Meet the Governors
Our Governing BodyOn behalf of the Governors, I would like to welcome you to our school website as part of the Summit Federation. We hope you find it easy to use and that it gives you a small insight into the many things that we have to offer to both you and your children.
The Governors meet half termly to discuss many things, in particular school strategy and policies. I personally like to come into school in between meetings to be involved in the day-to-day life of the school and see all of the wonderful things the children are doing and learning.
Our aim as the Governing body is to provide a safe and caring environment where children are encouraged and challenged to meet their full potential.
We are proud of our School as part of the federation and feel privileged to support Damien Bond as Executive Headteacher and the staff in delivering a varied and stimulating education for our children. We also work closely with 'Friends of Hinchliffe Mill School' PTA and love to hear suggestions from the children's forum.
Thank you
Alex Beaumont
Temporary Chair of Governors
What School Governors DoSchool governing bodies are made up of people from school communities who want to make a positive contribution to children's education.
Every school has a governing body. They work with the Executive Headteacher to set the future direction for the school and decide how the school spends its budget. They are responsible for making sure the school provides good quality education and for raising pupils’ attainment by:
- setting strategic direction
- ensuring accountability
- monitoring and evaluating school performance
- acting as a critical friend
Governors govern rather than manage. Their role is one of direction and focus; they make decisions collectively on matters such as performance targets, school policies, and the school's development plan. As well as providing support and advice to the Executive Headteacher, their role is to challenge the Executive Headteacher by gathering views and asking searching questions to make sure that any decisions taken are in the best interest of the school.
Governors report to parents on the school's achievements and respond to inspection recommendations. They also hear appeals from pupils and staff and consider complaints.
Overall Responsibilities of the Governing BodySchool Governors at the Summit Federation are appointed to provide:
- strong links between the school, parents and the community
- a wide experience of the outside world
- an independent view
- a visible form of accountability for the Executive Headteacher and staff of the schools
- a team focusing on long term development and improvement
- accountability to the parents and the community for the use of resources and standards of teaching and learning in the schools
- support for the Executive Headteacher and staff
In addition, individual governors will usually be involved in some of the following activities often through groups or committees which report back to the main Governing Body.
- School development plan
- Executive Headteacher performance management
- School profiles
- Staff appointments
- The financial management of the schools
- Pupil discipline
- The curriculum
- The training of governors
- Community links
Governing bodies are the strategic planners of schools. In order to do this a governing body:
- has an operational manager (the Executive Headteacher) who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the schools
- agrees on policies and practice which allows the Executive Headteacher the necessary tools to carry out their responsibilities
- agrees on principles and targets for improvement
- reviews long-term resourcing needs
- supports and challenges the Executive Headteacher
- receives and discusses reports on the resulting practice and conduct of the schools
- reviews its own working practices, including using self-evaluation forms
The Register of InterestsFrom 1st September 2015, governing bodies of local authority maintained schools in England are required to publish on their website their register of interests.
The register meets statutory requirements by setting out the relevant business interests of our Governors and details of any other educational establishments they govern. The register includes details of any relationships between governors and members of the school staff including spouses, partners and relatives.
The Governing Body CommitteesThe Governing Body has two committees that meet every half term. These are full governing body meetings and meetings of the resources committee. The Standards and Effectiveness committee meet on a termly basis. Each committee has individual terms of reference which provide clear details of what the committee’s responsibilities are.
In order to comply with the DfE’s republished statutory guidance in March 2015 which stipulates new requirements regarding the publication of Governor’s details, the Governing Body Committee List shows details of the committees and the Governors that have been appointed on each committee. In addition this list gives details regarding our Link Governors and their subject area.
The Governing Body ConstitutionIn March 2015, the DfE republished statutory guidance on “The constitution of governing bodies of maintained schools. The guidance stipulates new requirements regarding the publication of Governor’s details. The statutory guidance, which Governing Bodies must have regard to, stipulates that;
Governors hold an important public office and their identity should be known to their school and wider communities. Governing Bodies should therefore publish on their website information about their members.
In order to comply with this latest guidance the Governing Body Constitution Document shows details of the names of our Governors, the category they have been appointed under, their term of office and gives details regarding their voting rights within Governing Body meetings.
- Mr Alex Beaumont - Temporary Chair of Governors - Co-opted
- Mr James Piggott - Co-opted
- Mr Damien Bond - Executive Headteacher
- Mrs Maura Gallagher - LA Governor
- Mrs Nicola Holgate - Staff Governor
- Ms Fiona Sugden - Co-opted Governor
- Mrs Helen Beever - Parent Governor (Hinchliffe Mill)
- Mrs Helen Hawcroft - Parent Governor (Holme)
- Mrs Bethany Sharma - Associate Governor (No voting rights)
Governor AttendanceFrom 1 September 2015, governing bodies of local authority maintained schools in England are required to publish on their website details of Governors attendance records at governing body and committee meetings over the last academic year.
In line with recommended guidance the records are updated every September. The records were last updated in September 2025 and contain information from 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025. These records will be reviewed and updated in September 2026.
Governor Pen PortraitsMr Alex Beaumont
Type of Governor:
Temporary Chair of Governors
Co-opted
Specific Governor responsibilities:
TBC
Why I became a governor:
I was brought up in the Holme Valley and although I moved away to University, I couldn't resist the pull of the Yorkshire countryside, so returned to Holmfirth in 1990. My two children were born here and are now both in their 30s! A keen cyclist with Holmfirth Cycling Club, I relish the challenge of the local hills. I also enjoy the countryside and wildlife.
