Governors
I’m thrilled to be part of the Pioneer House community.
I retired in August 2025 after a 20-year career in commercial finance at B&Q and 20 years working in education. During my time in education, I spent many years as a School Business Manager and finished my career as a Head of Finance for the Prospere Learning Trust. I have significant experience working within special schools. I’m delighted to bring this experience to Pioneer House to help manage resources, so every student has what they need to thrive. I truly believe that every child deserves an exceptional education and the right support to reach their full potential. It is great to be working with such a dedicated group of governors to guide the school's future.
Outside of my governor role, I’m following another passion and setting up a part-time reflexology business.
I have 16 years of experience in education, working across mainstream and specialist settings.
I am currently a SENDCo and Assistant Headteacher in a mainstream secondary school with an attached resource provision. As a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in SEND, inclusion, and safeguarding.
Inclusion is also personal to me. As a parent of two children with additional needs and someone who is partially deaf, I understand the importance of removing barriers and creating opportunities for every child to succeed.
As a governor, I want to use my experience to support schools in ensuring all pupils feel safe, included, and able to access an education that prepares them with the skills, confidence, and independence they need for adulthood.
I became a Governor because I am passionate about improving educational outcomes for all children and young people, and I believe that effective governance plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of a school.
I am committed to ensuring that every decision made by the governing body reflects the best interests of pupils and supports them to achieve both academically and personally.
I have worked in primary education for over 16 years and am currently a Year 6 teacher at St. Mary's CE Primary School in Manchester. Alongside my teaching role, I lead Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education, Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE), Mental Health and Wellbeing, and UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools. These leadership responsibilities have given me extensive experience in developing inclusive curricula, promoting pupil voice and ensuring that children's rights, wellbeing and personal development remain at the heart of school life.
Throughout my career, I have been passionate about creating environments where every child feels safe, valued and able to succeed. As a UNICEF Lead, I have worked closely with staff, pupils and the wider community to embed children's rights across the school, encouraging pupils to become compassionate, responsible and active global citizens. My work in PSHE and Mental Health has enabled me to support the development of whole-school approaches that foster resilience, emotional wellbeing and positive relationships, helping pupils develop the knowledge and confidence they need both inside and outside the classroom.
I hold a degree in Primary Education and have undertaken a range of professional development in safeguarding, mental health, leadership and inclusive practice. Working in a diverse school community has strengthened my understanding of the importance of equity, inclusion and high expectations for every learner, regardless of their background or starting point.
As a Governor at Pioneer House High School, I have responsibility for Quality of Education, 16–19 Provision and Performance Management. These areas particularly interest me because they have a direct impact on pupils' life chances, ensuring that teaching remains of the highest quality and that young people are well prepared for further education, employment and independent adulthood. I enjoy working collaboratively with school leaders and fellow governors, providing both support and appropriate challenge to help drive continuous improvement.
I am proud to be part of a governing body that shares a commitment to excellence, inclusion and opportunity. I look forward to using my professional experience, educational leadership and passion for improving outcomes to support Pioneer House High School in continuing to provide the very best education and care for every pupil.
My name is Vicky Hollingsworth and I’m new to the governing body joining in 2025, I’m a parent governor and feel honoured for the opportunity to have an insight into to my foster child education and growth within the college.
I feel I can give a honest representation into the challenges facing children in the care system and how they and their carers can best be supported.
I’ve have experience working in temporary accommodation and the Leaving Care service as well as returning to education as an adult learner and gaining a degree in Social Work. I’ve fostered for over 23 years and cared for many neurodiverse children and young people. I’m also a foster carer ambassador raising awareness around fostering and meeting families and individuals considering fostering, sharing my experiences and reduce misconceptions, while supporting recruitment.
I look forward to my role as parent governor making a positive contribution where I can.
I became a Governor in 2020 as I had a desire to connect and leverage my skills more broadly across my local community.
I juggle my role as a Governor with a career in Learning & Development, as well as looking after two young children. With over 11 years leading in the financial services sector and more than a decade in Learning and Development, specifically focused in Leadership Development, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. With my ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, coupled with my coaching skills, I hope to facilitate open discussions and encourage alternative viewpoints.
I became a Governor in 2024 as I wanted to be more involved with the community and education.
While at university, I tutored in primaries, secondaries, and independent schools across Greater Manchester. Ever since, I continued my involvement in education, working in digital marketing for education charities. I'm passionate about addressing education inequality and reducing barriers to opportunities. I'm keen to bring my varied education, marketing, and communication experience to the Pioneer Governing board. It's great to be part of an enthusiastic governing board for an exciting school like Pioneer House.
I became a Staff Governor because I wanted to contribute to the strategic development of our school and support the excellent work that takes place every day.
As a member of staff, I value the opportunity to represent my colleagues while helping to ensure that decisions made by the governing body always have the best interests of our pupils at their heart.
I have worked in education for over 16 years, with the majority of my career dedicated to supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Throughout this time, I have developed a strong understanding of the importance of providing an inclusive, nurturing environment where every pupil can achieve their potential.
I am currently a TA4 with responsibility for attendance, a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), and I chair Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) reviews for our pupils. These roles have given me valuable experience in working closely with families, external professionals and colleagues to ensure that children receive the support they need to thrive both academically and personally.
I hold a degree in Education and Special Educational Needs and have recently completed a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health. I am passionate about promoting positive outcomes for all pupils and recognise the vital role that attendance, safeguarding and effective multi-agency working play in helping children succeed.
As a Staff Governor, I hope to use my knowledge, experience and commitment to support the continued development of our school. I am proud to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and governors who share a common goal of providing the very best education, care and opportunities for every child.