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.
BEN SMITH
Having been a teacher for over twenty years across five different schools and three authorities I have held a variety of positions within schools. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and have had the pleasure to teach all year groups. I have been a part of a number of Governing Bodies. Using my fifteen years of leadership experience it is a pleasure to help lead Batley Parish.
IAN STEWARD
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.
FR JONATHAN BISH
I am priest in charge of four Church of England parishes in Batley, including Batley Parish Church. I was brought up in the United States, and after a degree in law from the University of Oxford, I trained as a priest in Cambridge. I have been in ministry for ten years in different parts of West Yorkshire, and arrived in Batley in January 2023. I have served as a governor at two other schools, including three years as chair of governors. I have particular interests in history, music and theology, and recently completed a Masters which explored the relationship between medieval understandings of creation and contemporary theologies of disability. In my free time I sing with Wakefield Cathedral choir and also enjoy walking and going to concerts. You may spot me on my bicycle, as I mostly get around Batley on two wheels!
If you would like to contact the Chair of Governors, please do so by calling the school office on 01924 326361 or emailing office@batleyparish.enhanceacad.org.uk