Although I did a Biochemistry degree I knew I wanted to teach Early Years in Primary Schools. It wasn't a mistake-I loved my time in schools. I have worked in 9 different schools over my career- from small rural primary schools, such as Hinchliffe Mill and Holme, to large inner city schools. I was a headteacher for 25 years in 4 different local primary schools. In addition, I was also lucky enough to work as a 'Local Leader in Education' supporting other schools .
I know from personal experience the challenges schools face at the moment. I hope my experience in education will help me to support the staff, parents and children at Hinchliffe Mill and Holme to become the very best they can.
Date of Office: 1st September 2025
Term of Office: 31st August 2029
Mrs Maura Gallagher
Type of Governor:
LA Governor
Specific Governor responsibilities:
TBC
Why I became a governor:
I relocated to the Holme Valley in 2022, to be closer to my grandchildren, after 40 years living and working in London.
I was a primary school teacher and, on retirement, a governor, a role I thoroughly enjoyed.
Therefore, I wanted to continue to use my experience to help children become ‘the best that they can be through becoming a governor in a local school.
My role as an LA governor has brought me to Hinchliffe Mill and Holme Schools, where I've been made extremely welcome.
I hope my skills and background will enable me to be an effective member of the Governing Body.
Date of Office: 1st September 2025
Term of Office: 31st August 2029
Ms Fiona Sugden
Type of Governor:
Co-opted
Specific Governor responsibilities:
TBC
Why I became a governor:
Myself, my younger brothers and sister spent many happy years on the playground at Hinchliffe Mill (and in the classrooms - where we were probably a bit less happy!). The school has been part of family life for us for several generations, and we are all in agreement about how special it is.
Now a local resident, I jumped at the opportunity to become a governor; to help the school as well as Holme school, and its families, thrive - enjoying the same lovely memories and character-building experiences that I feel so lucky to have had.
Professionally, I'm a chartered project manager within the construction industry, where I spent 11 years leading teams on sites. Having recently decided to make the move into people projects, I now oversee the Diversity, Wellbeing and Human Rights programme for a global design, engineering & professional services company. I think so many of the skills that I've developed in these positions can be of value in my role as governor - and I really can't wait to get stuck in.
Date of Office: 1st September 2025
Term of Office: 31st August 2029
Mrs Nicola Holgate
Type of Governor:
Staff
Specific Governor responsibilities:
None
Why I became a governor:
As a teacher of Hinchliffe Mill my aim is to provide the best opportunities for all pupils, to help them achieve and succeed. Through being part of the governing body I represent and share the views of my colleagues within the federation and work with the governors to identify our successes as schools as well as areas for improvements. This enables us to provide the best education for our pupils.
Date of Office: 1st September 2025
Term of Office: 31st August 2029
Mr Damien Bond
Type of Governor:
Executive Headteacher
Specific Governor responsibilities:
None
Why I became a governor:
I have been working in education for over 20 years since 2001. During this time I have worked in and taken on various roles and responsibilities from being a Teaching Assistant to being a Headteacher in primary and middle schools. I have worked in four local authorities during my career and I am proud to return to where it all began in Kirklees.
I am a family man and live with my wife, two primary school aged daughters and our two dogs Ember and Hugo.
I am proud to be Executive Headteacher at Holme and Hinchliffe Mill Schools. I love the community spirit.
Beyond my work life I like to travel and have an interest in technology.
Date of Office: 1st September 2025
Mr James Piggott
Type of Governor:
Co-opted
Specific Governor responsibilities:
TBC
Why I became a governor:
I moved to Holme with my wife in 2021 and am delighted to be able to contribute to the life of this school and the wider village community as a governor. My first primary school (many moons ago!) was also a village school with just two classes.
I retired in 2021 as an in-house lawyer in the higher education sector, where I advised on a wide range of legal and governance matters and took a particular interest in issues around equality, diversity and inclusion as well as safeguarding.
Retirement has given me the chance to pursue a number of interests but especially walking in our fantastic surroundings. I enjoy most sports and am an active member at St David’s church in Holmbridge.
Date of Office: 1st September 2025
Term of Office: 31st August 2029
Mrs Helen Hawcroft
Type of Governor:
Parent (Holme School)
Specific Governor responsibilities:
TBC
Why I became a governor:
I grew up in South Africa and relocated to the Holme Valley in 2016. I've loved being part of this wonderful community and because of this, I chose Holme J&I School to send my child to.
With my background in client relationship and account management, I bring strong relationship-building and problem-solving skills to the table.
I'm passionate about creating a happy and healthy environment for our children and I'm excited to work with the school community to make a positive impact.
Date of Office: 1st September 2025
Term of Office: 31st August 2029
Mrs Helen Beever
Type of Governor:
Parent (Hinchliffe Mill School)
Specific Governor responsibilities:
TBC
Why I became a governor:
Coming Soon...
Date of Office: 1st September 2025
Term of Office: 31st August 2029
Mrs Bethany Sharma
Type of Governor:
Associate
Specific Governor responsibilities:
None
Why I became a governor:
I have worked at Holme School for over 5 years. During this time I have worked across school from EYFS right up to Year 6. I love working at Holme School and being part of the Holme family.
Before becoming a teacher, I worked in Graphic Design and also Enterprise education.
Beyond my work life I love to read, be creative and also travel especially to Europe and India. I have a little boy and we live in the Holme Valley.
Date of Office: 1st September 2025
Term of Office: 31st August 2029
How to contact our Governing BodyIf you would like to contact the Chair of Governors please send an e-mail or letter marked for the attention of 'The Chair of Governors':
Hinchliffe Mill Junior & Infant School
Waterside Lane
Holmbridge
Holmfirth
HD9 2PF
E-Mail: alex.beaumont@hinchliffemillschool.org.uk
Alternatively, you can contact Kirklees Governor Services
Governor Login