Governors (ID 1245)

• Ms Kate Lunn
  Governor (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.

• Miss Kirsty Gatenby
  Parent Governor (Vice Chair)
  Miss Kirsty Gatenby

  I'm a Parent Governor and current Vice Chair for Park Lane Academy’s Local Academy Board. I am a mother of four children, two of whom attend Park Lane. I became a school governor as in my view, a strong governing body can really support a school and be part of the journey that makes a school astounding. I've seen Park Lane transform over the past few years and I feel privileged to be part of such a great team who really do understand how important it is to provide a secure, safe and aspirational environment.

• 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.

• Mrs Catherine Sharpe
  Governor
  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.

• Miss Abigail Cox
  Staff 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.

• Miss Gillian Grice
  Staff Governor
  Miss Gillian Grice

  Hello, my name is Gill Grice, here is a little bit about me. I have 4 grown-up children and 3 grandchildren. I used to attend Park Lane Academy back when it was known as Exley. All my 4 children attended this school and now my grandchildren are attending.

  I have worked here for 20 years, and in that time, I have had many different roles and responsibilities. I love the fact that the school is a family and everyone matters and has a voice. I look forward to seeing the school go from strength to strength in the next 20 years.

  Outside of work, I like to read. It's rare I go anywhere without my Kindle. I love spending time with family and friends. Since my children have all grown-up, my two dogs are now my world.