Governors
(which, in the case of a single academy trust, are synonymous with Trustees and Directors) are responsible for the strategic direction and governance of the Academy; our Governors serve a two-year term. Elected Governors then run for re-election if they so choose, while appointed Governors may be reappointed by the Members if they accept to be reappointed. The ‘Date Appointed’ is the start date of their most recent period of continuous service.
Members
are the nominal shareholders of the organisation effectively ensuring that the ethos and educational objectives of the academy are sustained. Members also appoint all non-elected Governors to the Board who are not externally appointed. Our Academy has 6 members.
Committees
are responsible for a given area of governance and report to the Board of Governors. Participants in the committee are determined by the Governors and the majority of the participants in a committee must be Governors. Maharishi School Trust has one committee, the Finance Committee, which makes recommendations to the Board on both financial and human resource matters; this Committee is currently Chaired by Dr Ian Birnbaum, OBE.
Maharishi School has 3 Layers of Governance
| Chair of Trustees | |||||
| Name | Appointed by | From | To | Link Governor Roles | |
|
Ian Birnbaum OBE
|
Ian serves as the Chair of Governors, an annual appointment elected by the Governing Body. He also chairs the Finance Committee. A retired Local Authority Chief Inspector and Director of Children's Services, Ian joined the board out of a deep commitment to Consciousness-Based Education (CbE) and a desire to use his senior leadership experience to benefit the school. With strong statistical and IT skills, Ian compiles the school's termly assessment analyses. His distinguished career includes developing the unified school admissions system for London and its surrounding counties, for which he was awarded an OBE for services to local government. Ian has lived in Skelmersdale since retiring in 2010. He has practised Transcendental Meditation (TM) since 1976 and the advanced TM-Sidhi programme since 1979, utilising his extensive experience with complex public systems to provide robust strategic leadership. |
Academy Members (Chair of Governors) | 17 October 2024 | 16 October 2027 | Quality of Teaching (including Pupil Premium and Looked-After Children) |
| Trustees | |||||
|
Audrey O'Neill
|
Audrey is a long-term staff member at the Maharishi School, where she teaches History to Years 7–11 and serves as the school’s Attendance Officer. She has contributed her unique insights to the Governing Body as a Staff Governor for several years. Audrey stepped into governance to advocate for an educational environment where Maharishi's knowledge forms the core framework. Having experienced extensive personal benefits from Transcendental Meditation across all aspects of her life, she finds immense fullfilment in seeing young people grow up with access to TM. Outside of the classroom and her governance responsibilities, Audrey stays active through regular exercise and enjoys social dancing as a hobby. |
Appointed by academy members | 5 November 2022 | 4 November 2026 | |
|
Claire Latham
|
Originally from Skelmersdale, Claire studied for her degree as a mature student at the Liverpool Institute of Higher Education before completing her PGCE to begin her teaching career. She recently retired after more than 25 years of dedicated service in Skelmersdale schools. Throughout her distinguished career, Claire served as a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) for 20 years. To support this work and develop an in-depth expertise, she completed Postgraduate Certificates in both SEND Coordination and SpLD (Dyslexia). For the final 15 years of her career, she also held the vital responsibility of Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Claire was delighted to join the governing body in 2024. Having followed the school's journey for many years, she has a strong interest in Transcendental Meditation and its positive impact on student well-being and learning accessibility. Since retiring, she enjoys spending her free time walking, attending yoga classes, reading, and crafting. |
Appointed by academy members | 1 September 2024 | 31 August 2026 | Safeguarding, Behaviour & Attitudes |
|
Claire Winteringham
|
Claire has served as an Academy Appointed Governor since 2022, building on a long history of dedication to the school’s Governing Body over the years. A Skelmersdale resident since 1984, she has a rich association with the school as a parent, grandparent, part-time teacher, and active volunteer in fundraising and school liaison. |
Appointed by academy members | 7 January 2024 | 6 January 2028 | |
|
Gwyndaf Evans
|
Gwyndaf learned Transcendental Meditation in 1975 while working in Canada as a systems engineer. Inspired by the profound health and personal benefits of the practice. He returned to the UK to train as a certified TM teacher, dedicated to sharing this knowledge.
