Local Academy Board

Debbie Kelly (Principal - BPA)

I attended Moor End High School in the 1980s, before going on to Huddersfield New College and then The University College of Ripon and York St John, where I graduated with a B.Ed Honours 2:1 in 1993 as a qualified primary school teacher, with a Linguistics specialism.

I taught for 2 years on the North East Coast, living by the seaside before going to live and teach in Barcelona for 4 years. I returned to Huddersfield in 1998 and I have taught in Kirklees schools ever since. Prior to this headship, I worked as a teacher, senior leader and deputy, taking responsibility over the years for all aspects of running a successful school where children thrive. I worked part time for several years, when I had my own children and returned to full time teaching when I took up my deputy post, which I did for 5 years before joining South Pennine Academies.

Being appointed to open Beaumont Primary Academy, a brand-new school has undoubtedly been the most challenging, exciting, exhausting and satisfying thing I have ever done and a real once in a lifetime opportunity. Beaumont is everything that I learned along the way - it is a school where the well-being of everyone is at the forefront of what we do. A place where we nurture, care, challenge and push so that we can all achieve our potential but done so in a safe space built upon trust and passion. The staff at Beaumont have a strong moral purpose at their core and every one of us acts in the very best interest of our children.

I am very proud of everything we have achieved so far - Beaumont is a very special place and know that we have much more to do. I am proud to work for South Pennine Academies and have the support of so many amazing people who are part of our organisation.

Away from school, I still live locally with my partner Steve and my teenage children, Zak and Jess. We have a dog we enjoy walking and I am lucky to be near to my dad, my sister and her family. Family and friends are my very happy place.

I feel very blessed to still be doing a job I have absolutely loved doing for nearly 30 years and there is not a day, when I do not look forward to the day that lies ahead. Working with children and an amazing community is a real privilege. I truly believe that I have a duty to lead a school which ensures every child reaches their potential and strength, socially, emotionally and academically so that children can move forward and make choices about their future.