Mrs K Geddes Headteacher of Court Lane Infant Academy

Since we became a school within the University of Chichester academy Trust in 2016 I was Head of School and then Headteacher from January 2021. I have been teaching at Court Lane Infant School since 1995 and became Deputy Head in 1998.  I became a Teacher Governor in 1997 and am currently a Governor in my role as Headteacher. During this time I have supported the school in my role as a member of staff and as a Governor so that all pupils and staff have the opportunity to be inspired, motivated and achieve. I am proud to be part of the Court Lane School community and to be part of the learning journey for all staff and pupils.

I joined Court Lane Junior Academy in January 2021, having led schools previously in Luton and in Hertfordshire. I have been a member of the governing boards of schools I have worked in since 2007 and now act as a Head Teacher Governor on our joint LGB. I have worked in a range of schools, from small faith settings to large primaries with over 600 children! I am passionate about creating an exciting and ambitious curriculum in an inclusive environment. I work closely with Mrs Geddes, Head Teacher at Court Lane Infant School to ensure that our shared values carry through both schools and that this leads to an enriching experience for our children.

Appointed by The Trust - Term of office  01/09/2024 - 31/08/2028

I have been employed as a Minister working with children and young people for over 30 years and all throughout that time I have had the privilege of being a Governor within both Schools. I began my Governor 'career' at Ashley Junior School in the New Forest and 'transferred' to Court Lane Juniors in 2000. I am married to Vanessa and our 3 children have all enjoyed their journey through the schools. Within my job at Cosham Baptist my role is primarily with children and young people and I value being part of the Governing Body that ensures they get the best all round education. I am now a co-opted governor and I see my main role as one of support and challenge. I love the opportunities when we can get involved with new developments and new ways of engaging children and assisting their learning. I love taking on new challenges - anything from completing a non-stop walk from London Eye to Spinnaker Tower to putting on 'Experiences' for thousands of local children to enjoy.

Appointment by Staff - Term of office 01/09/23 - 31/08/27

I joined the governing board as a parent governor when my eldest child was at the Infants. Over the years, both of my children attended Court Lane Infant and Junior Academies, where they thrived academically and socially, and then successfully transitioned to secondary school. My experience as a parent and governor has provided me with valuable insights and understanding in supporting the schools' development.

I believe that all children, not just my own, should receive an education that is both enjoyable and inspiring, allowing them to achieve their potential. I am fortunate to be able to put this belief into practice as a member of the teaching team at Court Lane Infant Academy, where I have also worked for several years.

My unique position as both a member of staff and a governor stands me in good stead to support and challenge Court Lane Academies to continue to provide the best educational experiences possible for all our children. 

Appointment by Staff - Term of office 16/10/23 - 15/10/27

I have worked at CLJS for 7 years as both a class teacher and as part of the Leadership Team. I have worked in other schools in Portsmouth for almost 30 years and I'm still enjoying the challenge.

I am currently a staff governor and I am passionate about supporting the staff, children and families of Court Lane Schools on our journey to continued success.

Outside of school, I enjoy being outside, gardening, walking and relaxing.

Appointed by The Trust - Term of Office 01/09/2024 - 31/08/2028

As a parent I have been involved with Court Lane since 2015. I joined as a Parent Governor in 2018. 

I have been a systems engineer and manager supporting the UK's air traffic control service for the last 20 years, and hope to bring some of the skills I have picked up in that industry, to help the Court Lane academies achieve the best they can for the pupils and staff. I believe it is vital that there is a direct connection between the pupils, parents and the academy's senior leadership team, which is of course where the governors come in. Please contact me if you have any queries or concerns via email or approach me when you see me at the school!

Appointed by Parents - Term of office 01/09/22 - 31/08/26

I joined the board of governors in 2022 having had two children benefit from their time at both Court Lane Infants and Juniors. Having worked in higher education for over 15 years at both the universities of Portsmouth and Southampton, I have seen first-hand the positive impact education can have on individuals in providing opportunities for personal development and fulfilling academic aspirations. I have also seen an increased need for pastoral care and support to vulnerable pupils and the favourable outcomes that this can bring.

I currently work as a senior lecturer in geography and environmental science at the University of Southampton and hold Fellowship of the Royal Geographical Society. My involvement and enthusiasm in this area makes me a strong advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects which I am keen to promote and develop across the two schools.

I welcome the opportunity to apply my skills and experience to assist the senior leadership team in providing staff and pupils alike with a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes educational engagement and learning.