Members

Deborah Smith
Director of Education - The Manchester Diocese
Director of Education for Manchester Diocese from November 2019; previously worked as Deputy Director of Education for Carlisle Diocese. Over 30 years’ experience in education and has taught across Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 through to Higher Education. As a senior lecturer at Liverpool Hope University, delivered on both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. Achieved Master of Science degree in Education and is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching; also an experienced SIAMS inspector. Passionate about the way education can open opportunities for all children and supports the Church of England vision for education of ‘life in all its’ fullness’ being made available to all.

Mrs June Roberts
Chair of The Board of Directors (Trustees) - The Quill CofE Trust

Reverend Vincent Whitworth
Vicar at St. Bede Parish Church
Currently the Vicar of St. Bede Parish Church, and has been part of the St. Bede family since 2019. A Trust Member as well as serving on the Local Governing Board. Vast experience of governance in education; having served as a Governor, Trustee and Member of other schools and MATs within the Bolton area. Interested in further developing the school vision and the distinctive Christian Ethos of St. Bede C of E Primary Academy and the Trust. Regularly leads collective worship at St. Bede Academy and supports the amazing pupil 'Ethos' group there. Immensely proud of the relationship that St. Bede Church has with St. Bede Academy and is committed to developing this further in the years to come.

Venerable Simon Cook
Archdeacon of Bolton & Salford
Archdeacon of Salford and Bolton since August 2026. Prior to that served as Area Dean of Bolton from 2021, and before then as a Parish Priest in Bury for 10 years, and as a Curate in Salford for three years. Passionate about education and the difference it makes to young people, families and the wider communities around them – and the role of Church schools, in promoting the common good for people of all faiths and none, based on the teaching and example of Jesus Christ. Served as a Governor, Trustee and Member of a number of Primary, High Schools and Academy Trusts, and as a Trustee for several charities. Married to a Headteacher with two sons.
Vacant Position
Area Dean of Bolton
