Dove Bank Primary School

Alex Canning

Chair of Governors

Alex has worked in education for 20 years, currently teaching Technology, Spanish, and ASDAN courses at a high school. She began as a governor when her children attended Castle Primary School and has continued due to her passion for community involvement. With six years of governance experience, Alex enjoys visiting schools, engaging with staff and students, and contributing to positive change. She also enjoys baking and arts and crafts.

Anthony Roche

Anthony is a qualified accountant with experience in both practice and the education sector. He became a parent governor at Dove Bank to support his children’s school and now also serves at Castle Primary. His governance roles include finance, pupil premium, personal development, and equality and diversity. Anthony enjoys sports, spending time with family, and is a Port Vale season ticket holder. He values collaboration and enjoys seeing children thrive through school events and initiatives.

Carly Dutton

Carly is a trained beauty therapist, children’s author and full-time mum, currently focused on parenting and community involvement and is eager to support the school and its pupils. Carly values personal growth and is excited to gain new skills through her role. Her interests include reading, writing, walking, and volunteering and is motivated to make a positive impact and step outside her comfort zone.

Gemma Plant

Gemma is a Product Manager with over 20 years’ experience in the banking and building society sector. Her role involves strategic thinking and governance, skills she now applies as a school governor. Raised in Kidsgrove, Gemma is passionate about supporting her community and helping children reach their potential. Though new to educational governance, she brings extensive committee experience from her professional life. With a personal connection to Dove Bank—her youngest son attends and her eldest recently graduated—Gemma is committed to helping the school thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and walking her two dogs.

Jessica Trevers

Jessica is a Strategic Risk Lead for a government department, where she assesses and manages risks impacting public services. With a background in safeguarding and experience at the NSPCC, she is deeply committed to protecting children's rights—a passion reflected in her undergraduate dissertation. Jessica joined Dove Bank with no prior school governor experience but brought valuable skills from her work in policy, delivery, and safeguarding. Over the past four years, her governance role has grown to include collaboration with Ofsted. She finds great fulfilment in helping children thrive in safe, positive environments. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys walking her dog, family outings with her daughter and two step-daughters, horse riding, and scuba diving.

Lucy Diggins

In her role as a private care assistant, Lucy provides personal and practical support to individuals in her local community, helping with daily living tasks. Passionate about education, she aims to positively impact children’s futures and support Dove Bank Primary School in achieving excellence. With a strong sense of community, she brings empathy, dedication, and a desire to give back. Her interests include reading, running, and gymnastics. Lucy is committed to contributing meaningfully to the school’s development.

Thomas Pear

Thomas is the Managing Director of Reliance Medical Ltd, overseeing global operations and strategic growth. He became a governor to support local education and currently chairs Dove Bank Primary School’s governing body. Thomas also serves as Chair at Smallwood Primary and is a governor at Castle Primary. His leadership and business acumen contribute to strategic guidance and accountability. He enjoys socializing, scuba diving, photography, and travel. Thomas finds fulfilment in supporting school leaders and seeing positive outcomes for pupils.