New Chair of Governors announced at The Grammar School at Leeds

Charlene Lyons has been appointed as the new Chair of Governors at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), taking over from Angus Martin, who is retiring after over a decade of remarkable service to the school.

Charlene has been a governor for nine years and vice chair for the past five, and she brings a wealth of experience in leadership, governance and business. She is currently Deputy CEO at Imparta and previously served as CEO of Black Sheep Brewery and founder of Lyons Consultancy, working nationally across both the private and public sectors.

Charlene is also a trustee of Leeds Hospitals Charity and is a longstanding member of the GSAL community. Her new appointment marks a special milestone as GSAL’s first female Chair of Governors.

On her appointment, Charlene said: “It is a privilege to serve as Chair of Governors at GSAL – a school that combines academic excellence with warmth, care and ambition. As both a parent and governor, I have seen the profound impact that a GSAL education has on its pupils. I look forward to working closely with the Principal, my fellow governors and the wider school community to ensure we continue to provide the best possible start in life for every child.”

Principal Michael Hall thanked Angus Martin for his long and distinguished contribution and congratulated Charlene in her new role: “Angus’s retirement marks the conclusion of a period of exceptional leadership and commitment to GSAL. Over the past ten years, he has provided stability, integrity and wise counsel through times of both challenge and success. We are extremely grateful for his service and wish him the very best for the future.

I am delighted to welcome Charlene as our new Chair of Governors. Her experience, energy and insight will ensure continuity of strong governance and a shared focus on the school’s strategic priorities. It is very much business as usual at GSAL — with exciting times ahead.”

Under Angus’s leadership, GSAL achieved significant success, including the relocation of Rose Court to Alwoodley Gates, the completion of The Cryer performing arts centre, and recognition as Independent Secondary School of the North on two occasions plus School of the Decade by The Sunday Times.