Governors' Pen Portraits
MR PAUL EMMETT - Chair/Designated Governor for DISADVANTAGED LEAD
As Chair of Governors, I am honoured to continue serving the school community, working closely with the Local Governing Body, Senior Leadership Team, the Academy, and the Trust. Having been in the role for a year and as a parent of a child attending the Academy (with my other child now at secondary school), I bring a deep understanding of the school’s culture and values. My regular presence at the school as a piano teacher has allowed me to form strong working relationships with staff and students, which I continue to draw upon in my role as Chair.
With over 15 years of experience as a professional musician and self-employed peripatetic teacher, I have worked in both primary and secondary settings across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. My career in education has been enriched by my ongoing academic pursuits, including a current Masters in Composition at the University of Nottingham. I have been fortunate to collaborate with world-class ensembles such as the BBC Concert Orchestra and the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, which have greatly broadened my professional perspective.
My diverse background, including earlier roles in logistics, retail, and hospitality, complements my governance work, providing me with a practical, well-rounded approach to leadership. I am deeply passionate about education and look forward to continuing to support the school community as Chair, ensuring that we collectively strive for the highest standards of achievement and well-being for all students.
MR JOSHUA Aspden - Parent Governor
I am currently working as a Resettlement Policy Officer at East Midlands Council - Strategic Migration Partnership. My role is specifically working with Local Authorities on UKRS, ARAP, ACRS (Afghan Resettlement Schemes) and Community sponsorship My previous roles in the migration / refugee sector include working in research, community development, frontline casework and policy. I aim to support the Huntingtower CP Academy through my experience in project management, equal opportunities, strategic partnerships and community cohesion .
As a Dual National (British -Ecuadorian adoptee), my experience of being from a minority ethnic demographic, has also inspired my passion around Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusion. I wish to continue and support the excellent work around on this at Huntingtower CP Academy for the years to come.
MR STEVE PLATTS - COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE/DESIGNATED GOVERNOR FOR CAREERS LEAD
I have two children that attend Huntingtower, and I’m passionate about the education of the pupils within the school. I come from a background where culture and ethos are massively important, and therefore feel I can make valuable contributions in line with the school’s values and behaviours.
I am a bank manager, currently looking after a team of colleagues that are supporting customers through financial difficulty. In my role, I am constantly looking for continuous improvement across a matrix of different areas, including budgeting, profitability, impact on the local community, risk management, and networking, all of which are relevant in an education setting.
I have a keen interest in all things digital, and understand the importance of digital presence in the evolving world we live in, whether this is in the classroom, business or at home. I understand the importance of educating children around being safe online, and have delivered ‘safer internet’ discussions at local primary schools.
With a naturally curious, analytical mind, high level of enthusiasm and problem-solving ability, I’m able to act as a challenging friend to the governing body and academy by bringing my own experiences and perspectives to the board.
MR JON CLACK - COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE/DESIGNATED GOVERNOR FOR SAFEGUARDING
I am an experienced primary school practitioner with headship experience for 15 years. I have been a Governor/Trustee of a primary and secondary school since 2011. I currently support a number of schools through my roles at Inspire+.
MR MIKE WENTWORTH - COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE/DESIGNATED GOVERNOR FOR SEND
My career in education comprised 29 years headship in London and Lincolnshire.
I have always had a passion for the inclusion of pupils with additional needs in an adapted mainstream setting with appropriate resources and facilities.
For some years I was able to serve on Lincolnshire’s Special Needs Statementing Panel which gave me opportunities to visit a variety of Lincolnshire schools both Mainstream and Special.
On retirement, I taught basic skills to inmates at HMP Stocken and was a founding Trustee of the Charity Foxdale Equine Assisted Learning based in Oasby.
I am pleased to make a contribution as a Governor at Huntingtower
MRS VICTORIA STEPHENSON - STAFF GOVERNOR
I have been a teacher at Huntingtower since 2014, having completed a PGCE after a career in retail.
I have been involved in school governance for over 15 years having previously been a governor for a local nursery school.
My family and I have lived in Grantham since 2005 and my 3 children went to primary and secondary schools in Grantham.
I have been a staff governor for over 6 years.