking the Autism Post Diagnostic Learning Programme for parents of autistic young people. As the Equality and Diversity Link Governor, Jennifer has a strong commitment to social justice and inclusion.

A single parent with a son who attended Everton Free School, Jennifer lives and works in Bootle. Her connection to the school is deeply personal, having witnessed firsthand how the school supported their son through challenges at mainstream schools, giving him hope and the opportunity to succeed.

Jennifer is passionate about supporting students to achieve their best outcomes and helping families navigate difficulties. She is proud to contribute to the continued development of Everton Free School as an outstanding alternative education provider and to be part of the Everton Family.

Governor profile

Noel was born in Cork City, Ireland, in 1956, into a large family of eight boys and one girl. His family emigrated to England in the 1960s, living in London (Croydon) and Kent. He studied at the University of Liverpool between 1976–1979 and, after graduation, worked in construction and youth work in London. During this time, he met his future wife, Yvette, and in 1981 they moved to Quimper, Brittany, France, where he taught English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Noel also returned briefly to Liverpool in 1982–83 to complete a PGCE at the University of Liverpool School of Education, before resuming teaching in French secondary schools for two years.

In 1987, Noel returned to Liverpool to focus on working with young people, beginning his career at Ruffwood School in Kirkby, teaching PE and French. He later joined the Senior Leadership team at Bowring School in Huyton, eventually becoming Deputy Head.

Noel’s personal experiences—growing up in modest circumstances in Ireland, emigrating to England, and benefiting from a fully funded public education that allowed six of his siblings to attend university debt-free—have shaped his lifelong commitment to social justice and equality of opportunity.

He has two daughters and two granddaughters, and in his spare time enjoys reading, cinema, and football. A lifelong supporter of Chelsea, he maintains a fond appreciation for the sport despite his allegiance.

Noel is delighted to contribute to the continued development of Everton Free School, supporting its mission to provide outstanding education and opportunities for all students.

Governor profile

Claire’s connection with Everton Free School began when her son joined the school. Within weeks, she recognised it as an outstanding environment for alternative education, which transformed her son’s view of learning and school.

Claire’s career in education spans many years and roles, both in the UK and abroad. She is a qualified NNEB Nursery Nurse and has progressed naturally through roles caring for and teaching young people of various ages. She has managed out-of-school and holiday clubs, qualified as a Tutor and Internal Quality Assurer (IQA), and delivered alternative education programmes. Her work has also included supporting vulnerable adults, including ex-offenders and Ukrainian communities. Currently, she works for the NHS as part of the fire safety team across five hospitals in Liverpool.

Claire became a governor to represent the voice of Alternative Provision students and their parents, ensuring that the school is held accountable for delivering on its commitments. She actively challenges the school to maintain high standards, always prioritising the needs and education of the students. As she says, “nothing but the best will do.”

Governor profile

Natalie Reeves Billing is a mum of two who grew up in the centre of Toxteth and describes herself as Scouse through and through. She is a multi award-winning children's author and social change ambassador. As the director of the Builder Book project she delivers tens of thousands of STEAM based resource packs and workshops each year to families from vulnerable communities across Merseyside, Cheshire, and Flintshire. 

Natalie is the creator of The Animates project, a digital art and storytelling project for primary schoolers which explores inclusive innovation and takes children on adventures into the workplace. Natalie is published by Andrews UK and Tiny Tree with her book series exploring emotions and perspectives. 

Natalie is an active Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside working regularly within the community,  and a governor of Everton FC's Free School, working with children who are outside the mainstream education system. She spends her free time hosting a community radio segment on Liverpool Live Radio and compiling a community column within the Liverpool Echo. 

Governor profile 

Michelle  is a Teacher and Curriculum Lead in Business, Careers, and Work-Related Learning at a secondary high school, with over 14 years of experience in secondary education. She is passionate about promoting inclusion and supporting students in their learning, while raising aspirations to inspire them to achieve great things.

Michelle is committed to supporting Everton Free School and Football College, students, parents, and carers in the local community by promoting opportunities for students to thrive both academically and in sport. She encourages not only elite performance but also participation, teamwork, and personal development.

She has been actively involved in creating opportunities for students to develop vital life skills and contribute to local community projects. As a Parent Governor, Michelle is dedicated to supporting both the school, college and the wider community in inspiring students to reach their full potential.

You can download our Memorandum and Articles of Association here.

Please click here to read the Declared Conflicts of interest register 2025-26.

Please click here to access the Governor code of conduct policy. 

You can download our Governor Record of Attendance at Full Governing Board here.

If you wish to contact a member of the governing body, please contact us here.

Please click here to access the The People's Learning Trust Scheme of Governance and Delegation document.