Governance

Kate Burton - Ex-officio - Principal

Kate is the Principal at Alder Tree Primary Academy

Melanie Ellis - Parent Governor - 07/12/23-07/12/26

Jenny Hyde - Parent Governor - 27/01/22 - 26/01/2025

Jenny has a degree in Cultural Studies. She has worked for Leeds City Council for many years in a variety of roles. All her work focuses on improving the experience of people who use council services, specifically through process design and new technologies. Current work areas include community hubs, anti-social behaviour, and welfare services, particularly for people impacted by the pandemic. Previous roles have included working with both adults’ and children’s social care. She is a proud mum and stepmum and her interests include cryptic crosswords, camping and reading murder mystery novels.

Jessica Milton – Staff Governor (Teaching) - 23/06/2022 - 23/06/2025 

Upon completion of her BA Hons Primary Education degree at Leeds Beckett University, Jess started her journey as a practitioner at Alder Tree Primary, working in year 5. Since then, Jess has become class teacher for Year 6 and is now the subject leader for Art. In addition, Jess enjoys leading a Gymnastics after-school club for Year 6 pupils and is particularly passionate about the teaching and learning of mathematics. 

Janie Jennings – WRAT Staff - 26/09/2022 - 26/09/2025

Janie Jennings qualified as a Design & Technology teacher specialising in Fashion & Textiles after completing a BSC(Hons) in Textile Technology and a 16-year career working in the Textiles Industry. After completing a PGCE in Design Technology with a specific focus on Textiles, she began teaching at Intake High School in 2002 and on completing her NQT year, she became Assistant Area Leader, primarily focussing on the work-related learning subjects in the faculty. She then became Area Leader for Design Technology & WRL at Leeds West Academy, where she led the department into improving the GCSE A* - C range. Janie became Assistant Principal responsible for Physical, Social, Health, Citizenship & Economic education (PSHCE) and Work-Related Curriculum at the Academy in September 2016, improving the delivery of PSHCE so that all students at Leeds West Academy acquire the knowledge of how to become a well-rounded young person, fully equipped with the skills and qualities needed to have positive relationships, a rewarding career and economic success. In January 2022, Janie made the decision to work part-time and assumed the role of Director of Community Engagement.

Joe Moore – Board Appointee - 02/12/2021 - 01/12/2024

Joe has recently finished university, gaining degrees in History/International Politics and Global Supply Chain Management. He currently works for Marks and Spencer while starting on his career path. 

Joe's hobbies include playing field hockey as well as walking, reading and cooking.

Agnieszka Brewood – Board appointee (Vice-Chair) - 03/03/2023–03/03/2026

Agnieszka has degrees in Pedagogy/Early Childhood Education and in Social Politics. She works for YBS, where she has gained experience in working closely with senior management and Chief Officers on strategy and planning, budgets and auditing of processes, reporting and progress monitoring. In her current role as Communications Programme and Intelligence Manager, Agnieszka manages the budget and planning, runs projects, sets objectives, reviews campaigns, and builds relationships with stakeholders.

Agnieszka has lived for 14 years in Leeds and is a mum to her 10 year-old son, who has attended the school since reception and therefore has a very strong desire to contribute in any way she can.

Kay Hussain – Staff Governor (non-teaching) - 13/09/22-15/09/25

Kay is a HLTA at Alder Tree Primary, primarily delivering Spanish & RE curriculum across school. She also runs the student council and works with the HPL ambassadors which allows her to share my passion to support children in becoming strong, confident, successful, independent learners. Kay's role is exceptionally diverse and is always hands on with plenty opportunities for development and growth. Kay believes Alder Tree Primary is a wonderful place to work, where the staff ensure that children are the core and with excellent modelling and scaffolding flourish to reach their full potential.

Having worked in education for over 25 years both in teaching and non- teaching capacities, and as a parent herself, it is important to Kay herself to understand and engage in her role fully both in the workplace and personally,  which is why she chose to join the governing body. This role gives the teaching and non- teaching team an opportunity to be heard and their opinions valued. 

Olivia Kurylo – Board Appointee 02/03/2023-01/03/2026

Olivia Kurylo qualified as a Primary School Teacher after completing a BA Hons Degree in Education and Early Childhood Studies and then moving onto a PGCE within Primary Education. 

Olivia has worked within inner city primary schools throughout her teaching career, she currently works at Carr Manor Community school as Acting Senior Primary Manager, Early Years Lead and STEM Lead. Olivia currently teaches full time in Reception and enjoys researching into early childhood development and pedagogy how this can support children at the start of their education. Olivia enjoys working with education and giving children the best support that they can get within their learning and development. Olivia is looking forward to working within the Governing body of Alder Tree Primary and is committed to supporting the school.