Governors
Helen Green (Headteacher)
I have been Headteacher of this fine establishment for six years. I qualified at St Martins in Lancaster and completed a Master’s degree at Leeds University. I have had a long career in education spanning over thirty -four years. My first teaching job was in Newcastle and I moved to Wakefield in the late eighties. I have been a senior manager for eighteen years. I have worked as an SLE (Specialist Leader in Education) where I worked in a variety of Wakefield schools to support teaching and learning, assessment and management systems. It has been a privilege to work in this community it was initially a battle to move the school from requiring Improvement to good and I am immensely proud of the staff and the children for all that has been achieved.
John A. Hanson JP, MEd., MRSB, CBiol. Chair of Governors
I was born in Huddersfield in 1948. I trained as a teacher at Manchester Polytechnic and obtained further qualifications Huddersfield Polytechnic, St. John’s College in York and Leeds University. A few years later I was made a Chartered Member of the Royal Society of Biology. I obtained qualifications in Physics and Electronics. I worked in these areas for most of my teaching life. I taught in a number of schools and worked for Wakefield LEA for seven years as an Advisory Teacher introducing IT and Technology. I retired from full time teaching in 2004. I have worked in teacher training for Wakefield LA until 2017.
I am the chair of the governing bodies for several Wakefield Schools. In January 2016 I was awarded the designation of 'National Leader in Governance' by the National College..I have significant experience in justice system, the prison system and family law.
John Scott (Co-Opted Governor) Vice Chair
I am a local resident and have a child currently at Upton Primary School. I am a subject leader in a secondary school in Leeds, with responsibility for leading Religious Studies and Business, and have previously held responsibility for Citizenship and Personal, Social and Health Education. I also currently teach across the Humanities subjects. I have worked in education for over ten years, and prior to this, I worked in different areas of the legal profession after completing my degree.
I wanted to become a Governor at Upton as I have a real interest in wanting to make sure that the children of the local community receive the best start that they can. The school is very much the heart of our community and it is a real honour to be able to work with staff to ensure that the school our children have access to, provides high quality learning and opportunities to acquire knowledge about the world we live in.
Brenda Graham
I have been a governor at Upton Primary School for many years. I live locally so understand the catchment area. During this time I have been Vice Chairman of the Governing Body and currently Chair of the Resources Committee. I have been retired for 17 years having worked at Minsthorpe High School as a Laboratory Technician in the Science Dept for 27 years. I am involved with a lot of other voluntary bodies locally but really enjoy the time I give to Upton Primary School particularly the time always spent in school.
DR Bernard Knowles – Chair of Standards Committee
I am a retired school teacher having taught for 36 years in the secondary sector, firstly at King Edward VII School Sheffield and then as Second Master (Deputy Head) at Batley Grammar School for 27 years. I have been Organist and Choirmaster at St. Mary’s South Elmsall and St. Margaret’s North Elmsall which has given me the experience of teaching boys of primary age. Apart from music, my other main interest is youth cricket and I have been chairman of the Yorkshire Schools’ Cricket Association for nearly 40 years.
In 2006 I was awarded the MBE for services to the community in West Yorkshire.
Karen Glynn (Co-Opted Governor)
I am a Wakefield resident. I have enjoyed a long and varied career within the health care system, specifically within Paediatric Nursing and at a later stage nurse management. I have been privileged to work with children and their families in very many different care settings. A proportion of my working life was spent overseas, once again working within the paediatric nursing speciality . My own children were educated both in England and overseas and as such I realise the value of the education system which we have in England.
Five years ago I returned to my roots here in Wakefield. I became a school governor to contribute to the local community but also to ensure that the first- class education system that we have in this country continues for the benefit of all children. Upon Primary school is at the heart of the community, it provides a first- class education for local children and this must be cherished and protected. Much hard work and planning assist in providing the children of Upton with their education and I view it as a privilege to be part of the governance team which contributes towards the running of Upton Primary school.
Melissa Bell (Co-Opted Governor)
After having my daughter in 2015 I wanted to be involved in making a difference to the education children receive. I couldn't be a teacher but I wanted to help in a difference way. By becoming a governor I hope to help the school become the best it could possibly be and help our fantastic teachers and leadership team concentrate on the things they do best. I currently work in sustainable procurement, meaning that I try to help people buy things in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
Laura Skelding (Co-Opted Governor)
My name is Laura Skelding and I am delighted to be part of the governing body at Upton Primary School. I am a Primary School teacher with 8 years experience, working extensively in the Early Years. I am passionate about education and I strive to improve standards across all areas of school.
As a Governor, I aim to take an active role in the school's development planning in order to support and challenge the senior leadership team at Upton. I look forward to working with children, staff and parents in the future.
Paul Wilson
I am a local resident and have lived in the area for over thirteen years. I have a child and other family members currently at Upton Primary School. I run a small business in our community. I have helped to run a football club for two years and I am a qualified child welfare officer, Football Association coach and also a rapid response first aid. I have worked with Humberside Police as PCSO for two years. I do a lot of work with community and district Councillors and I am also on the committee of Upton Rugby Club.