|
Appointed by academy members | 11 December 2023 | 10 December 2027 | |
|
Julian Lees
|
Julian brings a long-standing, deep connection to both the Maharishi School and the wider Skelmersdale community, having been an active member since relocating to Skelmersdale in 1981. As the parent of two daughters who attended the Maharishi School during the late 1990s and 2000s, Julian has witnessed the institution's growth and development first-hand. His professional background includes working for Maharishi Ayurveda Products. Now retired, Julian maintains an active interest in computer technology, arts, and culture, and co-runs a local book club with his wife. He is deeply committed to supporting the welfare of pupils and strengthening the wider school community. |
Appointed by academy members | 1/9/2024 | 31/8/2026 |
Wellbeing, Allergy Safety |
|
Laura Gaskell
|
Laura proudly serves on the governing body as a Staff Governor, a role that complements her position as the Deputy Headteacher of the Primary Phase. Her primary objective on the board is to ensure a seamless connection between day-to-day classroom realities and the strategic vision of the governing body, driving optimal outcomes for all pupils. With a dedicated career centered on primary education and school leadership, Laura brings specialised professional expertise in curriculum development, pedagogy, and data analysis. These skills allow her to provide deep insights into teaching and learning, measure the impact of educational initiatives, and offer constructive support and challenge to the leadership team. Laura is deeply connected to the local area and loves being an active part of the community. Outside of school, she enjoys exploring the countryside and going on adventures with her family. |
Appointed by academy members | 1 February 2026 | 31 January 2028 | |
|
Lisa Edwards
|
Lisa has proudly served as the Headteacher of the Maharishi School since September 2016. In her ex-officio role on the governing body, she serves as a vital link between strategic governance and daily school operations, setting a clear vision aligned with the school's unique, consciousness-based ethos while ensuring all pupils thrive. With a distinguished career in education spanning 30 years, Lisa spent two decades as a languages teacher and Head of Department across several secondary schools in the North West before taking the helm at the Maharishi School. Personally, Lisa has practiced Transcendental Meditation (TM) since 2011 and is currently training to become a certified TM teacher—a journey that deeply enriches her alignment with the school's philosophy. Outside of school, she enjoys property development, interior design, losing herself in literature and music, and spending quality time with her family. |
Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principal | 1 September 2016 | Not recorded | |
|
Lisa Vicki Walters
|
Lisa joined the governing body to help bridge the day-to-day reality of the classroom with the school’s strategic vision, ensuring that student success and well-being remain at the core of every decision. With extensive professional experience in secondary school leadership and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Lisa specialises in curriculum development, inclusion, and student welfare. She brings grounded, data-informed insights and a deep understanding of complex educational needs to the board, supporting robust, practical decisions that drive continuous school improvement. Having lived and worked in the local area for over 30 years, Lisa is deeply invested in the growth and success of the community. Outside of her governance role, she enjoys walking in the local countryside, sewing, and spending time with her family. |
Appointed by academy members | 11 December 2023 | 10 December 2025 | |
|
Maranna Ingram
|
