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.

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. 

John Adams (Vice Chair)

 I have been a Parent Governor since being elected in 2022.  I endeavour to make sure that Netherthong Primary continues to do the best for all of its pupils and staff and meets the high expectations of parents and carers.  My youngest son is progressing through the school, and my eldest son was briefly at the school before moving on to Holmfirth High.

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

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. 

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.

Sally Quantrill

I joined Netherthong as a co-opted governor due to my desire to become more engaged in my local community. Being born and bred in the Holme Valley, it feels wonderful to give back to the area that has always been my home. Professionally, I work in IT, specializing in Cyber Security and AI consultancy for a global company. I believe that my background in IT will be valuable as the school navigates the integration of AI and its impacts.

Since joining the team, I have found volunteering as a Co-opted Governor to be incredibly rewarding. I have learned so much about the amazing work everyone does to make Netherthong Primary such a fantastic school. In my spare time, I also volunteer for Shelley Hedgehogs, where I help with the fostering and release of these beautiful nocturnal animals.

Liam Kershaw

I joined Netherthong as a co-opted governor in September 2025. Netherthong Primary School is a place very close to my heart having worked for 8 years as a teacher there. It was a place that allowed me to develop my teaching craft and was one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever done. The children I have taught over the years there have been a joy and each one of them has been a credit to the school and community and they all remain in my thoughts! When I secured a place as an assistant headteacher in September 2024 at another local school, it was very difficult to say goodbye so when the opportunity arose for me to return as a governor, I was absolutely delighted. 

I am heavily invested in helping Netherthong continue to thrive and believe the experience I am gaining in a senior leadership role in my current school can bring a wealth of insight and experience back to this wonderful school. It is an absolute pleasure to be able to return to a school that is very much part of my professional identity where I am confident the amazing staff and governing body will go from strength to strength! 

Victoria England

I joined Netherthong as a co-opted school governor in September 2025 as I was wanting to give something back to the community I live in. I have worked in adult education for 15 years and am a registered health professional, who currently works in operations for an apprenticeship provider. I'm able to use my knowledge and skills to support the strategic vision of the school and in doing so, I'm able to contribute to supporting the children of Netherthong Primary School.

It's been rewarding to visit the school and meet pupils to see how supported they are through inspirational teaching. Other governors have been very supportive in welcoming me and providing the necessary tools and knowledge required to be a governor.