Governance Information

I’ve lived in Pontefract all my life, and I am married with two adult sons. I’ve worked for Wakefield District Housing for over 30 years in a variety of roles – currently working with children and young people, helping them to maximise their potential – and I’m a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing. I was previously a Governor at a school in Airedale, however I moved to Orchard Head and Halfpenny Lane in order to work with the community I know best.

I play football every week, enjoy running (having completed the London Marathon and the Great North Run seven times), and I’m a keen supporter of Featherstone Rovers.

Having grown up in the Wakefield area, I have always remained a local person, studying A-Levels at New College Pontefract and successfully completing my degree in Education at Leeds Beckett University. From there I completed my Graduate Teaching Programme within a school in a suburb of Leeds and then entered my teaching career in an area of Wakefield with severe social deprivation. After developing my craft within the classroom, I quickly secured the position of a phase leader of upper Key Stage 2. As a middle leader, I was part of the team that secured an outstanding Ofsted judgement in 2013 by increasing expectations of staff, improving outcomes for pupils as well as raising the aspirations of the pupils.

Following this, I was appointed as Deputy Headteacher of Larks Hill Junior and Infant School and supported the school through a transitional period of staff changes however maintaining a good Ofsted outcome in 2015. Since 2017, I have been the Head of School at Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant and nursery School. I am passionate about serving my local community to help all pupils aim higher with their aspirations and to provide them with the best platform to succeed. Since being Head of School, we have continued to improve outcomes and ensure children move on from Halfpenny Lane as well rounded individuals.

Before joining Orchard Head, I was a Headteacher in Leeds. During my career, I have taught in a number of schools in different authorities and in a range of different year groups. From my experience of working in education for 17 years, I know that a successful and happy school depends on all of us working together and I am extremely excited about the challenge that lies ahead of us all.

Having been to school in Castleford, West Yorkshire, I went on to study a teacher training degree with History at Leeds Trinity University. After a four-year degree course, I started working at Orchard Head J, I & N School. At the beginning of my career, I worked in several years groups. I have been an Early Years teacher for the last 10 years, which I am extremely passionate about.

I believe that all children are entitled to the best start in their education. I have been part of the Senior Leadership of school for the last 5 years and I am committed in ensuring that outcomes improve rapidly and that all children attend school and we have high expectations of them. Recently, I have become the Inclusion Lead, which has enabled me to support our children and families.

My areas of specialism include: Early Years, safeguarding culture and practice, improving attendance and managing behaviour to create a positive climate for learning. I joined the SPRB in June 2019.

Having lived in the Pontefract area for most of my life I have a real interest in the education and experiences available for the children in our area.  I have served on the governing body since 2014 in various roles as chairs of committees and Vice Chair.

My particular interest is Early Years as I am Assistant Head and Early Years Leader at a school in the local area and wished to use my expertise to support my children's school as a Governor. In my leisure time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and baking.

I moved to Yorkshire from Scotland 14 years ago and have lived in Pontefract for almost six years. I’m a qualified nursery nurse but have been a full time parent in recent years to my three children, who have been enrolled at Halfpenny Lane but two have now moved on to The King’s School.

I’ve been a Member of the SPRB for several years and I’m responsible for overseeing attendance and early years. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and going to the cinema.

I am a retired Headteacher from a school in Leeds. I have interests in music, fishing and motor biking. I am also part of an amateur dramatics society and I enjoy performing different plays. As I am able to, I enjoy coming into the schools to work with the children and support in any way I can.

I went to Larks Hill J&I School and The King’s School, and have lived in Pontefract all my life. I’m married, and have two daughters who attend Halfpenny Lane.

I’m an Early Years teacher and have been for 16 years. I’ve always worked in the same school (Snaith Primary School), and have taught in both the reception and nursery classes.

I really enjoy music and singing, and playing the piano. I also like to go on bike rides with my family.

I have lived in Pontefract for over 10 years. I have two young children at Halfpenny Lane and now that my youngest is at nursery I have more time to get involved with the schools.

I’m a qualified accountant and have worked for the NHS for 17 years in various roles. I currently work at NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group as Senior Finance Manager supporting their NHS contracts.

In my spare time I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy swimming, music and theatre.