Mareanna brings nearly 27 years of deep dedication and service to the Maharishi School community. Having previously reported to the Governing Body in her former role as Head of Consciousness-Based Education (CbE), she stepped into governance to support the school's strategic development and long-term well-being. Alongside her role on the board, Mareanna is actively involved in daily school life as a geography teacher, Careers Lead, and Manager of the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award programme. Mareanna has lived in Skelmersdale since 1993. Outside of her school responsibilities, she is highly passionate about protecting and nurturing the local environment as well as supporting the wider community. |
Appointed by academy members | 6 May 2025 | 5 May 2027 | |
|
Richard William Buswell
|
Richard learned Transcendental Meditation while studying physics at university, later earning an MSc in Solid State Electronics. He qualified as a TM teacher in 1974, teaching part-time across the North West. As one of the founding parents who established the Maharishi School in 1985, Richard has maintained a lifelong commitment to the institution, actively supporting its transition to a Free School in 2011. Both of his daughters attended the school from Reception through to Year 11. Professionally, Richard began his career at Philips before founding and operating an industrial electronic controls manufacturing business for 40 years. In 1977, he served as the chief video engineer at Maharishi’s international headquarters in Switzerland. He also co-directed a property management company in Cumbria for 20 years. In his governance role, Richard serves as the Link Governor for both Cybersecurity and Careers. He also volunteers his technical expertise to maintain the audio and video equipment at the Skelmersdale Dome. His personal interests include woodwork, engineering, learning modern Greek, and playing, making, and restoring musical instruments. |
Appointed by academy members | 13 October 2025 | 12 October 2027 | Cybersecurity, Careers |
|
Rosie Marriott
|
Rosemary was appointed to the Governing Body in 2021, bringing a wealth of educational experience and a deep commitment to the school's mission. She retired from teaching at the Maharishi School in 2016, having taught French and Consciousness-Based Interdisciplinary Studies (Cbids) for 20 years. Both of her sons are proud alumni of the school. Before moving to Skelmersdale in 1981, Rosemary served as the Centre Chairperson of the Sheffield TM Centre, teaching Transcendental Meditation to numerous individuals across South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. Her extensive experience as a TM teacher fuelled her enthusiasm for supporting the Maharishi School from its very beginning. On the governing body, she combines her classroom experience with her profound understanding of TM to offer invaluable guidance. Outside of her school involvement, Rosemary is a keen cook, walker, and swimmer, and loves working on creative sewing projects. In 2019, she wrote and self-published a vegetarian cookbook, donating all of the profits (over £300) directly to support the school. |
Appointed by academy members | 31 January 2026 | 30 January 2028 | |
|
Carmel Louise McCloskey
|
Louise joined the governing body as a Parent Governor, bringing first-hand experience as a parent of five children who have attended the Maharishi School. This personal journey has given her a deep, practical understanding of how different children learn, develop, and grow, placing her in an ideal position to advocate for the educational and developmental needs of all pupils. With the school’s core vision and philosophy always at the forefront of her mind, Louise is dedicated to helping students build strong life skills and a lasting spiritual appreciation. She believes these qualities are essential for preparing young people to enter the wider world with the confidence to lead fulfilling lives and positively influence those around them. Professionally, Louise draws upon a strong clinical background, which provides her with extensive experience in organisational governance, team cohesion, and active listening. She is eager to apply these collaborative skills to support the school’s leadership and ongoing success. |
