Governors : Lepton C.E. Primary Academy

Welcome From The Chair

Dear Parents and Residents,

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you and your children as part of the Lepton CofE Primary Academy community.

Lepton is a school that strives to give every child the very best start in life. Academic standards are important, but just as important are the values of respect, kindness and care for one another which underpin all we do. Our ethos of “Loving, Living and Learning” runs through the whole school – shaping not just what we teach, but how we grow together as a community. We want every child to leave our school confident in who they are, proud of what they achieve, and ready for the next stage of their journey.

As a Church of England school, our Christian values are central to the way we learn, behave and support one another. This is something I value deeply as both Chair of Governors and as a parent with two children thriving here. It is one of the reasons I am so passionate about serving this school and doing all I can to see it flourish.

The role of the governing body is to make sure the school is well-led, ambitious for every pupil, and equipped with the resources it needs. We work closely with the Headteacher and staff team – supporting them, but also asking the challenging questions that help drive improvement. Our responsibilities cover everything from results and finance to safeguarding, wellbeing and ensuring the curriculum inspires and stretches all children.

To guide our work, we have a school development plan that sets out the priorities for growth. This focuses on three key areas:

Teaching and learning – making sure strategies and teaching practices lead to the best possible outcomes.
Leadership and management – continuing to strengthen both staff and governance.
Children, families and communities – building strong, positive links between home, school, church and the wider community.

As Chair, I take my role very seriously, but I also want parents and carers to know I am approachable and available. You’ll often find me at school events or behind the tea and coffee stand at parents’ evenings – so please do stop and say hello or contact us via the school office.

It is a privilege to serve this school and to work alongside such a committed and talented team. I am proud of our children, grateful for our parents’ support, and excited about the future as together we continue to help Lepton CofE Primary Academy grow and thrive.

Many thanks

Naomi Klein

Chair of Governors (c/o office@lepton.enhanceacad.org.uk)

Meet Our Governors

Some of our governors have created a profile for you to read, here on the website, so you can get to know them.

Naomi Klein (Chair)

Role: Chair of Governors
Category of Governor: Co-opted

Joined: July 2024

Employment: Director of the Fireplace Studio Manchester

Personal Statement:

I am a mum of 2 girls one currently attending Lepton CE Academy, the other will join Reception Class next year.

I am super grateful to have the opportunity to join the Governing Body for Lepton CE as I really love all aspects of this school and want to support and encourage the staff and children who attend.

I am an Early years BA Hons Graduate who studied at Huddersfield University. During those years I was fortunate to spend a lot of time inside Primary School classrooms.

Following my studies I became manager of Fizzy Lizard before my husband & I took the plunge to open several businesses within the fireplace industry in Oldam and Manchester.

I am part of the Huddersfield Christian Fellowship and was drawn to this school for its Christian based ethos. I want to put my knowledge and passion of education to good use and am committed to ensuring standards remain high for all.

Rachel Brook

Role: Member of the Curriculum and ETHOS committees.

Category of Governor: Co-opted/Staff

Joined: May 2019

Personal statement:

I am the Deputy Head Teacher and SENCO at Lepton whilst also having the pleasure of teaching in Key Stage 2.

I have taught at Lepton for seven years now and have enjoyed every minute of it! The children of Lepton are amazing individuals so I decided to join the Governing Body to contribute to their time at school in more ways than just within the classroom.

My role on the Governing Body allows me to help facilitate links between Governors, staff and children.

Katherine Duke

Category of Governor: Parent

Joined: May 2023

Employment: Communications Manager for a Housing Association

Personal Statement:

I am one of the Parent Governors at the school. My daughter attends Lepton CE, my son attends the onsite nursery and my family lives in Lepton.

I applied to become a Governor to understand more about and invest my time in the school that my children will be educated in for many years to come, and to learn more about the education sector. I was also motivated to become a Governor so that I could give back to my local community and offer my skillset to help the school.

I work for a large Housing Association in communications. My career has meant that I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of people in our local communities. I have a marketing degree and diploma in strategic management and leadership. My experience working in a regulated environment for an organisation with a social purpose helps me to understand some of the challenges affecting our school and community.

I am committed to my role and helping the school to be accountable, maintain high standards and to be the best that it can be for our children and future generations.

Tim Pegg

Category of Governor: Co-opted

Joined: Feb 2023

Employment: I am a Group Director of a national housebuilder

Personal Statement:

I am a Co-opted Governor and my family have a long association with Lepton CofE School. My wife attended the school, as have all of my 3 children, 2 of which are still pupils. My mother-in-law was the long serving school secretary and my father runs the school gardening club.

I wanted to get involved as a governor to help the school provide the best possible education to children in the area. I have been very impressed and grateful for the excellent schooling my children have received at Lepton CofE and I would like to play a part in ensuring this high level of education is available for future generations in the village.

Having initially trained as a lawyer I have spent my career in housebuilding and am currently employed as a director of a national house building company based in Wakefield. I have a keen interest in Geography and History and am a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. I coach amateur boxing at Gladiators Gym in Huddersfield and believe in the benefits of individual and team sports. My family and I attend Huddersfield Christian Fellowship and I am a firm supporter of the Christian ethos of the school.

Claire Alford

Category of Governor: Parent

Joined: Feb 2023
Employment: Careers Consultant in Higher Education

Personal Statement:

I am a parent governor and have 2 boys in KS1 at Lepton.

I am originally from Manchester and previously studied Management at BCU in Birmingham after which I did absolutely nothing relevant to it for work, but worked at various places in various industries.

In 2010 I decided to change my career and move back up north. My husband and I moved to Huddersfield in 2010 and I started studying a Post Grad Diploma in Careers Guidance at Huddersfield University to get into the careers profession.

I am new to the role as a governor, however not so new to volunteering and have previously volunteered for an organisation called Goodgym for 4 years, where I would visit and call a lovely elderly lady. This was until my parents moved close by, therefore I wanted to spend more time with them.

My reason for volunteering is to give something back to the community whilst using some of my transferable skills from my current and previous experience.

Since 2022, I have been doing karate, love it. I enjoy spending time with my boys and hubby, socialising with friends and family, travelling and most of all….. chocolate!

Sara Earnshaw

Category of Governor: Parent

Joined: February 2025

Employment: School Business Manager

Personal Statement:

I am a busy working parent of 3 girls. One currently attends Lepton CofE Academy & another will start in Reception in September 2025. My husband was a pupil at Lepton CofE and is now a secondary school teacher.

I am originally from Bradford and have lived in Huddersfield for 7 years. I feel grateful that I can be part of the Governing Body and give back to a community that welcomed me.

I work across 2 Outstanding Maintained Nursery schools with Enhanced Provision for children with Special Education Needs & Disabilities in Bradford as the School Business Manager. I have over 20 years’ experience of the education system and the different challenges it faces.

My belief is that children should benefit from a good every day experience at school and achieve their full potential. My professional and personal experience have provided me with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of what is required from the school, parents/carers and the child to achieve this.

I have been involved with governing bodies in different schools and feel my experience and knowledge can contribute and give back to the wider community and for the benefit of pupils.

In my spare time I enjoy riding horses, reading, music & spending time with my family outdoors.