Governors

Our Governors

Greenfields Primary School is governed by an Academy Scrutiny Committee.

Our governors are:

• Sandra Appleby
  Principal
  Sandra Appleby

• James Tuffs
  DRET Appointed Governor (Chair)
  James Tuffs

  James was appointed a DRET Appointed Governor on 6 November 2017. He decided to join the ASC as his daughter was going to be attending the academy and he wanted to gain an understanding of the educational process. James also wanted to offer his life and professional experiences to assist the academy. Since his appointment, he has been the link governor for safeguarding, EYFS, SEND and Health & Safety. James has been a Technical Coordinator for a number of building contractors and developers for 10 years. He was responsible for the design and development of ongoing building projects. He has also served as a Special Constable for the Metropolitan Police and Northamptonshire Police between March 2011 and November 2020. James is a keen Arsenal supporter and enjoys playing football. He also enjoys socialising and spending time with his family.

• Holly Laurent
  DRET Appointed Governor (Vice Chair)
  Holly Laurent

  Holly was appointed a DRET Appointed Governor on 23 January 2023. She became a governor as she wanted to give back to her community and make a difference. Holly feels very strongly that each child should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential whilst having a joyful educational experience. She is a Solution Manager who has worked in the Financial Technology space for over 16 years. Her role involves analysing business needs, finding solutions to complex issues and advocating on behalf of clients. Holly's skills will contribute to the ASC by ensuring the Academy continues to achieve optimal outcomes. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, kayaking on the river Nene and going on walking trails.

• Emma Stills
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Emma Stills

  Emma was appointed a DRET Appointed Governor on 11 October 2022. She decided to become a governor to further develop herself and feels she has the knowledge and passion to further strengthen the Greenfields ASC. Emma is currently an associate deputy headteacher of a primary school in Bedford. She leads EYFS, KS1, transition and pupil premium. Her role will enable her to fulfil the role of governor at Greenfields to its fullest. Emma enjoys spending time with her family and has a young daughter. She has been known to run a little, taking part in both the Great North Run and London Marathon. Â

• Robert Franklin
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Robert Franklin

  I was approached to become a governor, which took me by complete surprise as it wasn't anything that I intended to do or become a part of. After looking into some of the information surrounding the role I was excited at the prospect of having some form of influence or input in my children's education. I am the General Manager of a restaurant/pub called the Park House. There are many moving parts and no day is ever the same. This means creativity and the ability to adapt, improvise and overcome any and all obstacles is key. Remaining calm to guide my team when dealing with high pressure environments is something that comes very naturally to me. The social aspect of the hospitality industry is something that drives me. Seeing and speaking to all people from all walks of life that walk through my doors gives me great satisfaction and the ability to enjoy my job. My first passion is my family. Everything I do, I do for them. I am an avid golfer, I'm not great, but I do well enough and keep improving. I am a huge Harry Potter fan, I grew up reading the books and they had me hooked from the first page. I am also a big movie fan, nothing better than sitting with the family and watching a good film.

• Beverley Wright
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Beverley Wright

  I am passionate about education and I attended Highfields school as it was then known, so it is very close to my heart. I am a Retired Headteacher in Special Education, SEMH. My passions include Art, ancient and local history, genealogy, equality of opportunity.

• Magdalena Mikolajczyk
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Magdalena Mikolajczyk

  Magdalena joined the Greenfields ASC in September 2024 as she had a desire to make a meaningful impact in her community within local initiatives.

  Gaining valuable experience and insights that are directly applicable to the Academy Scrutiny Committee, Magdalena has had a varied career and held positions in legal, business management, healthcare, military and defence.

  Outside of work, Magdalena enjoys giving back to her community through voluntary work, is passionate about environmental sustainability and the arts, and supports her wellbeing through hiking, yoga, and cooking nutritious meals,

• Abhinav Paladi
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Abhinav Paladi

  Abhi is a Principal software engineer at MBDA and joined the ASC in November 2024 as he wanted to be part of the community and share his knowledge.

  Outside of work, Abhi enjoys flying, trekking and engineering.

• Julie Malsher
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Julie Malsher

  Having previously served as a governor when her children were small, Julie found time to serve her community again and took on the role of governor at Greenfields Primary School and Nursery in February 2025.

  Julie has worked in social care for over 30 years, both in residential settings and training. Outside of work, Julie enjoys swimming and spending time with her grandchildren.

