Governors

We are volunteers and are parents, staff and trust governors who know the school and its values and ethos well. We are responsible for maintaining and improving the standard of achievement of pupils and the conduct of the school, and do this by providing support and challenge to the Headteacher. Our role is that of a critical friend and we will always act in the best interests of all pupils at the school.

We are delighted to confirm that on September 1st 2016, Kippax North Primary School converted into Academy status alongside some of our Trust partner schools, supported by our own Multi-Academy Trust – The Brighshaw Learning Partnership (BLP). Please visit the Brigshaw Learning Partnership website to find out about the Board of Directors and view the Trust’s Governance and Financial information.

Each school continues to have its own headteacher and governing body, and the Brigshaw Learning Partnership Board, which is now responsible for all of our schools, contains representatives from across our community, as well as very experienced and skilled people who share our values, including headteachers, from further afield.

How our Local Governors are appointed

Parent Governors are elected by the parents of pupils in school.

Community Governors are appointed by the Brigshaw Learning Partnership

Staff Governors are elected by the staff of the school.

Associate Members are appointed by the Local Governing Body and work in an advisory capacity. Associate Members have no voting rights.

**The Headteacher **holds an ex-officio position.

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.

Leadership

The Role of the Local Governing Body

The Local Governing Body has three core functions:

  • Setting the vision and strategic direction
  • Holding the Head teacher and her Leadership Team to account for the educational performance of the school
  • Ensuring financial health, probity and value for money

  • Parent Governors are elected by the parents of pupils in school.
  • Community Governors are appointed by the Brigshaw Learning Partnership
  • Staff Governors are elected by the staff of the school.
  • Associate Members are appointed by the Local Governing Body and work in an advisory capacity. Associate Members have no voting rights.
  • The Headteacher holds an ex-officio position.

School governors and their roles

Lucy Marshall - Chair of Governors

Term of Office: 31/01/2021 - 31/01/2025

Specific Responsibilities: Compliance and Resources

Sarah Tustin-Smith - Parent Governor

Term of Office: 01/09/2020 – 01/09/2024

Specific Responsibilities: Curriculum

Richard Howitt - Headteacher

Term of Office: 01/01/2022

Specific Responsibilities: Ex Officio

Cllr James Lewis- Community Governor

Term of Office: 01/09/2018 - 01/09/2022

Specific Responsibilities: Inclusion, including Pupil Premium

Melinda Hiller - Parent Governor

Term of Office: 23/02/2021 - 23/02/2025

Specific Responsibilities: Safeguarding, Child Protection and Attendance

Janet Montgomerie - Community Governor

Term of Office: 01/01/2019 – 01/01/2023

Specific Responsibilities: Safeguarding, Child Protection and Attendance; and SEND

Chris Clarke - Community Governor

Term of Office: 01/09/2020 – 01/09/2024

Specific Responsibilities: Educational Visits and Curriculum

Beverly Doubtfire - Staff Governor

Term of Office: 09/10/2019 – 09/10/2023

Chris Reid - Community Governor

Term of Office: 06/02/2018 – 06/02/2026

Specific Responsibilities: Resources and Health and Safety

David Ball - Staff Governor

Term of Office: 01/09/2022-01/09/2026

Meetings

Local Governing Body

2022-23

  • Tuesday 27th September 2022
  • Thursday 8th December 2022
  • Tuesday 21st March 2023
  • Tuesday 18th July 2023

Company Documentation

All company documentation relating to The Brigshaw Learning Partnership, including:

  • The current memorandum of association
  • Articles of association
  • Funding agreement
  • Annual accounts
  • Register of interests for the accounting officer can be found on the Brigshaw Partnership site.

Term dates 2022-23

Holiday Dates

Term Dates

Autumn Term 1

Tuesday 6 September to Friday 21 October

Autumn Term 2

Spring Term 1

Monday 20 Feb to Friday 31 March

Wednesday 4 January to Friday 10 February

Monday 31 October to Friday 16 December

Monday 17 April to Friday 26 May

Spring Term 2

Christmas Holidays

Monday 19 December to Monday 2 January

Half Term

Monday 24 October to Friday 28 October

Half Term

Monday 13 February to Friday 17 February

Summer Term 1

Easter Holidays

Monday 3 April to Friday 14 April

Summer Term 2

Half Term

Monday 29 May to Friday 2 June

Summer Holidays

Wednesday 26 July to Friday 1 September

Monday 5 June to Tuesday 25 July

Our Aims & Values

Kippax North Primary School aims to enable all young people to become;

Successful learners

  • Ensuring a curriculum that provides young people with the best possible learning opportunities and experiences in conjunction with the National Priorities for Education
  • Encouraging all pupils to reach their full potential, thereby raising standards and attainment at an appropriate rate
  • Promoting and recognising achievement and excellence
  • Enabling all pupils to enjoy the highest quality learning experiences by fostering a positive attitude to their learning
  • Ensuring that all pupils are encouraged to demonstrate good behaviour, self discipline and a respect for others

Confident individuals

  • Providing effective support to enable personal achievement
  • Ensuring a safe and secure environment for all pupils
  • Promoting an ethos of social inclusion and equality
  • Encouraging all pupils to be involved in and express their opinions about their education
  • Promoting a healthy lifestyle for all pupils

Responsible citizens

  • Equipping pupils with the core skills, attitudes and expectations required to prosper in a changing society
  • Encouraging creativity, curiosity, ambition and enthusiasm for lifelong learning
  • Encouraging entrepreneurial experiences which will foster development of skills and competencies in working with others
  • Encouraging tolerance of diversity
  • Involving pupils in events to support those less fortunate than themselves

Effective contributors

  • Encouraging links to organisations within and out of school
  • Promoting effective partnerships between pupils, parents, carers, and the wider community
  • Ensuring that all pupils realise that they have an important part to play in the life and work of their school
  • Creating and solving problems independently and collaboratively in a climate of mutual trust and respect for others

Application timetable

The below timetable applies to applications made to Leeds City Council. If you apply to another local authority, they may have different dates

Admissions Timetable (2023 start)
Applications Open
1 November 2022
Deadline date for applications for Reception places in September 2022
15 January 2023
Late applications
12 February 2023
National Offers Day
17 April 2023
Deadline date for parents wishing to lodge an appeal (please return appeal forms to the academy)
16 May 2023
Date on which Year Reception appeal hearings will be held
June – July 2023
Appeal decision letters to be sent
Within 5 working days from date of hearing wherever possible

We would love to hear from you.

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