Daven Primary School

Mark Hill

Chair of Governors

Mark has had a distinguished career in aviation and defence, holding roles as Director, Consultant, and Program Manager. He volunteers with the Air Cadets and finds working with young people deeply rewarding. Though new to school governance, Mark brings extensive leadership and project management experience. He enjoys flying, aerobatics, classic cars, music, and cycling. As a parish councillor, he is active in the community and values the opportunity to support young people’s development through education.

Angela Gillespie

Angela is a senior residential children’s support worker in a therapeutic home, with prior roles as a specialist teaching assistant and residential special needs support worker. Appointed recently as a governor, she is passionate about supporting primary education and staying current with educational developments. Angela enjoys engaging with students, attending school celebrations, and contributing to panels such as suspensions and exclusions. Her hobbies include netball, walking, cooking, water sports, horse riding, and reading.

David Whitewright

David is a retired educator and mining engineer with a diverse career spanning teaching, quarry management, and international engineering roles in countries including South Africa, Zambia, and Sweden. With over two decades of experience as a school governor, including chair and vice-chair positions, David is dedicated to giving back to the community. His interests include walking, travelling, scouting, and spending time with his grandchildren. He is actively involved with Dane Valley Scouts and Congleton U3A.

John Mollard

John is a retired headteacher with a distinguished career spanning four permanent and three acting headships, including leadership of schools in Ofsted categories. He previously served as Senior Primary Adviser for Cheshire Local Authority and worked as a consultant on the Primary Leadership Programme. John holds the National Professional Qualification for School Inspectors and is a qualified School Improvement Partner. Passionate about education, he now works part-time at Havannah Primary School, supporting pupils’ emotional wellbeing. A resident within the school’s catchment area and former governor, he brings deep local insight and leadership experience. His current focus is on understanding governance within academy trusts and helping shape and support the governing body. John’s interests include walking, reading, genealogy, and art, reflecting his lifelong commitment to learning and community engagement.