Keith Hobbs – Chair of Governors

I am currently a Leadership and Development Specialist, working across sectors to help organisations, teams, and leaders grow with purpose, clarity, and impact. Before moving into consultancy, I was a secondary Headteacher for almost a decade, and I bring over 20 years of experience in education and educational leadership. I have led schools in some of the most challenging contexts, driving significant improvements in Ofsted ratings, student outcomes, and overall performance.

My professional interests centre on leadership development, school improvement, and creating cultures where high expectations are matched by high levels of care. I am an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner, and I use this approach to support people to understand themselves and each other so they can work together more effectively.

Throughout my career, I have effectively led and delivered strategy, safeguarding, curriculum design, financial oversight, and governance—key pillars in building strong and successful schools.

As Chair of Governors at Higham Lane North Academy, I am looking forward to working closely with the Headteacher, governors, staff, families, the wider Trust, and the local community to build a school that is ambitious, inclusive, and driven by shared values. Together, we will put pupils’ needs, progress, and safety at the heart of every decision, and create a culture where service, teamwork, ambition, and resilience are visible every day. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a community where every student is inspired to learn, supported to grow, and proud to do what’s right.

With kind regards,

Keith

Mark Williams – Community Governor

Hello!  I am a community governor at HLNA, and I’m really looking forwards to getting to know the school, staff and pupils over the coming years, and helping to fulfil our vision of championing every pupil and ensuring that no child is left behind.

My career has been spent in the drug development industry, initially running clinical trials in healthy volunteers, before moving on to work with GPs and Hospital Consultants running trials in patients. For the last 15 years I have worked in training, currently as Director of Learning Services in a global clinical research organisation, where I lead a team of learning professionals across the globe (from California to China). As well as leading the department, my role covers working with external clients, and acting as a consultant to key internal areas of the business to identify learning and change management needs. I then lead learning and change management projects to deliver on the identified needs and so ensure that the new system, process, procedure, etc., is implemented effectively and on time. Additionally, I still design, develop and deliver training content via self-led, online materials, zoom-based sessions, and face-to-face. I also have day-to-day oversight of our departmental budget, ensuring that we are being prudent, while still delivering impact for our stakeholders.

Outside of work, I am married with 3 daughters, who I seem to spend most of my time running around after!   When not taking my kids to various places, I enjoy walking, swimming, and reading a good book.  I am also a qualified scuba diver and as my kids are getting older, hope to be able to spend more time under the surface.

I have served as a Governor at Higham Lane School (HLS) since December 2021 and during that time have gained lots of valuable experience. During my time, I have sat on finance and staff & student committees, attended the governor conferences and been involved in multiple behaviour/disciplinary panels. In addition, I have supported the conduct of Year 11 interview practice, and acted as a link governor for PE and 6^th form.

My career has enabled me to develop project, time, and financial management skills, alongside expertise in learning theory, practice and technology. I feel that these skills allow me, as a governor, to be a really strong critical friend, working constructively with other governors to support the head and staff, to ensure that the pupils receive the best possible education. I am not afraid to question decisions and plans, to ensure that they have been fully thought through, and are ultimately in the best interests of the trust, school, staff and pupils.

Amrik Singh – Community Governor

I am currently a qualified Solicitor employed by the Crown Prosecution Service where I can be seen prosecuting some of the most serious criminal cases in the country. My professional background spans over a decade in both criminal law and public law as well as prior experience in family law where I specialised in complex financial disputes, trusts, and children law issues. This has given me a wide range of legal expertise and a strong understanding of decision making in high pressure environments.

Beyond my current role, I am actively involved in mentoring and outreach. I regularly deliver career talks, advocacy training, and workshops on CVs and interview skills to l students and aspiring lawyers.

I bring to the governing body skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication, alongside experience in leadership, accountability, and safeguarding. My role as a Solicitor means that I bring a wealth of experience in making important decisions in extremely high pressured environments.

I feel truly privileged to be on the Governing body of HLNA. There is a very bright and exciting future ahead for the school and I cannot wait to be part of it.

Many thanks

Amrik Singh

Lindsay Eardley – Parent Governor

My name is Lindsay Eardley, and I am delighted to be joining the governing body of Higham Lane North Academy as a Parent Governor.

As a parent of two boys, I understand just how important these secondary years are in a young person’s life. It’s a time of growth, discovery and increasing independence, and I’m passionate about supporting all young people to make the most of these vital years—both academically and personally.

Professionally, I’ve worked in education since 2003 and currently serve as Headteacher at a primary school in Nuneaton. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with children, families, and staff across a range of settings. My career has been built on a deep belief that every child should feel safe, included, and inspired at school. I want children to enjoy learning, take pride in who they are, and never feel limited in what they can achieve. I believe strongly in recognising and supporting the unique strengths and challenges each child brings with them.

One of the key principles I bring to this role is the importance of strong relationships between schools and families. As both a parent and a teacher, I’ve seen how powerful it is when schools and parents work together. Families know their children best, and when that insight is combined with the dedication and expertise of school staff, it creates a learning environment where children feel supported, understood, and able to thrive. I am looking forward to playing a part in strengthening that home–school partnership as a Parent Governor.

I also believe that secondary education plays a vital role in building on the solid foundations laid during primary school. This stage of education should help young people develop greater confidence, resilience, and independence, while continuing to nurture their curiosity and love of learning.

