School Governor Pen Portraits
Catherine Hall
I am the chair of governors, I joined the governing body in 2016 as the local authority governor which means that I offered my help to any school in the borough, and they linked me up with Batley Parish. I have really enjoyed getting to know the school, seeing the commitment of the staff and pupils in a caring and supportive community and working with governance colleagues on strategic priorities to progress learning.
I have lived and worked in this area for over 30 years and have a grown-up son. In 2016 I took early retirement from a career as a senior manager working mostly in museums. I still work for the University of Leicester and also for Arts Council England. I am a volunteer for Kirklees Museums so you might also spot me at Bagshaw Museum.
Richard Martin
I have employment history of 45 years as a teacher in secondary education. My four children were pupils at Batley Parish School and presently so are my grandchildren. I have been a Governor since the early 1980s and Chair of Governors for a considerable part of that time. It is a privilege to support the school ethos in this way. I am a worshipping member of Batley Parish Church and on my second stint as Churchwarden as well as singing in the choir. I am also involved in several community groups in Batley.
Rev Martin Naylor
It is a wonderful privilege to serve as a Governor and be part of such a special school. I am passionate about the Christian Ethos of Batley Parish School and it is a joy to see pupils learning and living out Christian values in a loving and caring environment.
I am Vicar of Batley Parish Church, St. Thomas the Apostle Batley, St. Paul’s Hanging Heaton and St. Andrew’s Purlwell. I have been in post since April 2014. I studied Biochemistry at Oxford University, Molecular Biology at Cambridge University, and Theology at Leeds University.
I regularly lead Collective Worship together with School Staff and a dedicated Church Reader. The School benefits from close links with Batley Parish Church and pupils frequently take part in Christian festivals and celebrations in Church.
I am husband to Kathryn, and owner of an Irish Red Setter called Merlin.
Phil Sunter
I qualified in 1997 and have worked as a teacher in London, Kirklees and Bradford. I have rich leadership experience, including Mathematics, Assessment, Information Technology and several foundation subjects. I have also been a senior leader in four schools as key stage leader, Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher. I have substantial experience of governance as both a school leader and teacher governor.
Ian Steward
Colin Cranmar
My passions are music and education which I combined in a 42 year career in teaching. Moving to Huddersfield for university (then it was a Polytechnic) education I discovered a third passion – for W Yorks, its geography, history, culture and cricket! My work took me to a wide variety of primary and secondary schools throughout Hull and the East Riding dealing with a large number of management teams. After obtaining a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from the University of Hull I became involved in operational and governance roles for Local Authority services and a national education association. I served for ten years as a National Executive member overseeing governance and continue to be a trustee for a national education charity. I relocated to Batley in 2019 and immediately began worship at St Thomas’ and All Saints churches who recently nominated me as a PCC governor. My passion for improving educational outcomes for all children remains undiminished and I look forward to supporting the pupils and staff at Batley Parish School.
Phill Hamlett
I qualified as a teacher in 2005 and have worked in different schools in the Batley and Dewsbury area. I have held a number of leadership roles within schools including Assistant and Deputy Headteacher. I have also led subjects such as English, Maths, ICT and history. During the past eight years, I have been fortunate enough to sit on the Governing Body at two different schools. I am proud to be a member of staff at Batley Parish and I enjoy supporting the school in the capacity of Staff Governor.
Robin Sykes
As a former Batley Parish pupil and father of two current pupils, I have seen Batley Parish go through many changes over a number of years. I decided to put myself forward as a parent governor in order to help ensure that any future changes were for the benefit of all children at the school. As a Chartered Engineer and project manager I have many skills that will add value to the board of governors such as financial governance, understanding of Health and Safety legislation, construction and staff recruitment. I have recently accepted the role of Chair of the Resources Committee as well as the role as Maths Governor.
Much of my spare time (if there is such a thing as a parent??) is taken up by ferrying my children from one sports club to another but if there is anytime left I enjoy watching Rugby League, playing 5-a-side football and being a keen DIY'er.
Annabel Polson
I was born in Dewsbury and have lived in Batley for most of my life. I am a member of Batley Parish Church Council, and I am also a Sunday school leader at the church. My daughter currently attends the school.
Following my degree in medical microbiology I have spent almost 20 years working for a large pharmaceutical company. My current role is senior specialist account manager, and I am also colleague chair of the company colleague forum. I have developed a wide range of skills in these roles which I am looking forward to using for the benefit of the school.
In my spare time I enjoy running and volunteering at Dewsbury Parkrun and you might also see me riding my horse around the streets of Upper Batley.
Hashim Raza
I completed my MSc in computer science from Leeds Beckett University in 2007 and moved to this end of the country in 2010. I have held various technical and managerial positions in the technology sector.
Having two daughters who attend Batley Parish School lead to a natural interest in the school’s attainment and wellbeing. Knowing the importance of quality education, I wanted to be a governor to use my experience and skills for the greater good of the community and the future of all children.
Parvez Kamal
It is an honour to serve as a foundation governor for Batley Parish School. My decision to apply to become a governor at our school was driven by my passion for education and the support I can provide to the school. Having worked within the banking sector for over 20 years allows me to use my experience to support the school’s financial management and resources strategy.
Most of my spare time is spent with my children, but any free time I have allows me to follow my keen interest in motorsport.