Upperthong Junior and Infant School

Catherine Patel – Co-opted Governor

Responsibilities – Chair of Governors, Contact for Governor Training, Governor for the Arts

Background – Parent with a child at Upperthong and a child now at Holmfirth High School. Primary & Adult Education and Training, with specialisms in Art, Psychology and Wellbeing. Governor since 2009. Current term of office 14.9.23-13.9.27

I have lived in Holmfirth for almost 50 years. My children attended Upperthong School many years ago so although there have been many changes it still feels very familiar.  My career has always been in education. I started as a Secondary school teacher but chose to move to the more varied role of Primary school teaching. I’ve also worked as an Education and Community Organiser for OXFAM and Safe the Children. When I retired I spent 2years in Ethiopia on a School Improvement programme. On my return to the UK I worked part time delivering a WEA training courses for Teaching Assistants. I’m now a Holme Valley Parish Councillor .

Term of Office: 14.12.23-13.12.27

Carolyn Littlewood  –  Head Teacher/Staff Governor

Responsibilities:Member of Resources Committee & Standards and Effectiveness Committee

Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Background – See Staff section. Governor since 2008.

Alvyn Riley- Deputy Headteacher/ Staff Governor

Andy Wilson-Co-Opted Governor

I have lived in the Holme Valley for over 45 years, working locally and nationally in manufacturing as an engineering manager. I have valuable experience of dealing with both people and budgets in a team environment. I am committed to supporting both the local community and economy through my activities with the Parish Council and Rotary club. As an enthusiastic walker and cyclist, I believe in responsible and sustainable access to the countryside and the benefits it brings . The maintenance of the heritage of the Holme Valley is also important to me , whilst ensuring any developments are sympathetic to the area. Through the Rotary Club of Holmfirth I have been heavily involved in Charitable events in the local community; latterly the voluntary organisation and roll-out of the COVID vaccinations at the Holme Valley memorial Hospital.I have a deep concern for the environment - my personal commitment includes reducing my Carbon footprint through initiatives such as solar panels and biomass heating.I hope that I can use my experience constructively in my role as School Governor.

May 2022-May 2026

Sarah Smith – Co-opted Governor

Responsibilities - Vice-Chair of Governors, Governor for Safeguarding,Child Protection & PREVENT, Looked After Children Governor. Governor for Humanities

Member of Resources Committee and Appraisal Committee

Background – Career within HR and in-house recruitment, Governor since 2013. Co-opted Governor-14.9.23-13.9.27.

Sarah Shackleton-Ward-Parent Governor

I have lived in the local area for almost 38 years (departing shortly, a fair while ago, to study for my degree in Business Management at Loughborough University). My daughter currently attends Upperthong, whilst my son attends a specialist SEND provision locally. My background is varied, having worked as an estate agent and in commercial radio, with my current role being within marketing and communications in the public sector. I enjoy live music, the threatre and practising hot yoga. I also volunteer with the Upperthong School Support Group (USSG) helping with their activities to support the school with their ongoing goals and improvement plans.

Term of Office: 26.1.24-25.1.28

Lyndsy Johnstone - Parent Governor 

Responsibilities: 

Background: 

Term of Office: from  

Hannah Eastwood - Co-Opted Governor

Responsibilities - Chair of Resources Committee, Early Years Governor, eco schools award, English, Communication and language.

Background - Parent of 2 children at Upperthong.  Osteopath and practice owner in Holmfirth.  Enjoys running, reading and spending time with my family.

Term of Office - 17.11.22-16.11.26

Beth Kirkbride-Parent Governor

Responsibilities: 

Background: 

Social worker with specialism in safeguarding, children & young people and fostering. Passion for music, sports and the outdoors. Mum of child in reception. Live locally in Holmfirth and very proud of our community. 

Governor for looked after children, music, standards and effectiveness and appeals.

Term of Office: from  27th Nov 2024-26th Nov 2028

Thomas Bray - Parent Governor

Background - I’ve got a degree in electronic engineering but my work passion is for product design and technology.  I’ve owned my own architectural lighting company and now focus on smart Internet Of Things based control. Out of work I like to fix things, especially things with engines, cycling and spending time with family.  I’ve got 2 children at Upperthong School. 

Term of Office - 09.03.21-08.03.25

Danielle Baldwin-Staff Governor

Term of Office- 29/5/22-27/5/2026