Whilst the Headteacher has responsibility for the day-to-day running of the school, the main function of the Local Academy Board is to act as a critical friend in order to secure a good education for the children in a safe environment. The task of the Local Academy Board is to provide the strategic leadership. It is responsible for the proper conduct of the school, the promotion of high standards and ensuring that the children attend a good school which provides a good education and promotes their overall development and well being.
The Local Academy board meets at least 3 times a year. Involvement in the Local Academy Board provides a challenging and interesting way of being involved in children’s education. We work as a team and make raising educational standards a priority for the school.
Chair of the Governing Body
Declarations of business interest 2024
Click here for the Code of Conduct for School Governing Boards (NGA)
Click here for a Governor Visit and Monitoring Sheet.
Local Academy Board Members
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Pen Portraits
Vicki Beresford: Parent Governor
I am mum to Isaac and Albie who both attend Highburton First Academy. We moved to the village as a family in 2020 but I grew up in Highburton and attended the school myself many years ago.
I work in the NHS as a policy and strategy manager and a big part of my role is engaging with stakeholders about the work we're doing, which I love.
I feel passionately about children having the best possible school experience and achieving the best they can. I hope that this passion, teamed with my skills and experience in the workplace will help me provide a positive contribution to the school.
Clare Slater: Trust governor
Starting as a Parent Governor a number of years ago, when both my children were at Highburton, I am now a Trust Governor.Whilst the Governor team work collaboratively in all aspects of school, I have a special interest in finance, buildings and Health and Safety. This interest mirrors my day-job where I am responsible global estates and facilities and leading the operational delivery teams.I’ve worked in facilities and estates for over 20 years giving me a good grounding in defining and shaping strategies, tactical solutions and operational delivery. I support the school using my experience and knowledge and specialise as the health and safety Governor.
Rebecca Rowland: Trust Governor
My name is Becky Rowland and I am a co-opted governor for Highburton First School. I have responsibility of Special Educational Needs governor as well as being a class link governor. I really love these roles as it allows me to work alongside a great team of staff and enables me to contribute to the developments and successes of the school. I particularly enjoy visiting school and having the opportunity to work with the fantastic children who attend Highburton!
I bring a wealth of professional experience as a Primary School Teacher and more recently as a Teacher of the Deaf, and personal experience as a busy mum of three children.
I am passionate about our school and the local community and as a governor, I relish the opportunity to play a full and active role and contribute to making Highburton First School the best that it can be for all children and families.
Neil Hollis: Trust Governor
I became a governor in the summer of 2020 and have lived in Highburton since 2005. Our daughter, Madeleine, now at KMS, enjoyed the school through all the year groups.
My academic and professional background is scientific and I have worked in the chemical industry for over 30 years. My current position is related to regulatory and government affairs, where I get the opportunity to discuss topical issues with industry associations, civil servants and occasionally, politicians. I've had an interest in science subjects from an early age and I've been a STEM ambassador for my company.
In my spare time I like to be outdoors, whether that's cycling, walking the hills of our local national parks with family or looking after the garden. I’m also a long suffering fan of Leeds United. As a resident of the village, I'm proud of the school and its reputation and welcome the opportunity to be able to support its development in the future.
Laura Brown - Parent Governor
I joined the Governing Body at Highburton First School in August 2021 as a parent who felt able to help the school in music and creative art. I have been involved in performing arts/musical productions for over 20 years and since 2014, I have produced and directed a not-for-profit community pantomime in Mirfield, working with adults and children from age 5. I am keen to support the school in maintaining excellent standards, whilst encouraging the development of talent and passion. Recognising the importance music and the arts plays in all our lives, I believe every child should have the opportunity to increase their confidence and participate in creative arts, regardless of ability.
I am a link governor and enjoy working alongside the staff and children in my allocated year group. I am also the named governor for Safeguarding and the governor representative on the PTA.
I am a practising solicitor in health care law with some experience of working with public bodies in the legal sector. Prior to having children of my own I was also a governor at Little London Community Primary School, Leeds.
