Gorefield Primary Academy is a member of The Diamond Learning Partnership Trust (DLPT), an academic trust which was set up in the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Trust is currently made up of 15 schools: Middlefield, Great Staughton, Kimbolton, Winhills, Wintringham and Round House Primary Academies in St Neots, Thomas Eaton, Glebelands, Burrowmoor, Leverington, Gorefield, Murrow, Braybrook in Peterborough, Roman Way and King James Academy in Hertfordshire. This Trust is managed by a Board of Directors and each school has a Local Governing Body.

Gorefield and Murrow share one Local Governing Body.

The board of governors exists to:

• Put in place the long term vision and strategic direction of the school

• Monitor the educational performance of the school and its pupils

• Oversee the financial performance of the school and ensure that money is well spent

 

Our role is to ensure that Gorefield and Murrow Primary Academies constantly and consistently delivers on its vision and values: essentially, to ensure that every child achieves the highest possible standards through our relentless focus on high quality teaching and learning.  Further information about the school’s vision and values can be found on the respective websites.

The board of governors also oversees admission, staff employment and buildings management.

Our Local Governing Body has members elected or appointed as governors on behalf of the Trust.  They are made up of parents, staff and the local community, and they serve a term of four years.  Governors can be re-elected/re-appointed at the end of their term for a further four-year period.  The Local Governing Body meets once each term. 

If you wish to contact the Local Governing Body, please email chair@gorefield.cambs.sch.uk

Our Governors

 

Chair of Governors – Vacancy

 

Aimee Garner (Co-Head Teacher)

With 19 years of experience in education, I am proud to be the Headteacher of Leverington, Murrow and Gorefield Primary Academies. My teaching career began at Leverington as an NQT, where I progressed to Maths Subject Leader, Assistant Headteacher and later Head of School.

In September 2017, Leverington joined the Diamond Learning Partnership Trust and I was appointed as Headteacher. My leadership journey expanded further in September 2023 when I became Co-Headteacher across all three academies — Leverington, Murrow, and Gorefield — fostering collaboration, consistency and excellence across our schools.

I am passionate about nurturing inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive, and I am committed to empowering staff and pupils alike to reach their full potential.

With extensive experience teaching across all year groups, I have developed a deep understanding of curriculum progression and pupil development. I have successfully mentored student teachers and more recently, have enjoyed working collaboratively with colleagues to raise standards, share best practices and drive continuous improvement in teaching and learning across the three schools.

Outside of school, I find joy in the simple pleasures – getting lost in a good book, soaking up the magic of musical theatre and unwinding with a blissful spa day.

 

Nancy Irvine (Co-Head Teacher)

I have been a primary school educator for 17 years, beginning my teaching journey at Leverington Primary Academy as a Year 2 teacher — a year group I still love teaching today. Throughout my career, I’ve taught across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, gaining a broad perspective on the learning journey of young children.

My leadership path has taken me from Early Career Teacher to English Subject Leader, mentor, and then Deputy Headteacher in 2017. In 2021, I took on my first Headship at Thomas Eaton Primary Academy, which was a rewarding step in my professional development. I returned to Leverington in January 2024 and now serve as Co-Headteacher at Leverington, Murrow, and Gorefield Primary Academies. Within my role, I am dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments where every child feels valued and supported, and I strive to empower both staff and pupils to achieve their fullest potential.

Outside of school, I’m a busy mum of three and love supporting my children with their hobbies. As a family, we also enjoy spending time with our horses and often head out together to hack in the woods.

 

Hannah Crowson (Parent member Gorefield)

I began my role as a Parent Governor in early 2025. I have two children currently attending Gorefield Primary Academy and another who will be starting in September 2026. Becoming a governor felt like a wonderful opportunity to get more involved in the school community and offer my support.

Although this is a new role for me, I’ve already learnt so much, and the guidance and encouragement I’ve received has been great. I’m really looking forward to continuing to support the school for many years to come, helping it be the very best it can be. I’m also eager to keep learning and developing my skills so that I can be the most effective Parent Governor possible.

