It is my honour to be Chair of Governors of our wonderful school. My children attended Holcombe Brook and I am passionate about working alongside the Leadership Team to ensure the best education possible for all children in our community. 

I am  Assistant Head at a secondary school in Leyland.

David Westerby

I became Headteacher of Holcombe Brook in September 2022. Prior to this, I worked for 18 years  in primary schools throughout the Royal Borough of Greenwich in South East London.

During my teaching career, I was an English specialist with an interest in developing children’s reading and writing through story telling, drama, film and art.  I was also fortunate to work as a facilitator on the National Professional Qualifications for school leaders, supporting local colleagues on the complex journey of leadership. 

I am passionate about inclusive classroom practice and providing a wonderful learning environment, where children can discover their interests, talents and develop a lifelong love of learning.

My youngest daughter attends Holcombe Brook and as a parent I was delighted to be able to support the school as a governor. Safeguarding children and promoting their right to access an inclusive and quality educational experience has been at the heart of my career. I have worked both directly with children and families and as a Service Manager for a large local authority.

I now run a small business delivering safeguarding support and training to schools and even manage to squeeze in some voluntary work with the NSPCC, a game of rounders and lots of dog walks.

I hope that my knowledge, experience, and passion for improving children’s outcomes will complement the work and skill set of the wider governing body.

Father of 3, educated locally, then the University of Liverpool and returned to the area in the early 1990’s where I’ve been ever since.

With a background in engineering, I’ve worked from shop floor to senior management, even a manager of a large local pub. I’m a company director for a small, local and long-established machinery business, dealing with all aspects of the company.

I became a parent-governor in 2008 to offer something back to the local community, school, pupils and parents alike.

I have been a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Holcombe Brook since 2015 after teaching for 11 years in a school in Lancashire. For the past 7 years I worked as either Assistant Head or Acting Deputy before being appointed Deputy Head in 2023. 

Since starting at Holcombe Brook I have been proud to be the Staff Governor, a role that underscores my dedication to collaborative decision- making and a commitment to representing the voices of our school’s invaluable team.

I have worked as a Key Stage 2 Moderator as well as SLE in Bury and have delivered training courses across the borough for ECTs and KS2 teachers. At Holcombe Brook, I currently lead KS1, Curriculum, Assessment, Music, and Pupil Premium. 

Both my children currently attend Holcombe Brook in Year 6 and Reception and I am the Staff representative on our very active and supportive PTA.

I am passionate about about empowering children, enabling them to showcase their capabilities and develop confidence in their own abilities. 

My governor appointment at Holcombe Brook began in 2017, when my daughter started in Reception at the school. Being a governor and a parent at the school is  a great privilege, where the love of learning is instilled in every pupil. 

I am passionate about education and currently teach Design & Technology and Construction at a local secondary school. Prior to becoming a teacher, I held a management role as an Associate Interior Designer at a large architect practice in Manchester. 

I am a father of three children, all of whom attend Holcombe Brook. As a parent, I am really proud of how well my children have settled within both the school and the nursery. It has been clear how much all staff care for the children’s welfare and education. Throughout the last few years, I have attended many PTA events and it is clear to see the value this has for the children, staff and the wider community. In addition, I have  seen how a strong parent community and Board of Governors can help shape, add value to the school, and provide more opportunities for all the pupils. 

Having over 15 years experience working within an education setting, I currently work as a Head of House at a high school in Lancashire. Furthermore, I also have experience of working the the 3rd sector for Home-Start leading on a project working within perinatal mental health on the Dad Matters project across Greater Manchester. These opportunities have provided me with transferable skills: data management, managing pupils and staff, knowledge of the education system and crucially, effective support for young people and their families. 

I feel confident that my previous experience – together with a desire to support the current ethos will continue to help shape the future of our fantastic school.