VacanciesMs Stephanie Burn - Chair of Governors
Having an academic background in sociology, social policy and social research methods, Stephanie has keen interest in equality and fairness in education. Professionally, Stephanie holds a leadership position in the performance and intelligence service within Children’s Services providing performance analysis and intelligence, challenge and support to services and schools to improve outcomes of children and families in Leeds. Most recently, Stephanie has successfully completed an MBA with a consultancy research focus on the city ambition to reduce the numbers of young people who are not in education, employment and training.
Mr Kevin Paynes – Vice Chair of Governors
Kevin has recently retired after 35 years in the world of education. Having previously held leadership roles including Head of Post-16 Education and Deputy Headteacher in a large secondary school in Bradford, he became an adviser within the School Improvement Service in Leeds where he led the secondary team in their work to monitor, support and challenge schools across the city. In addition, Kevin had the strategic overview of the developing traded arm of the wider 0-19 learning improvement team and, latterly, took on the role of Head of ArtForms Music and Music Hub lead in Leeds. As he moves into semi-retirement, Kevin expects to devote more time to music-related work.
Mr Ed Podesta – Co-opted Governor
Ed is an Associate Professor within the Secondary Education team at Leeds Trinity University. Ed joined Leeds Trinity University (LTU) in 2015. Before this Ed has been a history teacher, a head of department in the history department at a secondary school, a PGCE tutor at the University of Oxford and held roles delivering Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for middle managers at Secondary school.
In his first and second year at LTU, Ed taught modules on the accelerated Education Studies degree and was also the School Direct Lead for the Dixons City Academy School Direct PGCE where he taught subject knowledge and application, professional studies and research methods courses. In 2016 Ed took up leadership of the Secondary PGCE at LTU, a position he held until 2022. Ed is now responsible for helping his colleagues at LTU and in partnership schools develop research interests, particularly in connection with curriculum development, professional agency and identity and education policy. He is undertaking research for a PhD at the University of Leeds in these issues.
Mr Juber Shaikh – Parent Governor
Juber holds a master’s degree in network and security, and currently manages the IT infrastructure of NHS trust. Throughout his career, he has held various technical positions in both the private and public sectors. These roles have provided valuable insights into organizational management, strategic planning, and fostering collaborative environments. He has a proven track record of effectively managing resources and implementing innovative solutions to enhance organisation capability.
As a School Governor, Juber feels deeply committed to upholding high standards of education and ensuring that every student receives the best possible learning experience. He believes in fostering an inclusive and nurturing environment that celebrates diversity, encourages creativity and promotes personal growth. By collaborating closely with fellow governors, school leadership, and stakeholders, he strives to contribute meaningfully to the continuous improvement of our school.
Mr Antony Hughes – Parent Governor
Tony left school in Jul 1976, working in Civil Engineering for 6 months. This was always planned to be short term as he had already been accepted to join Her Majesty’s Royal Navy. He joined the Navy on 30th Nov 1976, leaving in April 2000 as a Chief Petty Officer, having completed 23½ years’ service. For the past 23 years he has worked within the IT Industry, previously working for NG Bailey, & Leeds City Council. He is currently employed by Xerox UK as a Client Dedicated Professional Services Consultant, Xerox EMEA Professional Services. Tony is a full member of the Institute of Leadership and Management (MInstLM) and has an HNC In Business Administration and Management (completed at night school).
Mrs Elizabeth Knipe - Staff Governor
Elizabeth has worked in education for 19 years, working across multiple schools over this time. She completed her degree at Leeds Beckett and followed into Teacher Training at Bradford College. Elizabeth qualified as a teacher in 2009 and moved to Temple Learning Academy in 2019 following 10 years in an inner city school in Bradford. Across 3 different settings, she has held a Head of Year role or similar, across Key Stage 3, 4 and 5. Currently she is Achievement Champion for KS4 as well as a PE and Health and Social Care teacher. Outside of work, Elizabeth leads her own charity to support young people and families at the heart of communities, who may have hit times of hardship.
She strives to support the young people in her care and ensure they are provided with a positive and rewarding school experience. She is passionate about giving young people the best school experience possible, including extra-curricular opportunities and thoroughly enjoys seeing students’ progress and grow into well educated, socially aware, resilient individuals.
