Welcome to the Governors' section.

Great Staughton Primary Academy is part of The Diamond Learning Partnership Trust (TDLPT); an academic trust which was set up in the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Trust is currently made up of 14 schools: Middlefield, Winhills, Wintringham and Round House Primary Academies in St Neots, Thomas Eaton Primary Academy, Glebelands Primary Academy, Murrow Primary Academy, Leverington Primary Academy and Burrowmoor Primary Academy in Fenland, Braybrook in Peterborough, Roman Way and King James Academy in Royston and Kimbolton Primary Academy in Kimbolton , along with Great Staughton Primary Academy. This Trust is managed by a Board of Directors and each school has a Local Governing Body. 

The board of governors exists to:

• Put in place the long term vision and strategic direction of the school
• Monitor the educational performance of the school and its pupils
• Oversee the financial performance of the school and ensure that money is well spent

Our role is to ensure that Great Staughton Primary Academy constantly and consistently delivers on its visions and values:  essentially, to ensure that every child achieves the highest possible standards through our relentless focus on high quality teaching and learning.  Further information about the school’s visions and values can be found on the  website.

The board of governors also oversees admission, staff employment and buildings management.

Our Local Governing Body has members elected or appointed as governors on behalf of the Trust. They are made up of parents, staff and the local community and they serve a term of four years. Governors can be re-elected/re-appointed at the end of their term for a further four year period. The Local Governing Body meets once each term.

Our governors include:

More information can be found here:  https://diamondlearningtrust.com/teacher-type/directors-of-tdlpt/ 

All Enquiries:

Please contact Jackie Schad, Clerk to Governors

Tel: 01480 860743

Email: JSchad@diamondlearningtrust.com

Governor Biographies

Suzi Whiting (Executive Headteacher)

I decided I was going to be a teacher when I was 9 years old!  I studied for my degree while working full-time and then completed the Graduate Teacher Programme in Peterborough.  I worked in Peterborough for over 10 years, most latterly as Deputy Headteacher in a small village school.  While there, I completed my National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination and a received a Masters in Primary Education. During my time there, I had different opportunities to act up as Headteacher, helping to lead the school through OFSTED inspections and ongoing improvement. 

In September 2014, I moved to Middlefield Primary Academy as Deputy Headteacher and soon onto Kimbolton Primary Academy and Great Staughton Primary Academy as Executive Headteacher.  I am passionate that all children should receive a firm foundation to their learning journey and as such, our curriculum is broad, balanced and offers many different opportunities for children in music, the arts and sport as well as academia.  Outside of school I am a mum and step-mum to three boys who keep me very busy. I enjoy keeping fit, travel, the theatre and reading.  

Su' Thompson (Chair of LGB)

I am retired after many years working in science-based companies as a Facilities Manager and Heath, Safety and Environmental compliance specialist. I became involved in school governance when I retired because I was interested in doing something completely different and in my view, important.

I live quite away from the schools near St Ives. I came to the Trust via a volunteering scheme. The schools interested me because they were like the primary school I attended. Small schools are very important in rural communities.

I have a grown-up son. Currently I’m studying for a master's degree in Sustainable Food Systems. I like a challenge.

Emma Kelly (staff governor)

I’ve been part of the Great Staughton Primary Academy team since 2020, teaching in both Reception and Key Stage 1. In 2024, I was delighted to take on the role of Assistant Headteacher. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed exploring a range of leadership roles across the DLPT, including EYFS Lead, Art Lead, Music Lead, and Maths Lead. I also completed the National Primary Qualification for Leading Teaching, which has helped me grow as a leader and support our wonderful staff and pupils even more effectively.

Art has always been a passion of mine. Before becoming a teacher, I worked in the textile industry, specialising in printed designs for children. That experience deepened my belief in the power of art to help children express their emotions and support their learning. I’m incredibly proud to have helped both Great Staughton and Kimbolton Primary Academies achieve the Artsmark Silver Award.

Outside of school, you might spot me walking my miniature dachshund, Rupert. I’m also the proud owner of our school tortoise, Speedy, who brings lots of joy to the children!

Beth Kempster (community governor)

I live in Great Staughton with my husband and daughter and dog called Colin.  I currently work at a Finance Director for a Food Advertising Agency in Ampthill, and my hobbies are travelling (I have a campervan) and going to the gym.

Aaron Duddin (parent governor)

I recently moved to Great Staughton having fallen in love with the school and my eldest child enrolled in reception class in summer 2022.

I am an experienced senior executive and entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of business development, strategy and ops delivery in the IOT, RFID and emerging technology markets. 

Currently my role entails heading up the Track & Trace division of Paragon ID, part of the Paragon Group. This includes being the CEO and General Manager of 4 global IOT solutions businesses located in the UK, France, Spain and the USA, delivering traceability solutions in the Healthcare, logistics, pharmaceutical and Oil and Gas markets. In addition I have also held roles as Head of Marketing, Business development and Strategy for Paragon ID UK following the successful acquisition of my previous business in which I was an owner and managing director. 

Prior to entering the world of IOT and technology, I worked in the sports marketing industry specialising in sponsorship consulting and marketing activation, working with sports teams including the England football, cricket and rugby teams as well as on global campaigns for major brands like Coca-Cola’s sponsorship of the London 2012 Olympics and the World Cup in South Africa.

Skilled in Strategy, Digital Transformation, Management, Marketing and sponsorship. Strong information technology professional with a Master of Laws (LLM) from The Nottingham Trent University and BSc is Sports Technology from Loughborough University 

Hannah Arnott (parent governor)

My name is Hannah and I have been a primary school teacher for 12 years. I have two children at KPA and therefore have a vested interest in ensuring the school is a safe, supportive and inclusive place for all. I enjoy being part of the governing body and part of such a wonderful school! 

Kate Lipp (parent governor)

I’m a parent governor who is passionate about helping our school provide the best possible education and environment for all children, including my own. I’ve been self-employed as a hairdresser for over 20 years; a career that’s taught me the importance of listening, building trust, and understanding people’s needs. I enjoy working with others, supporting the school community and doing what I can to make a positive difference.