Our Governors serve across two schools as part of the Walgrave and Pitsford Primary Schools Federation.

Our Governors meet at least once a term and oversee the work of both schools.

We have several working parties or committees in addition to the ‘Full Governing Body’ these include Finance and Personnel, Headteacher Performance Management and Standards and Progress.

Any vacancies in the Governing Body are advertised locally and applications are invited from members of the community as well as parents.

We are welcoming new Governors to the team and would love to hear from anyone who is interested in joining us.  

Governors are elected on a 4 year term.

 

Chair of Governors: Eleanor Hacklett 

Eleanor has served as a Governor since May 2019 and was the Vice Chair of the federation for 2 years prior to taking on the role of Chair. She is a parent at Walgrave Primary School and has over 18 years of teaching experience, including in senior leadership, and has a good understanding of school improvement. Eleanor is passionate about ensuring all children receive an excellent, fully-rounded education and enjoy their schooling experience.

Elected : May 2019

Re-Elected: March 2025

Attendance: 100%

 

Vice-Chair: Juliet Hodgson 

Juliet is a parent at Walgrave Primary School and joined the governing body in January 2020. She is also an experienced primary school teacher with a keen interest in education. She is dedicated to providing children with a firm foundation during their primary years. 

Elected: January 2020

Re-Elected as Vice- Chair: March 2024 

Committee: Safeguarding, Child Protection and marketing

Attendance: 100%

Headteacher Walgrave Primary: Natasha Bates

With over eight years of dedicated service to the school, Natasha brings a deep passion for education and a clear vision for the future. Committed to continuous improvement, she has led numerous successful projects that have enriched both teaching and learning. Her drive, leadership, and belief in the school community continue to move the school forward with energy and purpose.

Headteacher Pitsford Primary: Nina Roberts

Nina is the Headteacher at our federated school Pitsford Primary. She has many years of teaching experience in education as well as being the schools SENDCO.

Staff Governor: Samone Cupper

Samone is a parent and a part-time teacher at Walgrave Primary School and joined the governing body in January 2020. She was Deputy Head of a primary school, with over 14 years of teaching experience before leaving to raise her family.  

Elected: January 2020

Re-Elected: January 2024

Committee: Early Years

Attendance: 100%

 

Co-Opted Governor: Steve Bonnell

Steve runs a successful electrical company, enabling him to advise on certain areas of Health and Safety. He is sometimes called in to undertake works, and as such this has been declared as an interest.

Elected: November 2014

Re-Elected: November 2022

Committee: Health & Safety, Premises

Attendance: 40%

  

Co-Opted Governor: Philippa Bates

Pip is a parent at Pitsford Primary School and joined the governing body in September 2022. She is an experienced SENDCO with in excess of 15 years experience working with children and young adults with a range of needs, in both the primary and secondary sector. Pip has a keen interest in education and is passionate about ensuring every child has the right experiences and opportunities to thrive at school and beyond. 

Elected: September 2022

Committee: SEN

Attendance: 100%

 

Co-Opted Governor: Philip Keightley 

Philip is a parent-governor and former pupil at Walgrave Primary School. He joined the Governing Body in September 2022. Philip brings over 25 years of professional experience in marketing, strategy and communication to the federation and is passionate about supporting and showcasing the very best that the schools, staff and pupils have to offer, within the community and beyond. 

Elected: March 2023

Committee: Marketing

Attendance: 90%

 

Co-Opted Governor: Ben Ebrahim

Ben is a business development professional and bid specialist based in Northampton. Alongside former teaching experience at the secondary level, Ben has experience in strategic development, communication and stakeholder engagement across complex initiatives. Ben is committed to supporting educational settings by promoting organisational resilience, clear communication and effective collaboration among parents, staff and the wider community. Ben is dedicated to contributing his skills to the governing body to help enhance opportunities for all pupils and champion the federation's success.

Elected: September 2025

Committee: Finance 

Attendance: 100%

 

Co-Opted Governor: Becky Copp

Becky is a CIPD‑qualified HR professional with over ten years’ experience supporting people, culture and wellbeing in the education and public sectors. She currently works as Head of HR Business Partnering at the University of Northampton, specialising in employee relations and positive workplace culture.

Having grown up in Potterspury and now living in Kingsthorpe, Becky is passionate about giving back to her local community. Her own experience of a small village primary school inspired her to become a governor and help ensure children receive a nurturing and ambitious start to their education.

Elected: September 2025

Committee: Personnel

Attendance: 100%

 

Clerk to the Governing Body: Caroline Ewin

Elected: January 2025

Attendance: 100%