Elected by parents | 13 February 2026 | 12 February 2028 | Leadership & Management |
|
Nathaniel William Toby Mercer (Toby)
|
Toby serves as a Parent Governor with a long-term vision of fostering a deep sense of community within the school. Professionally, he teaches Consciousness-based Life Skills (CbLS) in the Secondary School, where he established the Student Council to elevate the student voice and connect it directly to staff and leadership. Deeply involved across all levels of school life, Toby helped launch the Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) and currently serves as its Chair. In his governance role, he acts as the Link Governor for Fundraising, aligning closely with the PTFA's seasonal celebrations that bring families together through music, food, and festivities. Toby has lifelong roots in the Transcendental Meditation community; his parents were community directors, and his father taught at the school for nine years. Carrying forward this rich family legacy, Toby is dedicated to preparing today’s children to live a connected, community-oriented life. |
Appointed by academy members | 14 February 2025 | 13 February 2027 | Fundraising |
|
Daniel Stephen McArthur-Greenall
|
Dan joined the board out of a passion for enrichment education, aiming to ensure students graduate with the practical skills, experiences, and confidence required for future success. A former secondary school teacher, Dan currently works professionally within the personal development and careers education sector. In his governance role, he established a staff working group dedicated to shaping the school's 'Wholeness Education' approach, ensuring all students benefit from meaningful cultural experiences alongside strong career guidance. Dan is a keen rock climber and outdoor enthusiast. As a parent of two young children, he is deeply motivated to contribute to the long-term strength and quality of education within his local community. |
Appointed by academy members | 12 December 2024 | 11 December 2026 | Personal Development |
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|
Name |
Appointed by |
From |
|---|---|---|
|
Richard William Buswell
|
Chair Original (signatory) members |
1 September 2011 |
|
Ian Birnbaum
|
Appointed by academy members |
1 September 2011 |
|
James Scott
|
Original (signatory) members |
1 September 2011 |
|
Gwyndaf Evans
|
Original (signatory) members |
1 September 2011 |
| Ged Valente | Appointed by academy members |
1 September 2023
|
| William Graham Orr | Appointed by academy members |
1 September 2023
|
|
Barry Spivack
|
Appointed by academy members | 19 November 2025 |
| Elizabeth Ann Dent | Appointed by academy members | 6 March 2025 |
|
Paul Magee
|
Attends meetings as clerk to members |
|
Name |
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Dr Ian Birnbaum
|
Chair 01/09/2011 |
Not recorded |
|
Richard Buswell
|
01/09/2011 | Not recorded |
|
James Scott
|
01/09/2011 | Not recorded |
| Keith Garrity | 16/10/2025 | |
|
Chris Hodkinson
|
16/08/2025 | |
|
Lisa Edwards - Accounting officer
|
From: 1 September 2016 |
Not recorded |
|
Paul Alexander Magee - Chief financial officer
|
From: 1 September 2022 |
Not recorded |
| Name | Date of Appointment | Term of Office | Appointed by: | Role | GB Meeting Attendance 2024 -2025 | GB Meetings Attendance 2025-2026 | |
| Dr. Ian Brian Birnbaum OBE
|
1st September 2011
Re-appointed 22nd September 2024 |
2 Years | Appointed by Governing Body | Chair of The Governing Body
Quality of Education Link Governor |
17/10/24 ✓ 12/12/24 ✓ 13/2/25 ✓ 27/3/25 ✓ 22/5/25 ✓ 3/7/25✓ |
16/10/2025 ✓11/12/2025 ✓05/02/2026 ✓19/03/2026 ✓ 21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ |
|
| Paul Magee
|
22nd September 2022 | N/A | Governing Body | Company Secretary |
17/10/24 ✓ 12/12/24 ✓ 13/2/25✓ 27/3/25 ✓ 22/5/25 ✓ 3/7/25✓ |
16/10/2025 ✓ 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026 ✓21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ | |
| Lisa Edwards
|
1st September 2016 | N/A | Headteacher Ex-officio Governor | Headteacher |
