Governing Body

I was born in Sandwell and have spent most of my life living in Tipton. I am a Mom of two boys that currently attend St Paul’s. Having worked in various Financial management roles within the local authority for over 15 years and I am looking forward to using my knowledge and experience to play a positive role as Parent Governor at St Paul’s.

My name is Sukhi Basrai, I was born in Sandwell. I work in the financial sector and have two decades of Insurance experience. I am enthusiastic and looking forward to being a member of the school governing body. I have 2 children who both attend St Pauls. In my spare time I am involved in external sports clubs with my children. I enjoy all types of sports; Having played football at a high level 20 years ago. I encourage younger generations to be involved in sports and keep active. I love travelling around the world the furthest I have travelled is Down Under Australia. I enjoy keeping fit, cooking, reading, and socialising.

I have worked in Tipton for 25 years, starting at Ocker Hill Primary and then joined the team at St Martin’s CE Primary where I was Headteacher for the last 14 years. I have always enjoyed working with the Tipton Community and am very happy that I can continue to do this by supporting St Paul’s Academy on their Governing Body. I am currently a Senior Lecturer at Newman University where I am very proud to be training teachers of the future!

I have worked at St. Paul’s for several years as the Office Manager and have a wide range of roles and responsibilities; every day is different. I enjoy my role as Staff Governor and having special responsibility for Pupil Premium. In my free time I like taking my dog for long walks to different places, I also enjoy shopping and eating out with friends.

My name is Lynne Hickman, I was born in Tipton and have lived in Sandwell most of my life. I’ve been coming into St. Pauls for the last nine years delivering assemblies and after-school clubs. I work for Tipton Youth Project as a school’s worker and we are currently working with eleven schools in the Tipton area. I attend St. Matthew’s church in Tipton. I like to read, bake and watch cookery programmes, I also try to walk , weather permitting, most weekends. I have a son and daughter and a grandson.

My name is Kerry Lakin, I have been a nursery nurse, working for Sandwell Council House Workplace Nursery for 27 years where I have worked my way up to senior nursery nurse. During this time, I have completed a range of training courses and now specialise in working with children with SEND. I also work for West Bromwich Albion as a steward on Match Days and have recently been promoted to Lead Safeguarding Steward. In my free time I love spending time with my family and friends going on day trips and holiday as much as possible. I have two children who both attend St Paul’s, I am deeply grateful for the experiences my children have had during their time here. I am excited to try something new as a School Governor and to be a small part of a wonderful school.

As a member of the Governing Body of St. Paul’s Primary School, I have enjoyed working alongside a dedicated team ensuring that our school provides a high quality education and secures good outcomes for pupils whilst constantly pursuing improvement. As Principal I am able to provide professional advice to the governing body and am pleased to receive constructive advice, challenge and a second opinion on proposals from other members.

My name is Tom and in my working life I cover Tipton for the local Public Health department, working with schools and community groups to promote the health of everybody living and working in the town. As link governor for health and wellbeing I’m looking forward to working with students and staff at St. Paul’s to help maintain the positive, healthy working environment that I’ve observed on my visits to the school, and helping guide the great work the team at St. Paul’s has been doing to get everybody at the school fit and active. When I’m not working I like to spend as much of my time as possible out of doors, either at my allotment when I’m at home in Smethwick or camping, riding my bike, walking and swimming when I can get out into the countryside.

Hello, my name is Jo Wood. I work at Tipton Library as a Senior Supervisor. I have worked in Sandwell libraries for nearly 40 years (I can’t believe it has been so long!) I have a passion for sharing a love of books and reading for pleasure with everyone, but especially children. In my spare time I enjoy going to the theatre, meeting up with friends and family, visiting National Trust gardens and pottering in my own garden.