Our Governors

Paul Leeson – Chair of Governors

Date of appointment: September 2022

Term of office ends: September 2026

Business/Pecuniary Interests: No

Governor at another school: Yes

Attendance 2023-24: 100%

Email: [email protected]

'I am a retired Primary School Headteacher. I worked for over 30 years in Derby City and Derbyshire schools and, for the majority of that time, I was a member of the Senior Leadership Team and Governor at the schools in which I worked. I was fortunate that, for the last 16 years, I was Headteacher at Horsley CofE Primary School, which is a successful small school to the north of Derby. During this period, I was an active member of the Derbyshire Association of Small Schools and served as Chair for several years.  Since retirement I have become a Trustee of Amber Valley School Sports Partnership and currently serve as Chair.

Last year I was pleased to be asked to work with Longford by the people at Embark, and delighted when I was asked to remain involved with the school by serving as a Governor by Mrs. Piper and the rest of the Governing Body. I have come to know the warmth, friendliness and family focus of our school and look forward to further supporting it to continue to thrive as a school in the heart of the village’s community'.

Elise Piper-Hadfield – Headteacher

Date of appointment: September 2021

Business/Pecuniary Interests: No

Governor at another school: No

Attendance 2023-24: 100%

'This is my seventh year at Longford, having started here as a teacher in 2017 before commencing my current post as headteacher in September 2021.

During my time at Longford, I have taught full time in Years 2-6 and I currently teach an afternoon a week in our mixed Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 class.

My first leadership role with the school was as Maths lead, which I continue to be. In subsequent years, my leadership responsibility within the school increased, including taking on the role of curriculum lead before being appointed headteacher. 

My knowledge of the school, paired with the range of experiences I have had during my time here, means that I have a strong understanding of the school’s vision and how we can move  forward, to ensure that we provide the best possible education and opportunities for all children.

It is a pleasure to be part of the Longford community – from the children staff, parents and governors, to the wider community, which includes our links with the local church (being a C of E school) and I extremely proud to work here, where a positive child-centred approach is adopted, with our vision centring around our core values, that shine through life at Longford.'

Chloe Bailey – Staff Governor

Date of appointment: January 2024

Term of office ends: February 2028

Business/Pecuniary Interests: No

Governor at another school: No

Attendance 2023-24: 100%

Fiona Harrison – Parent Governor

Date of appointment: September 2025

Term of office ends: September 2029

Business/Pecuniary Interests: No

Governor at another school: No

Attendance 2023-24: 100%

'I am one of the parent governors, with children currently in Years 2 and 6. My working career had led me from being a Bank Manager, to working in Risk and Governance at Derby Hospital to now being a project manager on the build of my own house. I have also been on the FPTA for 8 years so know the school very well.

Please note, our Governors and Headteacher meet on a half-termly basis.

Please click here to find the most up to date copy of any relevant business or pecuniary interests of an individual in any trade or profession across the EMBARK Academy.