• Eve Kenny
  Staff Governor
  Eve Kenny

  Eve was appointed a Staff Governor on 13 February 2019. She has been working at Greenfields for seven years prior to becoming a governor and is incredibly passionate about improving the standards at the school in any way she can. Eve is a Teaching and Learning lead with experience in leading Maths, English and behaviour.

• Molly Bryce
  Staff Governor
  Molly Bryce

  As an Early Career Teacher (ECT), Molly believed that taking on a governor role would enable her to bring a fresh perspective and contribute to the strategic direction of the school, ensuring that both academic and pastoral outcomes continue to exceed expectations.

  Outside of teaching, Molly is passionate about mental health and well-being, especially in the context of education.

• Laura Salisbury
  Parent Governor
  Laura Salisbury

  Laura was appointed a Parent Governor on 23 March 2023. She moved to the area in the summer of 2021 and wishes to be involved in the school which is an important part of the local community. Laura wanted to be able to make a difference to children’s lives and ensure that all children are given opportunities to thrive and succeed. She has a background in hospitality and currently works in an admin role within dentistry and healthcare. Laura is an excellent problem solver and multi tasker with qualifications in Safeguarding and training delivery. She enjoys baking, sewing and reading when she’s not busy parenting.

• Rosalind Giles
  Parent Governor
  Rosalind Giles

  Roz was elected to be appointed on to the ASC as a Parent Governor on 7 January 2021. She expressed her interest in becoming a governor as she wanted to help the academy maintain its high standards. She is also keen to understand the operational side of the academy. Roz is an Optometrist for a Local Independent Company. Because she has lived nearby the academy for over twenty years, Roz has a keen interest in the community and does interact with the local parents and families. She has two young daughters and the eldest attends the academy. Roz enjoys cycling, Swimming and running.

• Teresa Elkin
  Clerk
  Teresa Elkin

  Teresa Elkin has been clerking academies within the Trust since 2014. As a former Chair of an Outstanding primary school and part of the governance teams at Northamptonshire County Council and the David Ross Education Trust, she decided to become an independent clerk to support governing bodies. Teresa also supports other maintained schools and academies in the county.Teresa's initial career was in advertising and marketing but a move into education, governance in particular ensured that she had a wide range of skills to bring to governing bodies. Teresa is an experienced governor and Chair, a governor trainer and mentor to individual governors and Chairs. Her passions and interests are the Theatre, literature and international travel.

Current Governors 

Former Governors 

Below is a list of governors that have served in the past 12 months.

Contacting Us

The Governance Officer for Greenfields Primary School and Nursery is Victoria Linthwaite. Victoria can be reached at governance@dret.co.uk. 

To contact a governor, please contact the Trust Governance Team by emailing governance@dret.co.uk.

If you are looking to contact a Governor to make a complaint or share a concern, please note that as per our Complaints Policy, governors do not investigate complaints at Stage 1 or Stage 2.  This enables them to be impartial should a complaint be escalated to a Stage 3 governor panel. If you wish to make a complaint, please complete this form and your complaint will be investigated accordingly.

Scheme of Delegation

Information about the David Ross Education Trust’s scheme of delegation is available here.

Minutes of the Academy Scrutiny Committee

Should you wish to view a copy of the minutes of the ASC at this academy, please contact the Trust Governance Team (governance@dret.co.uk), who will be able to provide you with an electronic or paper copy of the minutes.

Are you interested in becoming an academy governor?

We are looking for new governors to support our academies. Our governors work closely with their academies to support the Trust’s goal of broadening the horizons of young people through a world-class education, equipping our students with the skills and experiences to become their confident, academic best, no matter what.

If you have an interest in, and commitment to, improving education and would like to make a difference within your community, please register your interest in becoming a governor by completing our governor application form. If you have any questions about a governor’s role or responsibilities please contact us at governance@dret.co.uk or review our information pack below. 

march 2024 governor recruitment booklet.pdf

What is it like being a governor with DRET?

To understand what it is like to be a governor with us, take a look at our testimonial booklet and videos which contain insights from serving governors.

governor testimonial booklet .pdf

 Emma Bennett 

Angela Watts 

Stephen Platten 

Garry Allen 

What training do Governors receive? 

We offer an extensive range of training opportunities. Take a look at what is on offer for the current academic year.