Local Academy Board
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We have a Local Academy Board that works to a Scheme of Delegation overseen by an Academy Trust Board.
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The CEO will represent the Trust Board during an inspection.
Current Members
Governors (ID 1245)
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Ms Kate LunnGovernor (Chair)
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.
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Mr Stuart HillaryPrincipal
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.
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Mrs Catherine SharpeGovernor
Mrs Catherine Sharpe
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.
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Miss Abigail CoxStaff Governor
Miss 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.
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Emma BaldwinParent Governor
Emma Baldwin
I'm 36 and a mum of two. I work in a contact centre as a team manager after building my career over 20 years in customer service.
During my current role I have trained in mental health first aid, diversity and inclusion.
This led me to believing and advocating in everyone having fair opportunities despite any barriers or differences anyone may face.
I strive to be the best in what I do and strongly believe in self development and taking pride in what you do and you'll achieve your very best.
All of this contributes to a high moral compass in decision making and not always taking the obvious outcome. In my day to day job and life, I can challenge as well as overcome challenges, in a team or working alone.
I am excited to be using my skills from a professional background along with, my personality and commitment to make a difference to the school and the community.
In my spare time I enjoy being outside in the garden, walking the dog and spending time on the farm with my pony.
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Paul LeachGovernor
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.
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Toni HolmesGovernor
Toni Holmes
I was born and raised in South London. I moved to Halifax in 2018.
Most of my working roles have been customer service apart from the last which was within supported housing for adults with mental health disabilities. Since living in Siddal, I have been volunteering with Victim Support for four years, Marie Curie for one year and Better Health for six months. I’ve been co-ordinator for Siddal Community Clean up, trying to keep Siddal litter free for the past three years. I am currently training to become a facilitator with Unmasked Mental Health and looking to set up some walking groups within the community with Active Calderdale.
In my spare time I keep up with my old London football club, I like crafts and exploring.
To contact Ms Kate Lunn, Chair of Governors, please send correspondence to:
Park Lane Academy, Park Lane, Exley, Halifax, HX3 9LG
To contact Mr Mick Kay, Chair of Trustees, please send correspondence to:
South Pennine Academies Business and Training Centre, The Gateway, Lowfields Close, Lowfields Business Park, Elland, HX5 9DX
Appointments
Current Members
Name | Category | How Appointed | Term of Office | |
Start Date | End Date | |||
Miss Abigail Cox | Staff Governor | Elected by staff |
09/10/19 09/10/23 |
08/10/23 08/10/27 |
Mr Stuart Hillary | Principal | Ex Officio | 20/02/23 | n/a |
Ms Kate Lunn | Governor | Appointed by Trust | 07/10/20 | 06/10/24 |
Mrs Catherine Sharpe | Governor | Appointed by Trust | 02/11/22 | 01/11/26 |
Miss Toni Holmes | Governor | Appointed by Trust | 06/03/24 | 05/03/28 |
Mr Paul Leach | Governor | Appointed by Trust | 06/03/24 | 05/03/28 |
Ms Emma Baldwin | Parent Governor | Elected by parents | 06/03/24 | 05/03/28 |
Previous Members (With Resignation/End dates)
Name | Category | How Appointed | Term of Office | |
Start Date | End Date | |||
Miss Kirsty Gatenby | Parent Governor | Elected by parents/carers | 04/10/23 | Resigned 24/05/24 |
Mrs Justine Bowman | Governor | Appointed by Trust | 12/05/21 | Resigned 18/07/23 |
Ms Karen Devine | Parent Governor | Elected by parents/carers | 09/02/22 | Resigned 21/07/23 |
Ms Kathrine Horner | Parent Governor | Elected by parents/carers | 09/02/22 | Resigned 18/10/22 |
Mr Kash Rafiq | Executive Principal | Ex Officio | 28/02/22 | Resigned 19/02/23 |
Miss Gillian Grice | Staff Governor | Elected by staff | 10/05/23 | Resigned 16/10/2024 |
Sub-Committees
2023-24 Sub-Committee
Name | Category |
How appointed to Committee |
Term of Office | |
Start Date | End Date | |||
Miss A Cox | Staff Governor | By Local Academy Board | 04/10/23 | 03/10/24 |
Miss K Gatenby | Parent Governor | By Local Academy Board | 04/10/23 | 24/05/24 |
