Governing Body
Governing Board Function
Our Governing Body is committed to ensuring that our school not only excels in educational standards but also in fostering an environment where every student can thrive. The overall function of the Board is to set the strategic direction of the establishment giving it a focus in order to deliver the best possible outcomes for the young people whilst delivering Apex Specialist Education’s compelling value proposition and narrative.
In essence, the Board has a strong focus on two core functions:
Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction which puts improvement at the centre of planning, delivery and evaluation
Holding the CEO, Headteacher, and Senior Leadership Team to account for the performance of the school, celebrating success wherever possible and challenging underperformance
The following responsibilities support the Board's core functions:
Setting the Vision and Strategic Direction: We work to ensure that the school's long-term strategy aligns with our educational goals and community values.
Policy Development: We oversee the creation and implementation of school policies, ensuring they meet legal requirements and promote the welfare of all students and staff.
Performance Monitoring: Regularly reviewing the school's performance in academics, behaviour, and pastoral care to ensure continuous improvement.
Community Engagement: We strive to maintain open lines of communication with parents, students, staff, and the broader community, fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.
Meet Our Governors
Mr. Daniel McCann - Apex Specialist Education Director (Non-Operational Chair).
"I have dedicated over 23 years of my life to supporting and improving young lives across a multitude of settings including children's homes, semi-independent units, voluntary sector youth engagement provisions, alternative education provisions and independent schools. Founding Apex Specialist Education alongside my brother Matthew McCann, has been the culmination of decades of work; I am passionate about embedding our vision the Apex Way, and ensuring all of our school's community succeeds."
Mr. Matthew McCann, MA, BA(Hons) - Apex Specialist Education Director, CEO, DSL.
"As a lifelong advocate for equity in education, I am honoured to bring my academic and professional expertise together to support the development and success of Apex Specialist Education. Regardless, of vulnerabilities and background, I truly believe no child should be left behind. I co-founded Apex Specialist Education, as a needs driven response for vulnerable pupils who were not accessing mainstream education, and needed specialist support. I am exceptionally proud, and determined to ensure the 'Apex Way' provides a means for all children to flourish."
Mr. Robert Cochrane, BA(Ed) - Headteacher
"Having worked in education in many different settings for over 20 years I am acutely aware how education can impact and improve life chances for young people. I have been drawn to work in settings within areas of disadvantage or with a high proportion on SEN students (or often both). We are working with some of the most vulnerable learners in this community and indeed across several authorities in the North. Working through our team we are already seeing a positive impact on our learners' school experiences. Apex has a family feel and even given our short journey to date we have recruited a group of professionals that truly share the 'Apex way' and that are committed to engaging, supporting, and challenging our learners to succeed."
Mr. Callan Glean, BA(Hons) - Head of Inclusion, Behaviour, and Intensive Support
"As a passionate learning practitioner, with experience of working in different alternative educational settings, I am driven by the opportunity to create a truly inclusive and supportive environment where every child, regardless of their individual needs, can flourish. It is my goal to ensure that all students receive the right support and inspiration and use this as motivation to succeed."
Mrs. Jade McCann, BA(Hons) - Deputy Headteacher
"I believe education is the key to unlocking potential and shaping a brighter future. It has the power to inspire, challenge, and transform lives, not just through knowledge, but by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. As an experienced therapeutic practitioner, I am driven by the passion to unlock the potential in all our students; to remove barriers and give them opportunities to develop and grow and to pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society."
Miss. Janine Taylor, MSc, PgCert, BA(Hons) - SENDCo
"As a dedicated SENDCo and passionate advocate for inclusive education, I am committed to ensuring that every child at Apex Specialist Education has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their individual challenges. By combining my experience in supporting students with complex needs and my commitment to building a nurturing, supportive school environment, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the school’s vision of empowering all students to flourish and succeed"
Mrs. Hannah Davis, BA(Hons) - Curriculum Coordinator
"I have a strong passion for ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. My vision for our curriculum is to be creative, individualised, and solutions-focused, adapting to the unique needs of each student rather than expecting students to conform to a fixed framework. My teaching background is rooted in alternative education, where I have focused on designing and delivering a curriculum that fits the students, not the other way around. I lead with a student-focused mindset, prioritising engagement, adaptability, and meaningful progress to help every learner succeed. As the lead for literacy, I am committed to instilling a love of reading by making it accessible and enjoyable for all students. I believe that reading should be engaging and meaningful, and I strive to create an environment where every student feels confident and motivated to explore the world through books."
Contact Our Board
Details of our chair, and individual members can be found on this page.
We value your input and welcome your queries or concerns. You can reach us at:
mail:info@apex-specialisteducation.com
Phone: 01706 614 630
Address: Healey Learning Centre, Unit 16 Hollows Works, Shawclough Road, Rochdale, OL12 6LN
We look forward to working together to make Apex Specialist Education a beacon of educational excellence and personal growth.
Thank you for your trust and support in our governance of Apex Specialist Education