Park Lane Academy

Governors Biographies

 


Mr Kash Rafiq - Executive Principal

 

Kash was appointed as Principal of Moor End Academy in April 2018. During his time as Principal, he has implemented a wide range of strategies that have transformed behaviour and attitudes as well as learning and teaching. A culture of high-quality teaching and pastoral care, overseen by strong and passionate leadership are now fully embedded resulting in students leaving the academy with strong outcomes and MEA becoming the school of choice in the area and beyond. MEA is now flourishing resulting in the academy becoming the first school in Kirklees to be recognised as 'world class' by the World Class Schools Quality Mark.

Kash was appointed as Executive Principal in March 2022 and now leads Park Lane Academy as well as Moor End Academy. He states, “My motivation to apply for this role stems from a deep-seated belief that all children deserve an excellent education regardless of what school they attend. My aim as Executive Principal is to ensure Moor End Academy continues to strive for excellence whilst leading the staff and students at Park Lane Academy to success”.

 

Abigail Cox - Staff Governor

My name is Abigail Cox, I am a Teacher of Art and Design, Photography and PSHE at Park Lane Academy.

I completed a post graduate certificate in education and graduated in 2017 and am currently in my fourth year of teaching.

I believe teaching is one of the most rewarding careers and believe my career to be one of my most impressive achievements alongside securing my position at Park Lane Academy.

 

 

Kate Lunn - Governor

I joined the Local Academy Board in 2020 and I have been appointed as the Young Carers Champion.  

I have 2 children at the Academy.  I work full time as the manager of an Early Years Centre where I am the designated safeguarding lead. 

I am currently studying a Masters in Childhood and Youth.  I have a background in managing a small independent Steiner school, management in the NHS and children’s specialist nursing.

 

 

 

 

 

 Justine Bowman - Governor

Originally from Preston, from a family of newsagents I was brought up to appreciate the importance of education, in providing more, and wider opportunities in life. 

I have worked in banking, and as a qualified accountant in large corporate organisations including a law firm for the past 20 years, and a previous owner of a domiciliary care company. 

More recently I have moved into the non-profit sector, working in a Housing Association and now work part time at South Pennine Trust responsible for the finances for several primary schools.

 

 

Katherine Horner – Parent Governor

I am a stay-at-home Mun to my daughter who attends Park Lane and a son who is at primary school. Both my children have SEND and EHCPS and therefore I take a keen interest in SEND issues. I wanted to be a Parent Governor to be involved in my daughter’s school and to help other parents if I can.

 

Karen Devine – Parent Governor

I am one of the Parent Governors for the Local Academy Board, and I have one child at Park Lane. I've been in post since February 2022 and I act as the Digital link.

 

I was for 10 years a secondary science teacher in schools here in the UK and Mexico before a slight change of career in 2006 when I took up the chance to blend my enthusiasm for education with a love of the natural world.

 

I am now a Director of External Affairs for an environmental charity mostly working from home. Central to what I do is Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and how everyone we work with can be inspired and supported to follow their own dreams.