Netherthong

Chris Wood  (Chair)

I am a retired head teacher and  was co-opted to the Netherthong Governing Body in 2018. When I joined I hoped  to be able to support the school with my experience and knowledge of schools and the education system.

In addition to my teaching career, I also worked for Mothercare PLC as a store manager. This gave me invaluable experience of budgets, managing a team of staff and dealing with the public within a vastly different environment to a school!

I have found volunteering as a governor an interesting and fulfilling role. I am now Chair of Governors and feel privileged to work with such a hardworking and professional group of people, who always put the pupils at Netherthong at the forefront of each decision made.

In my spare time  I volunteer at my local hospice shop, enjoy walking my dog, Bruno, gardening, and reading.

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."

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 (Vice Chair)

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.