Governance

Having graduated from Leeds University with a BSc, MSc and PGCE, Ann worked as a Secondary Science teacher in different parts of the country from 1978 until taking early retirement in 2011. Whilst undertaking different leadership roles her particular experiences were in curriculum development and behaviour management. After returning to Leeds in 2016, Ann undertook some short part-time contracts at two Further Education Colleges in West Yorkshire. Ann has served on five school Governing Boards and was the Chair of Governors at Greenhill Primary School in West Leeds until recently. In a voluntary capacity Ann has devoted much of her time to community development and environmental campaigning. Ann served as a Councillor on Leeds City Council from 2019 – 2023 as a member of both the Childrens’ and Families’ Scrutiny Board and the Licensing Committee. She moved to Otley in 2023 and is now Chair of Otley 2030. Ann is also a co-opted member of Leeds City College Board.

Cath has worked in education for almost 40 years – 30 in senior leadership in mostly Leeds-based schools. This includes 27 years at Brigshaw High School, progressing from Deputy Headteacher to Headteacher to CEO of the newly formed multi-academy trust, Brigshaw Learning Partnership. She has undertaken complementary roles during those years, such as Ofsted Inspector, School Improvement Partner and Local Leader of Education. She has always been committed to wider partnerships, particularly within Leeds, and has been Chair of the East Area Inclusion Partnership and East Fair Access Panel. She has undertaken a secondment for Leeds Childrens’ Services as a Learning Leader. In August 2021 Cath retired from Brigshaw and since June 2022 has undertaken a part-time contract with Leeds Childrens’ Services as a Headteacher Support Consultant.  Cath is also a governor of Luminate Education Group.

Louise is the Headteacher for Co-op Academy Priesthorpe and has been a teacher in the local Bradford and Leeds area for almost 25 years. Louise was originally a teacher of business and economics.  Louise states: “I have been privileged to see students achieve exceptional grades and go on to study at top universities. I have also been humbled to watch students overcome significant challenges, and, through their resilience, achieve great things. Excellent grades are one part of our students’ journey. Becoming hard-working, kind, and compassionate young adults, ready to contribute positively to life in their communities and beyond, is just as important”.

Iain is the Headteacher for Crawshaw Academy. His previous roles have included Deputy Head of St Aiden’s Church of England High School Harrogate, Vice Principal Bradford Forster Academy and Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion) Mount St Mary’s Catholic High. Iain’s teaching expertise is Religious Studies and Humanities.  In his early career Iain was a SENDCo and is passionate about ensuring inclusion as a thread running through all we do. Iain states: “I believe that education can be the ‘magic bullet’ in making a change in people’s life chances. As a teacher, educational leader and father, I believe that we need to put education at the forefront of the national agenda”.

Anne is a long-standing Pudsey resident and has extensive experience of providing community support in the local area. Anne has 35 years’ service at Yorkshire Water Services Ltd, predominantly working in corporate social responsibilities roles. Anne is currently managing a team of 12 delivering education, volunteering and social value programmes. Other governance roles include: Chair of Governors Pudsey Crawshaw Academy (2018 – present), Pudsey Co-opted Governor of Pudsey Green Side school (2004-2015) and Trustee Owlcotes Multi-Academy Trust (2022 – present).  Anne states: “To see Pudsey Sixth Form College created is a great joy – I want the very best opportunities for the young people in our area”.

Richard is the Associate Assistant Principal for Mathematics at Leeds West Academy and has been a teacher at Leeds West Academy for over ten years. Richard’s current responsibilities include all elements of data, achievement, assessment and timetable. Richard has a keen interest in Pudsey Sixth Form College project and, as the Leeds West Year 11 Senior Link, has been supporting the project from within the Academy. His previous roles have included Curriculum Leader of Mathematics and teacher of mathematics at Swallow Hill Community College.