Welcome to the section of the website where you can find out more about our school’s governors and the work of the Governing Body.
The Governors play an active and supportive role in the life of the school. They bring a wide variety of talents encompassing many areas of business and professional life.
The governors’ role
- Together with the headteacher they are responsible for making sure our schools provide good quality education.
- They provide challenge and support to headteachers, drawing on their knowledge and experience.
- They make decisions together on matters such as performance, targets, school policies and school development plans.
- They monitor the impact of policies and oversee school budgets and staffing.
- They report on school achievements and respond to inspection recommendations.
- They hear appeals from pupils and staff and consider complaints.
- They ask searching questions and respect the position of headteachers as professional leaders of schools.
Click on the link for the governors privacy notice.
Local Governing Body
We share a Local Governing Body with our sister school Highfield Ely Academy (HEA)
Headteacher - Highfield Littleport Academy
Yvonne Skillern
Headteacher - Highfield Ely Academy
Adam Daw
Trust Appointed Governors
Lorna Robinson (Chair of Governors, CiC)
Bryony Surtees (Safeguarding)
Correspondence Address:-
Highfield Littleport Academy
Elmside
Littleport
Ely
Cambs
CB6 1LJ
Email: lrobinson@highfield.cambs.sch.uk
Local Governing Body 2025 and their Roles
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Adam Daw - Appointed ex-officio by virtue of office as Headteacher/Principal at Highfield Ely from 1 December 2020
Adam undertook his role as Headteacher at Highfield Ely in September 2017 having previously led the SEND 6th Form provision at Cottenham Village College for several years. Adam is passionate about getting the best possible outcomes for all students, whatever their starting point. In his spare time he is the busy father of four teenagers and tries to balance a love of cooking with keeping fit.
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Yvonne Skillern - Ex-officio by virtue of office as Headteacher/Principal at Highfield Littleport from 1 December 2020
Yvonne has been Headteacher at Highfield Littleport since it opened in September 2017 and was recently promoted to Headteacher in January 2024. She was involved in the early planning stages of the build to create a bespoke learning provision. Her previous roles include being Department Leader for EYFS & KS1 at Highfield Ely, a mainstream SENCo and EYFS & KS1 teacher. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, walking the dog and reading. Yvonne is passionate about providing a nurturing, individualised approach for learners to achieve their full potential
Lorna Robinson (Chair) - Appointed by GB/board from 16th May 2022 to 16th May 2026
LINK role – Pupil Premium, Safeguarding, Careers and Pay Committee
Lorna lives in Ely and has two children at a local school. She has worked in central and regional government for over 16 years, mostly in education related areas. Currently she works on careers policy and employer engagement with schools and strongly believes that every young person should be aware of the opportunities available to them and the information and support to help them go as far as their talents can take them. In her spare time Lorna likes starting (but not always finishing!) craft projects, days out with the kids, a good book and a nice cup of tea.
Stephanie Neal (Clerk) – Appointed by GB/board from 24th February 2023
Steph has worked in Education for over 15 years in a variety of different roles, across both Primary and Secondary schools. This followed a previous career in the Civil Service, working at the UK Hydrographic Office and finally the Office of the Leader of the House of Commons. Following a move to Cambridgeshire from London, she started at Highfield Ely Academy in 2019 as a Student Administrator and EHCP Co-ordinator. When the position of Clerk to the Board of Governors became vacant, she decided to take on a new challenge. When not at work, Steph likes nothing more than spending time with her two sons, road trips around the country and devouring a good book.
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Victoria Leeks - Appointed by GB/board from 28th June 2021 to 27th June 2025
LINK Role – Quality of Education - Green and Blue Pathways and LINC
Victoria's son is a pupil at Highfield Ely. She is passionate that children with SEND are provided every opportunity available to them to help them reach their full potential. Victoria also has a young daughter, so is a busy mum of two. She enjoys long walks with her dog, family time and catching up with friends.
Rebecca Butland - Non-voting staff representative
Becka began her career in Special Education after graduating from University of East Anglia with a PGCE. She has been working with young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities for 10 years, having moved from Meadowgate Academy in Wisbech. Becka became Department Leader for Uppers in 2021. She has a keen interest in supporting young people to achieve their full potential post-Highfield and has recently has helped set up and run ‘Muddy Boots Farm’ and the ‘KS4OS’.
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Alec Burns - Appointed by GB/board from 17th June 2021
Alec lives in Ely with his family and is our Health and Safety governor. Alec is proactive in his role to ensure that children with SEND are provided every opportunity available to them to help them reach their full potential.
Governors are the link between the school and the community and representatives of all those with an interest in the well being and reputation of the school are needed. We are always looking for volunteers for positions on our governing body. If you are interested in becoming a governor and fulfil any of the following criteria …
- Currently have a child or children in our school (Parent Governor)
- Have an open and enquiring mind
- Are willing to listen and make informed judgements
- Are able to work well with others
- Are interested in education generally and our school in particular
- Have a desire to play a part in improving our school
… and are willing to give at least 20 hours per term to attend meetings and training, please contact the Chair of Governors Lorna Robinson (lrobinson@highfield.cambs.sch.uk) today.
Highfield Governing Body Declaration of Interest
Governor Meeting Attendance