Mr S Hillary | Principal | Ex Officio | n/a | n/a |
Mrs C Sharpe (Chair) | Governor | By Local Academy Board | 04/10/23 | 03/10/24 |
2022-23 Sub-Committee
Name | Category |
How appointed to Committee |
Term of Office | |
Start Date | End Date | |||
Mrs J Bowman | Governor | By Local Academy Board | 02/11/22 | 01/11/23 |
Ms K Devine | Governor | By Local Academy Board | 02/11/22 | 01/11/23 |
Mr S Hillary | Principal | Ex Officio | 20/02/23 | |
Mrs C Sharpe (Chair) | Governor | By Local Academy Board | 02/11/22 | 01/11/23 |
Mr K Rafiq | Executive Principal | Ex officio | 19/02/23 |
Business Interests
Current Members
Name | Relevant Business and Pecuniary Interests |
Abigail Cox | NASUWT Member |
Gillian Grice | None |
Stuart Hillary | ASCL Member |
Kate Lunn | UKCC Member |
Catherine Sharpe | Governor at Oldham Primaries LAB |
Emma Baldwin | None |
Paul Leach | None |
Toni Holmes | None |
Full Register of Business Interests 2023-24
Full Register of Business Interests 2022-23
Previous Members
Name | Relevant Business and Pecuniary Interests |
Kirsty Gatenby | Governor at Cross Lane Primary School, Elland |
Justin Bowman | Member of Chartered Institute of Management Accounts |
Karen Devine |
Director of Communities and Inclusion for British Ecological Society Child in Year 8 |
Kash Rafiq | Regional Schools Advisory Board for Yorkshire and Humber |
Minutes of Meetings
September 2023 - August 2024
September 2022 - August 2023
- Park Lane Academy Local Academy Board Meeting 28 06 2023
- Park Lane Academy Local Academy Board Meeting 10 05 2023
- Park Lane Academy Local Academy Board Meeting 08 02 2023
- Park Lane Academy Local Academy Board Meeting 02 11 2022
September 2021 - August 2022
- Park Lane Academy Local Academy Board Meeting 29 06 2022
- Park Lane Academy Local Academy Board Minutes Meeting 11 05 2022
- Park Lane Academy Local Academy Board Meeting 09 02 2022
- Park Lane Academy Local Academy Board Minutes Meeting 06 10 2021
September 2020 - August 2021
- Park Lane Academy Local Academy Board Minutes Meeting 14 07 2021
- Park Lane Academy Local Academy Board Minutes Meeting 12 05 2021
- Park Lane Academy Local Academy Board Minutes Meeting 10 02 2021
- Park Lane Academy Local Academy Board Minutes Meeting 07 10 2020
Attendance
2023-24- Current Members
Name | Attendance at meetings 2023/24 |
Emma Baldwin | n/a |
Abigail Cox | 3 out of possible 4 |
Kirsty Gatenby | n/a |
Gillian Grice | 1 out of possible 2 |
Stuart Hillary | 2 out of possible 2 |
Toni Holmes | n/a |
Paul Leach | n/a |
Kate Lunn | 4 out of possible 4 |
Catherine Sharpe | 4 out of possible 4 |
2022-23 - Current Members
Name | Attendance at meetings 2022/23 |
Abigail Cox | 3 out of possible 4 |
Kirsty Gatenby | n/a |
Gillian Grice | 1 out of possible 2 |
Stuart Hillary | 2 out of possible 2 |
Kate Lunn | 4 out of possible 4 |
Cathrine Sharpe | 4 out of possible 4 |
2022-23 - Members who resigned or whose term ended
Justin Bowman | 4 out of possible 4 |
Karen Devine | 3 out of possible 4 |
Kathrine Horner | 0 out of possible 0 |
Kash Rafiq | 2 out of possible 2 |
2021-22
Name | Attendance at meetings 2021/22 |
Justin Bowman | 4 out of possible 4 |
Abigail Cox | 3 out of possible 4 |
Karen Devine | 2 out of possible 3 |
Kathrine Horner | 1 out of possible 3 |
Kate Lunn | 4 out of possible 4 |
Kash Rafiq | 1 out of possible 2 |
Alison Black | 4 out of possible 4 |
Amanda Blackett | 0 out of possible 0 |
Danielle Durrans | 3 out of possible 4 |
Jonathan Rudge | 2 out of possible 3 |
Neil Watkiss | 2 out of possible 4 |
James Wilson | 2 out of possible 2 |
Calendar of Meetings
Local Academy Board Meetings 2023-24
Wednesday 4th October 2023
Time: 5.00pm
Venue: Park Lane Academy
Wednesday 6th March 2024
Time: 5.00pm
Venue: Park Lane Academy
Wednesday 1st May 2024
Time: 5.00pm
Venue: Park Lane Academy
Wednesday 26th June 2024
Time: 5.00pm
Venue: Park Lane Academy
Local Academy Board Sub-Committee Meetings 2023-24
Wednesday 22nd November 2023
Time: 1.00pm
Venue: Moor End Academy
Wednesday 24th April 2024
Time: 1.00pm
Venue: Moor End Academy
Terms of Reference for the Local Authority Board's Sub-Committee
Terms of reference for the Sub-committee 2023/24
Terms of reference for the Sub-committee 2022/23
Role of the Governing Body
Information about the role of the governing body can be found in the Scheme of Delegation.
How to become a governor
If you are interested in becoming a governor, please call the Academy for further information. When there is a vacancy for a parent governor all parents will be informed, and you will have a chance to stand for election.
Before you put yourself forward, please talk to your employer. Many employers recognise the role of school governor as useful work experience and may offer paid leave as part of their initiative to give back to the community.