Local Review Board
I would like to welcome you to BBG Academy, a 11-16 secondary academy, and its Local Review Board (“LRB”). BBG Academy is in Birkenshaw, Kirklees.
The LRB is formed from co-opted members who have skills which aids the Governance of the Academy, Parents, and members of staff. The purpose of the LRB is to provide oversight, challenge and support of the Academy including reviewing the Academy’s progress against its improvement plan, student attainment and how it engages with students, parents, staff, and the wider community.
The LRB formally meets at least 4 times in the academic year and considers Academy standards, the quality of provision, admissions and exclusions, and reviews risks.
As part of evaluating the academic provision provided, the LRB considers academy targets and performance, leadership and outcome and the Academy’s Curriculum.
In addition to its formal meetings, LRB members come into the Academy and speak with staff and students about their perception of the Academy, meet with Ofsted and sit on exclusion and complaints panels.
Members
TBC - Chair
Sarah Brady - Parent LRB Member
Sarah is an experienced primary school teacher with a particular passion for English and Modern Foreign Languages. Having taught in Year 6 for many years, her expertise includes assessing children against national standards at KS2 and supporting pupils in their transition to high school.
Sarah is an accredited moderator for the Local Authority and has responsibility for supporting writing standards in the Kirklees area.
Rebecca Bull - Parent LRB Member
Bio to follow....
Neil Hall - Vice Chair
Neil is a co-opted member and Vice Chair.
Formerly a parent member with close ties to BBG, Neil is an IT Business Consultant and has a keen interest in education, including guiding our young people into work through careers links and STEM activities.
Neil is the Careers Link LRB Member.
Matthew Jordan - LRB Member
Matthew is passionate about supporting education and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality learning experiences. He brings experience in both the public and private sectors, with a strong background in digital education, strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
Professionally, he leads K12 education initiatives across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for a global technology company. In this role, he works closely with governments and education leaders to support digital learning strategies policy development including sitting on a number of National Education Policy boards. This gives him a broad view of education systems and innovations, as well as a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities schools face today.
Matthew is committed to using his skills to support the governance and strategic development of the Academy. He cares deeply about student outcomes, staff wellbeing, and building strong, inclusive school communities. As an LRB member, Matthew looks forward to offering both support and challenge to help the Academy thrive.
Clare Sanderson - Staff LRB Member
Clare is Head of Year 7 and teacher of Performing Arts at the academy. She also leads the BBG Community Champions and Aspire Programmes, with links to the local community.
Joanne Johnstone - Staff LRB Member
Joanne is an Admin Assistant and valued member of the Safeguarding and Pastoral Team at BBG Academy. Originally from Scotland, she completed a Business Management degree at Heriot-Watt University before working for the local council, where she organised local and national elections for the area and supported the local councillors in their community work.
After moving to West Yorkshire in 2008, Joanne began a diverse career in education, and joined BBG Academy in 2020. Joanne has become an integral part of the school community. Affectionately known as the “school mum,” she takes great pride in supporting students and staff alike. Her proudest moment to date was being voted Students’ Choice Staff Member of the Year by the Year 11 leavers in June 2025.
As a staff LRB Member, Joanne aims to use her 15 years of experience in education to contribute to the work of the Local Review Board and continue advocating for the students and families of BBG Academy.
Nicky Thomas - LRB Member
Nicky is a Deputy Headteacher with experience in a large high-performing Trust and a stand-alone Academy. She has a passion for curriculum and teaching, having previous experience leading on attainment, behaviour and safeguarding.
Nicky is looking forward to supporting BBG academy to ensure that all students and staff can achieve, belong and thrive.
