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.  If you wish to contact our chair then please email 

Our Governors

Governor Profiles

Toks Ikumelo - Parent Governor

I am a serving Parent Governor at Hackleton School and was appointment to the board in June 2017.  At Hackleton, I support as a member of the Finance committee, as well as lead governor for IT & Online safety.

I am married with three children, with my older two children attending the school and are thriving under the guidance of the excellent teaching staff.

My professional background is in Transformation & IT Programme with responsibility for Infrastructure projects and ERP solution for businesses. A significant part of my role involves core management functions such as risk management, efficient budget management, and working in collaboration with clients. I have been able to bring these experiences to work in collaboration with our school leadership in its commitment to provide aspirational education for the children at Hackleton.

I believe that the primary years of each child’s education built on a strong foundation and positive experience would enable them to achieve their full potential in life.

Andrew Knowles – Foundation Governor

I have lived in the village for 20 years and both my children have attended the school. As an active member of Piddington Church, 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 Chief Executive of a large UK agricultural business.  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 youngest child currently attends Hackleton School.  My eldest child completed his Primary education at Hackleton in 2019.   I am an Assistant Headteacher at a large secondary school in Milton Keynes. I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in 2015 and sit on the Teaching and Learning Committee.  I wanted to serve my local community and felt that I could do so in a positive and productive way in the role of governor.  Now in my second term, governance continues to interest, challenge and inspire me.  It is a real privilege to work alongside such highly committed staff 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 on the Pay and Personnel Committee.

I have a varied career in finance, originally qualifying as an accountant in 1996 and currently working as a Director for HSBC. 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.

Karen Childs – Foundation Governor

I have lived in Hackleton since 2013 with my husband Chris and two sons (Logan & Dylan) who both attend Hackleton School. I am a Senior Marketing Manager for Sainsbury’s Argos based in Milton Keynes.

I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in 2019 and am also the Chair of the Finance & Resourcing committee.

I joined the Governors in order to make a difference and use my professional skills to support our School. I enjoy being a Governor and try to give an alternative perspective to discussions. I look forward to making a difference now and in the future.

In my own time, I enjoy being out & about with my young family and going to the gym.

Olivia Bray – Parent Governor

Since moving to Hackleton in 2017, I have been an active member on the local pre-school committee and I have also enjoyed supporting the HSA since my eldest daughter started school.

I have worked in education for the past 11 years and currently work in a local primary school as a class teacher, specialising in Early Years education. I thoroughly enjoy my role as a teacher and believe education should be engaging, nurturing and challenging.

I am looking forward to working with and supporting the school as a parent governor to uphold the school’s strong values and high quality of education. I feel my background in education will support me in doing so.

As a parent to two young daughters, we enjoy days out and spending time with our family and friends.

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.