Netherthong

Chris Wood  (Vice Chair)

I completed a BEd. at The College of Ripon and St John. My course was Education and Professional Studies, with American Studies as a subsidiary subject.

I started my teaching career in a large primary school in Stapleford, just outside Nottingham. Three years later, I relocated to Edinburgh due to my husband’s job and began working for Mothercare as a store manager.

After approximately 4 years at Kirkroyds, I became Deputy Head at Shelley First School and then 3 years later became Head Teacher at Kirkroyds in September 2002! In January 2013, Kirkroyds federated with Wooldale Junior School and I retired in 2019.

In my spare time, I enjoy walking my greyhound, reading and holidaying in France.

Adam Keeling

I joined the Netherthong Primary school governors after my son started at the school. I wanted to become a governor to help support the school and be more actively involved in the school and its leadership. I believe the Governor team play an important part in conjunction with School Leader Team and the support of the local community to provide a better future for the children. 

 Since joining the Governing board, I have learned a lot on how the schools operators, the processes is has in place and how it tracks itself, its clear the School Leadership Team have children’s success at the heart. I look forward to being able to support this."

Gary Keighley (Chair)

I wanted to become a governor to make a positive contribution to the school and the community and have been fortunate enough to become a member of the team.

It is vitally important that the Governor team is a critical friend to the School Leadership Team to ensure the children receive the best education possible in a safe and fun environment and that is what is at the heart of Governorship. I feel really proud to be a  member of the team and take great satisfaction in the knowledge that I am positively contributing to the children's success.

Tim Pickup

 I first volunteered to be a governor 25 years ago when my two children were at Scholes J&I. Since then I have acted as a Governor at three schools, Scholes J&I, Holmfirth High, and North Huddersfield Trust. I have had experience of being Chair of Finance and Chair of Governors. 

 I was asked to become a Governor at Netherthong J&I in 2023. Hopefully I can bring my previous Governor experience and also my experience as retired Finance Director to ensure that the school continues to thrive. 

 I believe that every child should be enabled to fulfil their individual potential. 

 Since retiring I spend my time playing golf, reading and travelling. 

Georgina Barraclough

 I joined Netherthong as a co-opted governor through a desire to become more engaged in my son's school and to make a positive contribution. My work role is rooted in governance and decision making, so I hope that I can put that to good use as a Governor, whilst supporting the school's Leadership. 

John Adams

I was elected as Parent Governor in 2022.  I am keen to make sure that the school continues to do the best for all of its pupils and staff and meets the high expectations of parents and carers.  My youngest son will be in the school for the next few years and my eldest son was briefly at the school before moving on to Holmfirth High. 

I acquired a broad range of knowledge, skills and experience from my full career in the Army including operational planning, programme and project management, strategy development, procurement, and international diplomacy.  As part of the team of governors I will endeavour to draw on my experience where appropriate for the benefit of the school.  This is my first time as a school governor and I am already learning more about how the school operates and delivers for everyone.

Claire Helm

 It has been a pleasure to be part of the Netherthong Primary School community for the last seven years and in that time I have loved helping out in school and playing an active part in Reading Friends and Parent Voice. It has been a privilege to share the fantastic commitment and dedication to our children and I was so proud to be invited to join the governing body.

 Experiencing the hard work and enthusiasm that the Governing body displays for each and every member of the Netherthong school community has been really inspiring. Being able to make a difference is very rewarding and I hope to be able to do this, especially for those children with additional needs.

I would encourage anybody who is interested in joining to find out more about becoming a part of this great team.

Natalie Hendy

I was elected as a Parent Governor in December 2023, after my daughter started in Reception in September 2023. I was hugely impressed by the school from my first visit as a prospective parent and now, as a newly appointed school governor, I'm eager to contribute my expertise to our educational community.