Outside this role, I work as a veterinary nurse and have done since 2011. In my free time, I love spending time with my family — most often watching or cheering on my boys at football!

 

Franciscah Rufaro Hoffman (Parent member Gorefield)

My name is Franciscah. I am the daughter of Angela and Hopewell. I am one of 6 children, all girls. I am daughter number 5. My middle name, Rufaro, means happiness. I was born in Zimbabwe but grew up in England. I married Anthony (Tony) in 2013 and moved to the USA, where we lived for 8 years, and then moved back to the UK in 2021. My children were both born in the USA. My sisters are all dotted around the United Kingdom. 4 are nurses and one is a financial advisor. I have 15 nieces and nephews and also have 4 great (2) nieces’ and (2) nephews. I have two children, Eleanor and Ellis, both attending Gorefield Primary Academy.

I am a Mental Health Nurse and I completed my nursing in Scotland, where I lived for 8 years. I have a Master’s in Public Health which I completed in the USA. I have a Post Graduate Diploma in Alcohol and Drug studies that I also completed at the University of the West Of Scotland. In my nursing career, I worked in various environments, including working with adolescents with mental health problems, the elderly in hospital and in the community, secure psychiatric hospitals and inpatient services for adults. I also tried working as a health visitor, but that did not work out very well due to the working hours.

Currently, I am Director of my own company providing support for people in my community with mental health problems, dementia and physical health issues. I also work part-time at a rehabilitation unit for males with learning disabilities. I am always looking at ways to improve my career and education. I am currently working towards the ability to assess children and adults who might have ADHD, Autism or learning disabilities.

My favourite colour is blue, I love seafood and I enjoy travelling. I enjoy most types of music, but I love reggae the most. I pride myself on being a kind person and I am teaching my children to be the same.

 

Barbara Acklam (Parent member Murrow)

Following a standard Polish education, I progressed onto university to finish Bachelor in 'Administration in private and public sectors' at the Academy of Bydgoszcz, and after that a Master's in the same subject at the University of Poznan, at the school of Law and Administration.

After travelling and learning English in Western countries, I joined Citibank in Poland. In the meantime, studying 'Audit and control in private and public institutions' at the University of Warsaw. 

Then I moved to Great Britain to join Carillion Telent as an administrative coordinator, continuing at Telent to Commercial assistant, and in the meantime studying accounting. 

After that, I worked in my local secondary school whilst volunteering in primary schools as a governor and reading assistant, and also managed to successfully finish such courses as Teaching Assistant Level 2 and Youth Mental Health First Aid.

I enjoy spending time with my family.

My passions are: the wellbeing of children, British culture and history, as well as English literature and work of writers like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and T.A. Acklam, as well as taking a keen interest in politics and community service.

 

Yvonne Morgan (Staff member Gorefield)

I have been teaching for 24 years, having graduated from Bishop Grosseteste as a mature student in 2001 with a 2:1 degree in primary education. Most of my career has been spent in small, village schools and teaching mixed-aged classes. Although originally from London, I am passionate about village schools and believe that village children are entitled to a high-quality education.

I enjoy being in the classroom and I am developing my role as a senior leader. I always wanted to be a teacher and still love the challenges that it brings.

 

Rachel Lynn (Staff member Murrow)

With over a decade of experience working across all year groups in primary education, I bring a deep understanding of the learning journey and the challenges and opportunities within the classroom. I am particularly passionate about fostering a love for Maths and supporting high-quality, inclusive teaching practices.

Outside my professional life, I enjoy watching my children play football, reading, and spending time with friends. I believe that strong community connections and a collaborative approach are key to helping schools thrive, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and success of the school as a staff governor.

 

Jackie Schad (Clerk to Governors)

 

Enquiries:

Please contact Jackie Schad, Clerk to Governors

Tel: 01480 860743

Email: jschad@diamondlearningtrust.com

Diamond Learning Partnership Trust
Please refer to the website for further information: http://www.diamondlearningtrust.com 

 

Governors Record of Attendance 2024/2025