Meet our governors

At Hove Learning Federation, our team of school governors plays a vital role in shaping the success of our schools.

Governing boards form part of the leadership team of the school, they set the strategic vision, provide support and challenge to ensure the best possible learning environment for every child and oversee the school’s financial performance.

Our governors come from diverse backgrounds, bringing expertise and a commitment to education that strengthens our community. They work voluntarily, giving their time and skills to help the school thrive.

Meet our Governors here.

How you can contact the school governors:

Governors are always happy to hear from parents and carerss.  You can contact governors by emailing the Senior Clerk to Governors, clerk@hovelearningfederation.brighton-hove.sch.uk or through the school office.  Please remember that governors deal with strategic aspects of the school.  If you have a concern about something operational, you can contact the school office or your child's teacher in the first instance, and if you do not feel that your concerns have been resolved, you can contact Mrs Southern, Executive Headteacher, Mr Ledger, Deputy Head of School at Holland Road or Mrs O'Shea, Deputy Head of School at School Road or Mrs Jeffers, Deputy Head of School at Portland Road.
 

Our governing body is organised into committees, each focused on a key aspect of the school’s development and performance.

Our committees are:

Full Governing Board: Meets 6 times per year.

Finance and Leadership: Oversees the school’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and responsible spending. Agrees strategic targets for relevant sections of the School Development Plan. Meets 3 times per year.

Curriculum and Inclusion: Monitors academic progress, curriculum development, and student outcomes to maintain high educational standards. Agree strategic targets for relevant sections of the School Development Plan. Meets 3 times per year.

Safeguarding: Ensures the safety, welfare, and mental health support of pupils and staff. Meets 3 times per year.

Each committee is chaired by a governor who works closely with school leaders to drive improvement. By collaborating within these focused groups, our governors help the school thrive while ensuring transparency and accountability.

Governor Roles & Terms of Office:

Lisa Marshall	Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor Term of office: 10.09.2025-09.09.2029 Roles: Chair of Safeguarding Committee, Member of Finance & Leadership Committee, Safeguarding & Behaviour Link Governor
Louise Wilkinson	Vice-Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor Term of office: 10.09.2025-09.09.2029 Roles: Member of Safeguarding Committee, SEND Link Governor
Maddie Southern	Executive Headteacher Date of appointment: 01.09.2015
Sarra Lee	Parent Governor Term of office: 02.07.2024-03.07.2028 Roles: Chair of Finance & Leadership Committee, Finance Link Governor
Dr. David Karp, FHEA	Co-opted Governor Term of office: 10.09.2025-09.09.2029 Roles: Chair of Curriculum & Inclusion Committee, EYFS and Maths Link Governor
Abby Hedger-Jones	Associate Member Term of office: 06.09.2022-05.09.2026 Roles: Environment Link Governor
Marcel Armour	Co-opted Governor Term of office: 11.07.2023-10.07.2027 Roles: Member of Finance & Leadership Committee, H&S Link Governor
Alex Scott	Co-opted Governor Term of office: 01.04.2025-31.3.2029 Roles: Member of Curriculum & Inclusion Committee, DA/EAL/PP Link Governor
Sam Self	Co-opted Governor Term of office: 01.04.2025-31.3.2029 Roles: Member of Finance & Leadership Committee, Finance Link Governor
Katie Kershaw	Co-opted Governor Term of office: 01.04.2025-31.3.2029 Roles: Member of Curriculum & Inclusion Committee, English Link Governor
Oyinkolade Akinleye	Co-opted Governor Term of office: 01.04.2025-31.3.2029 Roles: Member of Safeguarding Committee, Safeguarding & Behaviour Link Governor

Governors who have stepped down/terms of office expired from the Hove Learning Federation in the last 12 months:

Name of Governor	Type of Governor	Date ended	Reason
Niamh O'Shea	Associate Member	01.12.2024	Resigned
Sam Ledger	Associate Member	01.12.2024	Resigned
Nick Jefferson	Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor	13.01.2025	Resigned
Emer Gardener	Co-opted Governor	06.07.2025	Resigned
Anne-Marie Williamson	Parent Governor	09.09.2025	Resigned
Lorna Cummings	Staff Governor	09.09.2025	Resigned

Enquiries for the Hove Learning Federation Governing Body can be directed to the Senior Clerks to Governors,  at clerk@hovelearningfederation.brighton-hove.sch.uk