The Governing Body of Hackleton CEVA Primary School consists of Foundation Governors, a Local Authority Governor, Associate Governors and Staff Governors. We meet termly both as a whole Body and as Committees.  Our aim is to ensure that all children achieve their best in all areas of the curriculum.

Our Governors

Governor Profiles

Matthew Adams – Parent Governor

Having lived in Hackleton for the past fourteen years and with two children attending Hackleton Primary School, I was voted into the role of Parent Governor in March 2015, having previously been an active committee member of the Hackleton School Association (HSA) for two consecutive years. The HSA does a fantastic job in raising funds to go towards purchasing equipment and learning aids for the benefit of children now and in the future; I would urge anyone even slightly considering helping out to contact the HSA - it’s often great fun!

As a governor, I very much see my role as being a representative for other parents and carers, whilst offering my support and skill set to aid the progression of the school as and where I can.

I have run my own company within the sports field and maintenance industry for many years now. The work includes the marking of sports grounds - summer months are extremely busy!

Hobby wise, as a family we enjoy the great outdoors including the sometimes obligatory bike ride or two around the forest. Having three dogs I am often seen walking the village and in the pocket park, donning my wellies in all weathers!

Toks Ikumelo - Parent Governor

My family moved to Northampton, Wootton in 2011. I am married to Toks (namesake) and we have 3 children. Prior to living in Wootton, we lived in London and feel fortunate to have moved to a beautiful and welcoming part of the country.

I initially became involved with Hackleton Primary School when my eldest child began in September 2014. I later became an active Committee Member of the school’s association (HSA), as my wife stepped down when expecting our third child. I primarily got involved in helping with the HSA activities. 

The HSA supports the school, dedicating their time and energy to fund raising through events, and working to support the school with vital equipment and projects.

I am passionate about educating the whole child, both academically and personally. Also, I believe that the first years of a child’s education are crucial to enable them to reach their full potential. As a Digital Transformation Consultant working within Public and Healthcare organisations, this experience enables me to cast an independent eye, supporting the school in maintaining its high standard and the delivery of its mission into the future.

My Interests:

My wife and I have run a clothing charity -Dignity for the Needy (DTN) in West Africa for many years, to provide clothing for the homeless, underprivileged groups and children in care. I have always been very keen on sport, especially 5k, 10k, and obstacle races.  I have completed several of these races in aid of charities. My goal is to compete at Ultra Beast Spartan and Ironman triathlon UK. I enjoy local community activities and spending time with my children.

Andrew Knowles – Foundation Governor

I have lived in the village for 15 years and have two children at Hackleton School. As an active member of Piddington Church and of the Parochial Church Council, I joined the Governing Body in 2014 to strengthen links between the local church and the school.

The role of a school governor is varied, challenging, but immensely rewarding. For me it’s about providing support, guidance and being a critical friend to Mrs Revens, the school leadership team and staff, and ensuring the school continues to play a positive role in the wider village community. 

Collectively we work to develop and implement a successful strategy that provides an environment within which every child is able to fulfil their full potential, both academically and as members of our community and wider society. It is about responsibility and accountability, listening and representing the views of parents and the village community within Governing Body meetings, as well as spending time in the school during teaching periods.

Professionally, I am a Marketing Director for an animal feed company based in the Netherlands. Outside of work, school and church life, two young children and horses keep my wife and I pretty busy…but it is all lots of fun.

Liz Bennett-Sulsh – Foundation Governor

I have lived in Horton since 2003 and my two children currently attend Hackleton School. I am a full-time secondary English teacher, leading a large English Department in a school in Milton Keynes. I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in 2015 and sit on the Teaching and Learning Committee. I wanted to contribute to the local community in a positive way and in the constantly changing world of education, the role of governor is a challenging and very interesting one. I am enjoying the opportunity to work with a highly committed body of teachers and enthusiastic pupils.

In my spare time I like to read, spend time with my family and enjoy holidays to a range of different and interesting places both abroad and at home.

Kerri Connolly – Foundation Governor

I have lived in Hackleton for 13 years and my children currently attend Hackleton Primary School. Since my eldest child started the school I have been a full-time mum but prior to this I worked as an assistant head teacher in a large primary school in Milton Keynes. Whilst in my teaching role I lead the early years unit within the school and trained as a specialist primary mathematics teacher.

I became a governor in 2015 and really enjoy the opportunity it has given me to continue to develop my knowledge in education whilst hopefully using my previous skills to develop and challenge the school.
In my spare time I enjoy playing and going on adventures with my two young sons. My family and I also enjoy swimming, reading and attending the theatre together.

Richard Booty – Foundation Governor

I have lived in Northampton for 20 years and have a daughter attending Hackleton Primary School. In November 2016 I was appointed a Foundation Governor and am Chair of the Resources Group.

I have a varied career in finance, originally qualifying as an accountant in 1996 and currently working as a Director for Royal Bank of Scotland plc. I wanted to use my skills which I have developed over the years to support the local community and provide a financial focus to the school where required.

In my spare time I enjoy mountaineering and photography together with spending time with my family.

Fiona Kilborn - Foundation Governor

I live locally and have family links with Horton, Hackleton and Piddington for over 30 years.  I have two children attending the school.  I am a qualified secondary science teacher and am currently a Lead Teacher of a secondary school in catchment.  

I have been a Foundation Governor since 2017.  I am looking forward to getting involved with the school to continue the strong links with St John the Baptist Church, Piddington for which I am a member of their PCC.  I will work with the Teaching and Learning committee as well.

I like to spend my spare time with family and friends.  I enjoy the cinema, baking and long country dog walks as well as all the fun of a family holiday by the sea.

Pauline Hawkesford - Local Authority Governor

I have lived in Horton since 1993. I taught in English and teacher education in local colleges, until taking a management role in developing staff training in better teaching and learning strategies. In 2002 I became a full-time inspector, and from 2010 continued in this role part-time.

My interests are gardening and walking. I am also a member of a local book club, a committee member of the Hackleton and District WI, and a member of the group who maintain Longland Meadow which lies between Hackleton and Piddington.

I have two children and three grandchildren, one of whom is still in primary education – although not in Hackleton. This ensures that I maintain my interest in education and what helps children enjoy learning.

Revd Beverley Hollins – Associate Governor

The children at school know me through assemblies and RE lessons, and they’ve got to know the catch phrase ‘this day is the most important day ever’!

I am vicar of the Living Brook benefice (covering the villages of Hackleton/New Hackleton, Hardingstone, Horton, Piddington, Preston Deanery, Quinton and Quinton Green) of which the school is an important part, and assistant area dean of the Greater Northampton deanery. I am also involved in training curates for the diocese of Peterborough. 

I have served as a governor at a number of schools, and was a foundation governor at Hackleton for a while, including serving for a year as Chair of governors. Being an associate governor allows me the freedom to offer the spiritual and pastoral care expected from the vicar and to focus on a specific role as a member of the Learning and Teaching Committee, particularly supporting issues around values, wellbeing, RE and collective worship.

When off duty, I enjoy relaxing with my family, attempting to learn Italian, and handicrafts. I enjoy reading crime fiction and history, exploring historic sights, and anyone who listens to my sermons will know I especially enjoy Doctor Who!