Governance - Rydal Penrhos

DEBORAH MCKINNEL - Chair

rydal penrhos

Ms Deborah McKinnel JP has been a Governor since 2018 and is a Presiding Justice in both the Family Court and the Adult Criminal Court, having worked within the judicial system for 16 years.

Her expertise in the Family Court has been invaluable in assisting school staff in securing the highest standards within the school, as reflected in recent inspections.

She has also been heavily involved in the Board’s support and challenge for all personnel matters during the conversion to a day school.

In addition to this contribution, Ms McKinnel has also seen through the adoption of the highest professional standards for Governors (in line with the Nolan Report on public life) which can be read in the ‘Code of Conduct’ and ‘Job Descriptions’ for Governors at the bottom of this page.

Anne Watson - Vice Chair

Mrs Anne Watson was appointed Governor of Rydal School in 1989 and of Rydal Penrhos in 1995. She is a Trustee of the Rydal Penrhos Charitable Trust and of the Rydal Penrhos Endowment Fund.

Anne attended Howells School in Denbigh from 1962 before moving to Rydal School in 1966. She achieved a Certificate in Education from Westminster College, Oxford in 1971 (English and History) and later a Certificate in Further Professional Studies in Dyslexia from Bangor University in 1996.

Anne retired from teaching in 2009 having worked for over 30 years in both the private and public sectors, fifteen of which were as Special Needs Co-ordinator.

She was President of The Old Rydalian Club in 1995 and is Chair of the Trustees of the Abbeyfield, Colwyn Bay Society.

JEREMY SALISBURY - Vice Chair

Jeremy was born and grew up in North Wales. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1991 and attained an MBA in Financial Management in 1996.

He is an owner & Director of Salisbury & Company, Chartered Accountants based across North Wales.

As well as his role at Rydal Penrhos, Jeremy is Chair of the North Wales Business Club and Chair of Gallery Council for Oriel Mostyn, Llandudno. He has held roles with the CBI and the ICAEW in Wales.

Both of Jeremy’s children attended Rydal Penrhos, where his son was Head Boy. He continues to live locally with his wife Lowri. Jeremy enjoys business, watching football, travel and good food.

Andrew Charlesworth

As Joint Chair of Wales Synod Cymru, the Rev’d Andrew Charlesworth serves as one of the Board’s ex-officio Governors.

Andrew took up this role in September 2023, having begun his ministry in the Coventry and Nuneaton Circuit before moving to the Nottingham North East Circuit as Superintendent, where he was also appointed Deputy Chair of District. As a member of the Rydal Penrhos Board of Governors, Andrew brings ministerial leadership as we uphold the school’s Methodist foundation.

Before entering ministry, Andrew worked as a statistician. Since moving to Wales, he and his wife have enjoyed spending their spare time exploring the Wales Coast Path.

Matthew Gilman

Having spent twenty-five years in the Investment Management industry, Matthew most recently served as Head of the UK Equity Research Team at Dragon Investment Managers in Colwyn Bay. His extensive experience in investment management was built upon an earlier seven-year career as a Management Accountant, following his graduation from Sheffield Hallam University with a degree in Accounting and Management Control.

Matthew’s association with Rydal Penrhos began in 2006 when his eldest daughter joined the Preparatory School, soon followed by his other two children. His long-standing commitment to the school has since led to his role as a Governor, where he continues to contribute his professional expertise.

Now recently retired, Matthew devotes more time to his personal interests, including swimming and running.

Debra Keogh

Ms Debra Keogh is a Primary specialist with over 30 year’s experience teaching in mainstream, independent and international schools.

During her career she has held various management positions including leading English as a specialism, working as a deputy head in two schools as well as leading the Early Years in her past 3 positions.

Debra is also a qualified counsellor and has moved into the area of mental health and well-being, currently blending part-time teaching and private counselling for adults and young people.

Debra brings up-to-date knowledge of education and current practice.

Nick Jewsbury

Mr Nick Jewsbury was appointed to the Rydal Penrhos Board of Governors in May 2022.

Nick brings extensive experience from a career spent in high-performance and team-focused environments, where leadership, discipline, and strategic decision-making are key.

He contributes a calm, analytical perspective to the Board’s discussions and has a strong commitment to supporting excellence, integrity, and community within the school.

Aaron Osborne-Taylor

Mr Aaron Osborne-Taylor MBA is an accomplished senior programme manager and non-executive director with extensive experience across local government, social housing, and the wider public sector. Over more than two decades, he has led complex transformation and digital programmes, delivering nationally recognised, award-winning projects in customer service, waste management, ICT infrastructure, and social care systems.

He currently serves as a Non-Executive Board Member of Town and Country Housing Group, part of the Peabody Group, a Committee Member for Peabody Group, and as a Sessional Lecturer at Wrexham University, contributing to postgraduate programmes in management and public administration. Aaron is also a member of the Lord Chancellor’s Advisory Committee for Magistrates Recruitment in North Wales.

With a Chartered Banker MBA from Bangor University, and MBA from Liverpool University, Aaron brings strategic leadership, governance insight, and operational delivery expertise, underpinned by a commitment to public value and community impact.