17/10/24 ✓ 12/12/24 ✓ 13/2/25✓ 27/3/25 ✓ 22/5/25 ✓ 3/7/25✓ |
16/10/2025 ✓ 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026✓ 21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ |
|
| Mareanna Ingram
|
8th May 2013
Re-appointed 6th May 2025 |
2 Years | Board of Members | Staff Governor |
17/10/24 ✓ 12/12/24 ✓ 13/2/25✓ 27/3/25 ✓ 22/5/25 ✓ 3/7/25x |
16/10/2025 ✓ 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026 x 21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ |
|
| Richard William Buswell
|
20th October 2015
Re-appointed 13th October 2025 |
2 Years | Board of Members | Appointed Governor
Vice Chair IT Early Years Link Governor |
17/10/24 ✓ 12/12/24 ✓ 13/2/25✓ 27/3/25 X 22/5/25 ✓ 3/7/25✓ |
16/10/2025 ✓ 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026 ✓ 21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ |
|
| Gwyndaf Evans
|
6th February 2004
Re-appointed 10th December 2023 |
2 Years | Board of Members | Appointed Governor |
17/10/24 ✓ 12/12/24 ✓ 13/2/25x 27/3/25 X 22/5/25 X 3/7/25 X |
16/10/2025 X 11/12/2025 X 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026 ✓ 21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ |
|
| Lisa Vicki Walters
|
1st November 2012
Re-appointed 11th December 2023 |
2 Years | Board of Members | Appointed Governor |
17/10/24 ✓ 12/12/24 ✓ 13/2/25✓ 27/3/25 ✓ 22/5/25 ✓ 3/7/25✓ |
16/10/2025 x 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026 ✓21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ | |
| Claire Winteringham
|
6th January 2020
Re-appointed 7th January 2024 |
2 Years | Board of Members | Appointed
Governor |
17/10/24 12/12/24 ✓ 13/2/25✓ 27/3/25 ✓ 22/5/25 ✓ 3/7/25 ✓ |
16/10/2025 ✓ 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026 ✓21/05/2026x 02/07/2026 ✓ | |
| Audrey O’Neill
|
5th November 2020
Re-appointed 5th November 2024 |
2 Years | Board of Members | Staff Governor |
17/10/24 ✓ 12/12/24 ✓ 13/2/25✓ 27/3/25 ✓ 22/5/25 ✓ 3/7/25 ✓ |
16/10/2025 ✓ 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026 ✓ 21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ |
|
| Laura Gaskell
|
1st February 2024 | 2 Years | Board of Members | Staff Governor |
17/10/24 ✓ 12/12/24 ✓ 13/2/25✓ 27/3/25 X 22/5/25 ✓ 3/7/25 ✓ |
16/10/2025 ✓ 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026 ✓ 21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ |
|
| Rosie Marriott
|
31st January 2024 | 2 Years | Board of Members | Appointed Governor |
17/10/24 ✓ 12/12/24 ✓ 13/2/25✓ 27/3/25 ✓ 22/5/25 ✓ 3/7/25 ✓ |
16/10/2025 ✓ 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026 ✓ 21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ |
|
| Julian Lees | Appointed 1st September 2024 | 2 Years | Board of Members |
17/10/24 ✓ 12/12/24 ✓ 13/2/25✓ 27/3/25 ✓ 22/5/25 ✓ 3/7/25 ✓ |
16/10/2025 x 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 x 19/03/2026 ✓ 21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ |
||
| Claire Latham
|
Appointed 1st September 2024 | 2 Years | Board of Members | Safeguarding Link Governor |
17/10/24 ✓ 12/12/24 ✓ 13/2/25✓ 27/3/25 ✓ 22/5/25 ✓ 3/7/25 ✓ |
16/10/2025 ✓ 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026 ✓ 21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ |
|
| Carmel Louise McCloskey | Appointed 7 Feb 2024 | 2 years |
Elected by Parents |
Parent Governor |
17/10/24 ✓ 12/12/24 13/2/25✓ 27/3/25 X 22/5/25 X 3/7/25 X |
16/10/2025 ✓ 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026 ✓ 21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ |
|
| Dan McArthur-Greenall | Appointed 12 Dec 2024 | 2 years | Board of Members | Appointed Governor |
|
16/10/2025 ✓ 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026 ✓ 21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ |
|
| Toby Mercer | Appointed 14 Feb 2025 | 2 years |
Elected by Parents |
Parent Governor |
27/3/25 ✓ 22/5/25 ✓ 3/7/25 ✓ |
16/10/2025 ✓ 11/12/2025 ✓ 05/02/2026 ✓ 19/03/2026 ✓ 21/05/2026✓ 02/07/2026 ✓ |
Also in attendance James Scott and Barry Spivack, board of members.
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