School Governor promoted to Professor

Helen has been a governor at The Birkenhead Park School since February 2011. She was brought up in Huddersfield and studied Chemistry at UCL in London. Helen had research fellowships at Columbia University in New York and at Queen Mary, University of London, before joining the staff in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool. She is a specialist in the chemistry of the lanthanide elements (one of the rows at the bottom of the periodic table) and carries out a variety of research on their applications in catalysis and in materials for microelectronics. As well as teaching undergraduates, Helen runs many outreach activities for schools and colleges, with 'Noise Putty' being a particular favourite. Outside work, she enjoys hiking, cycling, gardening, bell ringing and, of course, being a governor here at The Birkenhead Park School.

Acting Headteacher, Helen Johnson said: “I am so pleased for Helen and want to congratulate her on this well-deserved promotion. Helen is a valued member of our local governing body and has been part of overseeing our continuing programme of improvement to provide the best possible education and opportunities for our students.”

Helen is one of five current governors, elected by Wirral Academy Trust. The Local Governing body also includes parent and staff governors and all the members have their own unique skills and areas of expertise. They work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to lead, manage and develop the school.