Governors

Our Governors

Eastfield Academy is governed by an Academy Scrutiny Committee.

Our governors are:

• Vicky Bayley
  DRET Appointed Governor (Chair)
  Vicky Bayley

  Vicky was appointed a DRET Appointed Governor on 19 October 2018, after wanting to use her skills and experience to support schools to provide the best experience and outcome for all children and to be an advocate for those who are not otherwise well represented or supported. Vicky has worked as a midwife and a teaching assistant, as a call handler in a Police Force control room and currently clerks for a number of organisations. These roles have provided her with skills and experiences in recognising the complex needs of others, understanding the impact of an individual's circumstances on their choices and opportunities, assessing and addressing risk, working both independently and as part of a wider team and in Governance. Vicky's passions and interests include Music (playing and listening) and equality/LGBTQ issues.

• Ben Brown
  DRET Appointed Governor (Vice Chair)
  Ben Brown

  Ben joined the ASC as a DRET Appointed Governor on 27 September 2014. His key focus is also on the Safeguarding in the school. Being from Northamptonshire he really wanted to get involved with a local school and support them. Ben was also a Trustee at the David Ross Education Trust for four years. His day job at Promethean is working with schools on getting the most from their front of class technology. He is passionate about education and wants the best for the children. Ben is also very focussed on Strategy and Risk which he brings to the ASC. He lives in Earls Barton with his wife and two children and still has a love of playing football and watching his beloved Sheffield Wednesday.

• Theresa Ridoutt
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Theresa Ridoutt

  Theresa is a DRET Appointed Governor appointed on 18 October 2018. She wanted to become a governor to benefit Children's Education and Care. She previously served as a Chair and Vice Chair of the Governing Body at Cedar Road Primary School for many years. Theresa was previously employed as a Logistics Manager at Northampton County Council. Theresa has a passion for History and Roman life in general.

• Helen Toyer
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Helen Toyer

  Helen joined the ASC in February 2024 as she wanted to do something outside of work to make a difference in education.

  Helen is a civil servant and has previously worked in advertising. Outside of work, Helen plays the violin and cello, enjoys pilates and cycling and is a member of a book club.

• Benjamin Harris
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Benjamin Harris

  As a teacher at another school within the Trust, Kings Heath Primary Academy, Benjamin came to Eastfield's ASC to use his experience of the curriculum to both support and challenge Eastfield whilst gaining an experience of school life from a perspective other than that of a teacher.

  Outside of work, Benjamin enjoys keeping active with a wide range of sports.

• Elissa Kotey
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Elissa Kotey

  Elissa works as a Community and Partnership Assistant at Highgate School. This involves working with teachers to deliver engaging educational experiences and mentoring pupils both within the classroom and through extra-curricular projects.

  Elissa is passionate about supporting and inspiring young people to reach their full potential and is particularly interested in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

• Hana Ahmed
  DRET Appointed Governor
  Hana Ahmed

  In November 2025 Hana joined the ASC as she wanted to give back to the community and school she grew up in.

  Hana recently graduated a masters in International Human Resource Management. Outside of her studies enjoys reading, cooking and learning more about other cultures.

• Lindsey Martin
  Staff Governor
  Lindsey Martin

  As she wanted to as to contribute further to her school, and provide a voice for staff, Lindsey became a governor in December 2024.

  Lindsey works as an administrator and the first point of call for parents, staff and students.

  Outside of work, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her family in the park.

• Peter Fairbrother
  Principal
  Peter Fairbrother

• Teresa Elkin
  Clerk
  Teresa Elkin

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  Teresa Elkin has been clerking academies within the Trust since 2014. As a former Chair of an Outstanding primary school and part of the governance teams at Northamptonshire County Council and the David Ross Education Trust, she decided to become an independent clerk to support governing bodies. Teresa also supports other maintained schools and academies in the county. Teresa's initial career was in advertising and marketing but a move into education, governance in particular ensured that she had a wide range of skills to bring to governing bodies. Teresa is an experienced governor and Chair, a governor trainer and mentor to individual governors and Chairs. Her passions and interests are the Theatre, literature and international travel.

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Current Governors 

Former Governors 

 Below is a list of Governors that have served in the past 12 months. 

Contacting Us

The Governance Officer for Eastfield Primary Academy is Victoria Linthwaite. Victoria can be reached at governance@dret.co.uk. 

To contact a governor, please contact the Trust Governance Team by emailing governance@dret.co.uk.

If you are looking to contact a Governor to make a complaint or share a concern, please note that as per our Complaints Policy, governors do not investigate complaints at Stage 1 or Stage 2.  This enables them to be impartial should a complaint be escalated to a Stage 3 governor panel. If you wish to make a complaint, please complete this form and your complaint will be investigated accordingly.

Scheme of Delegation

Information about the David Ross Education Trust’s scheme of delegation is available here.

Minutes of the Academy Scrutiny Committee

Should you wish to view a copy of the minutes of the ASC at this academy, please contact the Trust Governance Team (governance@dret.co.uk), who will be able to provide you with an electronic or paper copy of the minutes.

Are you interested in becoming an academy governor?

We are looking for new governors to support our academies. Our governors work closely with their academies to support the Trust’s goal of broadening the horizons of young people through a world-class education, equipping our students with the skills and experiences to become their confident, academic best, no matter what.

If you have an interest in, and commitment to, improving education and would like to make a difference within your community, please register your interest in becoming a governor by completing our governor application form. If you have any questions about a governor’s role or responsibilities please contact us at governance@dret.co.uk or review our information pack below.

aug 2025 governor recruitment booklet.pdf

What is it like being a Governor with DRET?

To understand what it is like to be a governor with us, take a look at our testimonial booklet and videos which contain insights from serving governors.

governor testimonial booklet .pdf

 Emma Bennett 

Angela Watts 

Stephen Platten 

Garry Allen 

What training do Governors receive? 

We offer an extensive range of training opportunities. Take a look at what is on offer for the current academic year.