Birkby Junior School

I have been a teacher at Birkby Junior School since 2013 and been a member of the Senior Leadership team for 8 years, leading both Science and PE within school.  

Committees: Strategic Resources Committee, Health & Safety Committee

Length of Service: 4 Years

I have been Head Teacher at North Huddersfield Trust School since April 2019.  As a member of the Governing Body I support the transition of Birkby Junior School pupils to North Huddersfield Trust School. My role has supported the progression of the school's curriculum and progression from key stage 2 to 3, so that pupils are ready for their next stage of learning.

Committees: Standards & Effectiveness Committee, Complaints Committee, Staff Dismissal Committee, Pupil Discipline Committee, Appeals Committee, Pay Committee, Safeguarding Governor.

Length of Service: 4 years

My name is Ifeanyichukwu Peter Okoro. I am a Nigerian and I trained at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, as a medical graduate.

I worked at St George’s University, Grenada as a clinical instructor where I was involved in the training of medical students from 2017 – 2023.

My work included but was not limited to providing teaching instructions in pathology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical skills, medical professionalism and ethics and microbiology.

Since moving to the UK, I have been working to hone my knowledge in mental health and psychiatry by taking up a role at the Henesey Complex Care Foundation, in one of their homes.

My desire is to improve the health and safety of the community.

Living here in Birkby motivated me to join the governor’s forum at Birkby Junior School in 2024.

Committees: Strategic Resources Committee 

Length of Service: 2 Years

I manage the Pennine Sports Partnership and work across 67 schools helping with PE and physical activity. I have years of experience working in the school and community setting and have volunteered at numerous community sport clubs over the years.

I’ve loved working with Birkby Junior school over the years, getting to know the staff, children and families involved with the school and the community.

Committees: Standard & Effectiveness Committee, Performance Management Committee, Pupil Premium Governor

Length of Service: 6 Years

I am a former police inspector with over 30 years experience policing in Birkby and the wider community which has allowed me to foster good relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. I am currently an active member of the local community which enables me to support school in a range of ways.

Committees: Strategic Resources, Complaints, Appeals, Governor Discipline, Pupil Discipline. Health & Safety Governor

Length of service:  4 Years

I have a wide experience of involvement in the community. I am the founder member of Sadeh Lok Housing Association, HUDAWI Cultural centre and Reach Performing Arts. I have a background in Law and Education, teaching at Birkby Junior School as well as others while on supply. Other areas I have worked in include Community Development Officer for Leeds City Council, Co-ordinator of Afiya Trust (North West), working with a local solicitor, Non-Executive Director of Huddersfield and Calderdale Health Authority, Non-Executive Director of Connexions and the Development Office at Cloverleaf Advocacy.

My son and daughter attended Birkby Junior School and, as an advocate of involvement in their education, I continued, even after they had left. I love the diversity of Birkby Junior School as well as the happy atmosphere created by the staff and children. I continue to talk about Birkby as one of the best schools in the area.

Committees: Strategic Resources Committee, Appeals Committee, Pupil Discipline Committee, Pay Committee

Length of service: 18 years

I graduated from University in communication and cultural studies which has assisted me in knowing all about equality and diversity.

Committees: Strategic Resources Committee, Performance Management, Staff Dismissal, Equality and Diversity Governor.

Length of service: 15 years

I have taught Modern Foreign Languages and other subjects in Kirklees High, Middle and Junior schools for 34 years. I was a Local Authority Inclusion Consultant for 2 years and currently work as an Outreach Teacher for the Kirklees Primary Pupil Referral Service, supporting schools in developing provision for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties.

I had contact with the school in my professional capacity as Inclusion Consultant and was involved in a project developing inclusive classroom practice some years ago. I have also worked with the school in my current role.

Committees: Standards and Effectiveness, Performance Management, Staff Dismissal, SEND Govenror, Wellbeing Governor,  Pay Committee 

Length of service: 15 years

Committees: 

Length of Service: 

I currently work as Health, Safety and Environment Lead at Syngenta Huddersfield, where my focus is on keeping people safe in the workplace. Having worked my way up from an apprentice, I have gained a real appreciation for inclusive, person-centred environments.

I aim to be the kind of presence who champions potential regardless of background or circumstance. When I visited Birkby Junior School and met the staff, I was struck by the shared belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive, and I knew straight away it was somewhere I wanted to be involved. I hope to bring enthusiasm, drive and a genuine passion for change to the role as governor.

Committees: Strategic Resources Committee, Complaints Committee, Health & Safety Committee,

Length of Service: March 2026