Meet the Governors

Mr Andrew Hancox

Headteacher

As head, working closely with Governors is vital to continue the cycle of school improvement. In the schools I have worked in, I have always been a staff governor historically. I value the importance their outside eyes brings to school and allows us to be reflective in our roles. Our Governors represent the community and families we support and have the capacity to make a real change in supporting school to improve. Our Governor meetings are productive and allow reassurances that our hard work in school is making a difference to your children.

Mrs Jane French

Vice Chair of Governors (Co-opted)

Appointed Vice Chair of Governors 13 July 2021.

My husband and I have lived in the village and been associated with Scholes J & I school for 30 years. My three children all attended this school and are now happily married with children of their own. I was a teacher at the school for nearly 20 years, (teaching mainly year 6) and held responsibility for Maths and became part of the the school Senior Leadership Team. I retired from my role in August 2017.

In September 2017 I became a governor of the school and I am pleased to continue being part of a school that has always been a happy and friendly environment, which holds individual interest at heart. It was a pleasure to work in this school and I look forward to being part of its future development and success.

I am the lead for Achievement and Curriculum.

Mrs Jayne Done

Governor (Trust Appointed)

I welcome the opportunity to join the Governing Board of Scholes Junior and Infant School. I have been a governor for many years in a Federation of Schools in a neighbouring authority until my retirement. I moved to Holmfirth over 40 years ago, and attended Huddersfield Polytechnic before it became a University and gained a Nutrition Degree, and then on to Leeds University for a post graduate teaching qualification. Although my career has always been in education, it's been very varied, teaching Biology and Food Technology and then into school leadership before moving into school improvement. I've worked across several authority areas each with their own distinct community, cultural and ethnic profiles. As a School Improvement Officer I held a portfolio of schools, Primary, Special, and Alternative Provision for some of the most vulnerable children within the community. I also led on Safeguarding in Education for the local authority. I represented school improvement on various decision making groups especially those regarding keeping children safe across the district and the reshaping of provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I was lucky to hold roles that didn't divorce me from spending time with children and young people in their schools and as an Officer you never lose touch with what constitutes a 'Good Education', a curriculum that develops enquiring minds, the opportunity to explore real life learning, and the highest quality teaching that is enabling to each and every child to be successful in their learning and personal development. In the autumn term I became a trustee for The Mast and joined your Governing Body as it became a member school. I am really looking forward to being a Governor at Scholes and working with the team , it will be great for our school community to grow in partnership with schools who share the same ethos, with children at the heart of everything they do.

Dr Margaret Culshaw

Governor (Co-opted)

Appointed Chair of Governors 13 July 2021.

I have worked with the Governors of Scholes School to support staff, parents and pupils for the past five years and 2022 – 23 is my second year as Chair. This a year of opportunity for Scholes school and I am proud to have been elected to remain as Chair of the Governors and to work with the new Head to move the school forward.

I live locally and recently retired from the University of Huddersfield where I developed and led the Pharmacy courses, working with the University and professional bodies to ensure high standards and to enable students to achieve their ambitions.

Prior to the move to full time teaching and academia, I juggled teaching postgraduates at Leeds University and working as a prescribing advisor for the GP practices in the South Huddersfield area with the demands of my own family.

I have lived in Holmfirth for 24 years, so I am no longer a newcomer. Prior to moving to Yorkshire, I worked as a pharmacist in NHS hospitals in Cheshire and the Midlands for 20 years so I offer a range of experience from some very different organisations.

My motivation for being a Governor is to use my skills and experience to ‘put something back’ into local education. Both my grown-up children have been educated in local schools and have had every support and opportunity to develop both personally and academically to meet their ambitions. I want to contribute to every child having the early education which will support them to achieve anything to which they aspire.

Mrs Tabetha Painten

Governor (Staff)

My name is Tabetha Painten and I am the newly appointed teacher governor at Scholes Junior and Infant School. While I am new to this role, I am eager to take on the challenge and contribute to the school's growth and future success. I have been living in Yorkshire for 12 years with my family, and my husband is a Yorkshireman. In my free time, I enjoy taking long walks with my whippet or being creative. At the school, I am responsible for leading early reading and phonics. I am very passionate about phonics. I became a governor because I am thrilled to be a part of the exciting changes happening at the school and want to contribute to its future development and success as a member of the Mast Academy.

Mr Peter Ward

Governor (Parent)

I am married with one child who is currently in Year 1 at Scholes J & I. I have just joined the governing body as a parent governor.

I am delighted to support the school in anyway I can especially in regards to health and well-being as I currently work at Wakefield Council as an Health Improvement Specialist for Schools.

I look forward to my time as a governor and watching my child progress through the school.

Ms Alison Lowe

Governor (Parent)

I live in Scholes and have done so for the last 11 years. Two of my children currently attend Scholes J & I and I have one who has moved on to Holmfirth High.

I have been teaching for 20 years in various situations and I'm currently working as a Trainer in Legal IT. Consequently, I am passionate about education and what it can offer both young and old.

I am active within FOSS and I am delighted to be one of the Governors. I look forward to helping our school become the best it can be.

Mr Martin Woods

Governor (Local Authority)

I am married, with 2 boys who have both attended Scholes J & I School.

I have been on the governing body for the last 9 years.I am the Chair of the Resources Committee as well as the Safeguarding Governor.

We live in the village and feel that Scholes School is a real part of the community. I feel that the Head teacher and all the staff are doing an excellent job.They are always ensuring the highest levels of education. As a former parent I am proud to be associated with the School.