Governors (ID 1245)

• Kate Lunn
  Chair Of Governors
  Kate Lunn

  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.

• Kash Rafiq
  Executive Principal
  Kash Rafiq

  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 .

• Catherine Sharp
  Governor (Appointed by Trust)
  Catherine Sharp

  I was appointed onto Park Lane Academy Board in September 2022 by the Trustees of South Pennine Academy.  I have been at Woodlands Primary Academy in Oldham since September 2017, where I arrived as Head of School and became Principal in September 2020.  Since my arrival, the academy has transformed into a good school with a strong culture of mental health and wellbeing, high quality teaching and learning and a curriculum that meets the needs of all its learners. 

  I look forward to supporting Park Lane Academy and have been appointed as Safeguarding Governor. 

• Justine Bowman
  Governor (Appointed by Trust)
  Justine Bowman

  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.

• Abigail Cox
  Staff Governor
  Abigail Cox

  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.

• Karen Devine
  Parent Governor
  Karen Devine

  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.