Governors (ID 1245)

• Ms Kate Lunn
  LAB Member - Chair & Safeguarding Link
  Ms 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.

• Mr Stuart Hillary
  Principal
  Mr Stuart Hillary

  Stuart Hillary grew up in County Durham. Coming from a family that were passionate about sport, he aspired to pursue a professional career in sport. Upon leaving secondary school, Stuart undertook 5 A Levels at Sixth Form College, two of which were sport related. After successfully completing A Levels, he moved on to Cumbria University to pursue a BA Hons Degree that combined both sport and education. Combining his university degree whilst competing in semi-professional football and competing for the British Universities' swimming team was gruelling.

  In 2005 he took up a short term post at a school in Sunderland as PE Teacher, quickly moving to a large 11-18 Community school in County Durham. In 2006 he took up a place on the DfE Fast Track Programme, and became Coordinator of Learning, implementing a number of strategies to support and link pastoral and learning aspects in key stage 3. In 2008, he took up a post in the same school as Raising Achievement Leader in key stage 4, establishing a number of strategies to raise achievement in key subject areas, gaining accreditation from the Teaching and Learning Academy.

  As an established classroom practitioner, he took up post as Head of PE in 2010, driving improvements across all aspects: A Level, GCSE and BTEC Sport. His achievements in this period led to his department receiving regional and national recognition as Pearson School Team of The Year, also allowing him the opportunity to work with Durham University in PGCE delivery and support for undergraduates.

  Following a move to West Yorkshire in January 2014, he was appointed as Curriculum Leader of PE, quickly recruiting and developing a team of talented teachers, implementing effective strategies and curriculum opportunities to raise the profile of the PE faculty with excellent outcomes. In late 2015, he was appointed as Director of Sport, working across the newly formed Trust, with a brief to support and develop PE across the primary phase, whilst leading the PE Faculty at MEA.

  In June 2016, he was appointed as Assistant Principal, leading on aspects of Teaching, Learning and Professional Development, then later assuming oversight of campus development, SMSC and attendance supporting pastoral and developing student attitudes to learning.

  In September 2020, Stuart became Assistant Principal of Behaviour at Park Lane Academy in Halifax, before taking on the post of Head of School from December 2020 – February 2023. He then became Principal of Park Lane Academy in February 2023.

  Outside of school, Stuart enjoys participating in most sports, keeping fit, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

• Paul Leach
  LAB Member - Vice Chair & Standards Link
  Paul Leach

  I am a retired bookkeeper. I am married with two grown up children and two grandchildren, one of whom attends Park Lane Academy. My hobbies include gardening, logic and crossword puzzles, reading and spending as much time as possible with my family. I have had previous experience of being a governor at two primary schools and one secondary school which had a similar profile to Park Lane.

  I joined the Local Academy Board in March 2024 and I look forward to working with the rest of the Local Academy Board and supporting the Academy in the years to come.

• Abigail Cox
  Staff LAB Member - Inclusion (SEND & Disadvantaged) Link
  Abigail Cox

  My name is Abigail Cox, I am the Curriculum leader of Art and Design, Technology, and Photography at Park Lane Academy.

  I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in 2017 and am currently in my seventh 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. I am passionate about student wellbeing, and inclusion.

• Helen Jugroop
  Parent LAB Member
  Helen Jugroop

  I'm 48, married with two children one of whom is currently at Park Lane & my youngest is hopefully starting in 2025.

  Our surname is unusual & comes from Mauritius where we would love to go one day as a family.

  Professionally, I have run my own business for the past 25 years following a career in graphic design & multimedia.

  Outside of work I'm a very sociable person & love meeting friends for coffee or chatting to people when I'm walking our two rescue dogs.

  I wanted to become a School Governor as I feel ready for a new challenge & interest. I think Park Lane has a lot going for it & I'd like to be a part of how it positively develops in the coming years.

• Thomas McKenna
  Staff LAB Member
  Thomas McKenna

  My name is Thomas McKenna, I am a Geography teacher at Park Lane Academy.

  I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in 2023 and am currently in my second year of teaching.

  Teaching has been a very rewarding career change for me after making a change from working in the legal sector for 7 years after completing my university studies. I am passionate about making sure the curriculum is accessible for students with SEND and ensuring that students are not only achieving their academic goals but are also well rounded individuals when they leave school.

• Leanne Grice
  LAB Member
  Leanne Grice

  I am a former pupil of Park Lane Academy and was among the first students to attend when the school opened as a new build. I am married with two children who currently attend Park Lane Academy, with my youngest joining in 2025.

  After completing a BSc (Hons) degree in Adult Nursing, I qualified as a registered nurse in 2012. I later achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Professional Education and have recently undertaken a Professional Nurse Advocacy (PNA) course at master's level. I have a strong passion for education and supporting others in their development.

  In my spare time, I enjoy socialising with family and friends and reading. I have previously served as a parent governor at a local primary school and began my role as a parent governor at Park Lane Academy in 2025. I am proud to be an advocate for the school and committed to supporting its continued success.

• Naz Jalil
  LAB Member
  Naz Jalil