Meet our Governors

Lucy Marshall - Chair of Governors

I have been a governor since January 2017, firstly as a parent governor and I became a trust governor in January 2021. I have two children and one still attends the school. I am delighted to have the opportunity to provide support and challenge to the school and ensure that children’s interests are at the heart of decisions. I believe that schools are key in preparing our children to have full and happy roles in our communities and the Kippax North ethos and strategic direction supports this.

My experience as a Chartered Management Accountant in both the Manufacturing and Financial Services sectors has given me skills that can support the school within the Governance framework. As I increase my experience and continue to learn about the academic environment, my aim is to serve the hard-working and enthusiastic community of staff, children and parents at Kippax North.

Councillor James Lewis

Over the years since I was first appointed to the governing body in 2003 I have seen Kippax North grow as a school in terms of teaching, support for pupils to achieve their best and enjoy great experiences on the way. I’ve been a governor since 2003 and chair of governors since 2008, I live in Kippax and I am elected as a Leeds City Councillor for Kippax and Methley ward so represent many families and the school’s local community.

There have been considerable changes in national and local education policy in the last decade. Our school has moved from being a Local Education Authority school into one that is now part of the Brigshaw MAT. During this change I have seen the governors and staff always ensure that the achievement and welfare of our pupils is at the heart of life in school.

We have also worked closely as staff, governors and volunteers to bring about big changes to the school building and grounds which has helped make teaching, learning and life in school much richer. I’m proud of the School and the community and playing my part in giving children the best start in life.

Chris Clarke

I have been involved in school governance for many years at Kippax North, originally becoming a Parent Governor when my children attended here. I currently hold the position of Community Governor.

I am a great supporter of the Kippax North Ethos of ‘Aim High’ and ‘Smile and Learn’. I worked at Kippax Norrth previously for 29 years, and both my children were pupils here. It has made me very proud to see how the school has developed, how every inch of our school is used for learning, and how all our pupils are helped and encouraged to achieve their full potential, whatever their ability, interests or backgrounds, through all the different opportunities and experiences that school provides. This ensures that all our pupils have the opportunity to succeed.

I particularly enjoy being an ambassador for our school, and I support school in all activities that take place. Throughout my time as a Governor, I have always felt that it has been a privilege to be part of such an exciting yet challenging opportunity and feel that the knowledge and experience that I have gained throughout my term of office ensures that I can continue to be a ‘critical friend’. Being a Governor is purely on a voluntary basis, but I enjoy putting something back into our school community, and take pleasure in seeing what a lively, vibrant place Kippax North is.

Beverly Doubtfire

Having been a member of the team for 19 years, I have witnessed and contributed to Kippax North’s growth and development into the caring, nurturing and successful learning environment we now provide for our children. As a long standing and committed member of the staff team, I am committed to ensuring that all our children experience the best possible provision to equip them for their journey through life. I believe that through encouraging the pupils to make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school they will themselves become responsible, caring adults.

Janet Montgomerie

I have been a Governor at Kippax North for nearly 20 years, originally as a Parent Governor and now as a Community Governor.

I am originally from Bradford and lived in different parts of the country until we moved back 'up north' and settled in Kippax 30 years ago.

I have two grown-up daughters Helen, who is a primary school teacher and Anna, who is a dancer. Both attended Kippax North where they were very happy. My grandson Noah, aged 6, is now very happily settled in Key Stage 1.

I have worked most of my life as a social worker, mainly working with older people. I now work part-time at Bradford University and with the Open University, organising and supporting placements for students on their social work degree courses. I have been a Parent Governor since January 2017 and my two children attend the school.

Kippax North has always been an excellent school and is going from strength to strength. I am particularly pleased and proud that the school maintains high academic success while continuing to value all children and their particular achievements, and continuing to provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Chris Reid

My name is Chris Reid and I joined the Governor team in April 2018 as a Community Governor to support the existing team. I have 2 children, both of whom attend Kippax North and live locally.

My background is as a professional engineer and cofounder and director of a rail startup business delivering depot train care services.

Kippax North is a fantastic school and a key part of the community and I am privileged to be able to offer my experiences to support an already outstanding learning environment.

SARAH TUSTIN-SMITH

I joined the Governor team in September 2020 as a Parent Governor.

I am keen to support the education and welfare of our children at school as I have a particular interest in children’s development from an early age throughout the primary age range. In the role of governor I support and challenge the school to maintain its values and deliver the success and performance required.

I have experience with working with children from the ages of 6 months to 12 years both in and out of the school environment.

Melinda Hiller

I am a parent governor and have been part of the safeguarding working group at Kippax North since February 2021. I am a national parent support worker at PACE, and I like a school to be a supportive community that creates different learning settings to make an interesting, fun and safe place to explore and grow. My two boys both go to Kippax North and I wish to use my term as governor to continue to provide inclusivity and rich learning environments.