Higham Lane North Academy is at a really exciting point in its journey—building on the strong foundations of Higham Lane School whilst shaping its own identity as a new school community. I feel privileged to be part of this development and look forward to working with fellow governors, staff, families, and students to help the school continue to grow and succeed.

Best wishes

Lindsay

Hanif Ladha - Governor

My experience in education spans over 32 years. Having worked in West Sussex and latterly in Warwickshire, my posts as Assistant Headteacher (Head of Sixth Form), teacher of Maths and a myriad of other roles and responsibilities, has given me a broad and deep insight in to the strategic and operational cogs that drive successful schools. On the HLNA website, the Headteacher’s welcome prioritises that Higham Lane North Academy is a school where everyone is included, and everyone belongs. My values wholly resonate with this. Furthermore, the three C’s (We are conscientious. We are compassionate, We are confident) and the development of the North Stars are fundamental pillars that I would like to support HLNA build upon and cement.

Currently working freelance in partnership with Netsixthform, I create resource toolkits and offer face to face support to sixth form leads in helping them drive attainment and progress towards outstanding. I also deliver at bi-annual national conferences to share excellent practice from my experience and research. My role at Higham Lane School, as Assistant Headteacher (Head of sixth form) till August 2024, allowed me, with close collaboration with all stakeholders, to introduce and run a new sixth form that opened in September 2016. As with HLNA, the fundamental driver was providing an excellent and positive academic experience for all students. As well as achievement, it’s culture to develop students to become confident and aspirational young adults was equally important allowing positive life chances for all. Besides my Netsixthform role, I also volunteer weekly at the local Headway (supporting those and their families with brain injury) charity shop.

Staff are always the most important resource in a school. Excellent Teaching and Learning is paramount in promoting success. Outstanding CPD, understanding pupil needs and promoting aspiration and ambition are all ingredients that I wish to support at HLNA. In addition, staff work life balance is also a priority so that HNLA basks in a happy, safe and welcoming climate.

Safeguarding is also an important ingredient allowing each pupil to feel safe and happy. This is an area that I wish to also support HNLA as I have experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead as Head of Sixth Form.

As a governor, I am very excited to be part of the HLNA community and looking forward to celebrating its future successes.

Zoe O’Donnell – Community Governor

I am currently working as a science teacher at a secondary school in Leicestershire, where I am also actively involved in running school trips and coaching the netball team. These responsibilities allow me to support students both in and beyond the classroom, giving me a well-rounded perspective on their academic, social, and personal development.

My experience as a teacher means I understand the day-to-day challenges and successes within a school environment. I see first-hand what works well in practice, from teaching and learning strategies to pastoral care and enrichment opportunities. This insight allows me to bring a practical, informed viewpoint to governance discussions, particularly around curriculum, student wellbeing, and extracurricular provision.

I believe my role in education gives me a strong foundation to contribute meaningfully to the strategic direction of the school. I am familiar with the demands of the classroom, the importance of staff morale, and the impact that thoughtful leadership and policy can have on outcomes. I am also committed to inclusive education and believe that all young people should be given the support and encouragement they need to achieve their full potential.

As a Governor at HLNA, I am really looking forward to contributing to the school’s continued growth and success. I’m excited to work with fellow governors and staff to support the school’s vision and values, and to help ensure it provides a positive and inspiring environment for every learner. Most of all, I look forward to seeing how the school continues to flourish and how I can play a part in supporting that journey.

Gareth Long – Parent Governor

I currently work in secondary education as a leader, with a particular focus on curriculum development, assessment, and teacher development. My background is in mathematics education, and over the years I’ve taken on a range of leadership roles, supporting individual schools and collaborating across multi-academy trusts to improve outcomes for young people. Much of my work centres on designing and implementing coherent, challenging, and inclusive curricula that give all students the opportunity to succeed.

In addition to my role in school, I work closely with the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics) where I lead professional development work groups. This involves supporting teachers across a wide range of schools to deepen their subject knowledge, refine their practice, and embed research-informed approaches in the classroom. I have a particular interest in curriculum design, effective assessment, and whole-school approaches to raising attainment—areas where I hope to bring valuable insight to my role as a governor.

Outside of work, I’m a father of three and enjoy spending time with my children. We love being outdoors and often go on long walks as a family. I’m also passionate about sport and strongly believe in its power to build character, teamwork, and resilience in young people. I take an active interest in a range of sports, including football, running, and cycling, and I always look for opportunities to support sports provision in schools, both through enrichment and in the wider curriculum.

As a governor at Higham Lane North Academy, I’m committed to supporting the school’s continued development and its ambition to provide a high-quality education for every student. I’m particularly keen to contribute to discussions around curriculum, staff development, and academic standards, drawing on my professional experience to help the school evaluate what’s working well and where it can go further. I also understand the importance of balancing academic progress with pastoral care and personal development—and I hope to support a culture where students feel known, valued, and well-prepared for their next steps.

I believe that strong governance plays a vital role in a school’s success, and I’m looking forward to working as part of a team that challenges, supports, and celebrates the work of staff and students alike. It’s a real privilege to be part of a school community that is clearly ambitious for its young people, and I’m excited to play a part in helping Higham Lane North Academy continue to thrive.

Many thanks, 

Gareth