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Local Governors

• Ms Sharon Deackes

  Chair of Governors

  I became a Foundation Governor at Richard Hill in November 2017 and Chair of Governors in July 2018. My 3 grandchildren all attended Richard Hill; I always enjoyed my visits to the school when they were pupils and welcomed the chance to be on the governing body of such a lovely school. I retired in August 2016 after teaching in Primary Schools in Leicestershire for 38 years; a career I loved. During that time I taught in five very different schools; I was headteacher of a village school for 4 years and a town school for 8 years. I have always believed that children should be given as many opportunities as possible in order to fulfil their potential. Primary school should be the place where strong foundations are laid and memories are made. It is such a privilege to be able to contribute to the education of the children at Richard Hill now and in the future.

• Mr Oli Whittaker

  Vice Chair (Co-Opted Governor)

  I’ve been a Parent Governor since March 2018 and am currently Vice Chair of the Governors. I became a Parent Governor to share my knowledge and experience with the school’s leadership and wider staff and be a ‘voice’ for parents in supporting our children’s development. My philosophy is simple: Imagination, inspiration and innovation, coupled with a strong dedication and passion towards ensuring everyone I encounter is empowered to work hard and nurtured to achieve their goals and ambitions. I’m particularly passionate about seeing artificial, societal barriers to personal development broken down and that there are “opportunities for all and not the few". I’m currently employed by Leicestershire County Council as an Economic Growth Manager, supporting businesses to start-up, grow and invest in Leicester and Leicestershire.

• Sally Applebee-Lewis

  Head of School

  I started at Richard Hill in January 2021 as Head of School. I have worked in Leicester City Schools prior to my appointment at Richard Hill. My previous post was Deputy Head and SENCO at Eyres Monsell Primary School. I hold my National Senco Award and NPQH. I am a trained safeguarding lead and I have been a KS1 moderator for 5 years. I am also a co-opted governor at Green Lane Infant School. I think working collaboratively with other schools is a fantastic way of sharing with and supporting each other. 

• Mrs Alison Dickerson

  Staff Governor

  I took up my position as staff governor at Richard Hill in October 2019. I want to support this fantastic school the same way as it supported three of my four children. After moving to Leicester from Kent in 2005 we visited this lovely school and from that moment we knew it was the place to be. I then applied for my first job as lunchtime assistant here in 2009, whilst working within the school as a Midday Manager I found a desire to want to teach the children so, volunteered as an LSA. I absolutely adored this role so put myself through a training course to become a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant, which is a role that I have done for nearly five years. I really enjoy being able to make a difference within Richard Hill School and I hope to continue for many more years.

• Mr Sam Clark

  Parent Governor

• Mr Michael Corner

  Foundation Governor

  I became a foundation governor in September 2020 when I started my job as Growing Faith Minister. I work across 3 of the 4 schools in the Vines Academy Trust, as well as at Houghton Church to grow faith in schools, church and in the home environment too. I’m now learning how to do this last element first hand, as my first child was born in April 2020. My wife, daughter and I live in Leicester City, where I was a primary school teacher.  After 4 year of teaching years 3&4, leading on educational visits and ICT, I moved to part time supply work to enable the completion of my ministry training for Youth and Children’s work with the church. This supply work introduced me to a wide range of approaches to primary teaching. I am looking forward to developing the Christian ethos of the school, and seeing how knowing Jesus can change everyone for the better, and give us hope for the future.

• Mr Dale Richardson

  Foundation Governor

  I have recently joined Richard Hill as a foundation governor and look forward to supporting the school in it's prosperous future.  I have two children at the school and have found the school to be a supportive environment for them. I previously worked for the Royal Air Force having supported and lead on many operations over a 12 year career. After leaving the Royal Air Force I found a career in the world of Facilities Management. I currently work as Head of Estates, specialising in the Education sector.  I have worked for colleges such as Loughborough College and Brockington College where I was also a governor supporting in their academy growth. I am very much looking forward to being involved to help guide and support the school in its ambitions to develop and improve upon its success to date.

• Mrs Emma Peace

  Foundation Governor

  I have been associated with Richard Hill School for several years, both my children were pupils here and I became a Foundation Governor in September 2021.  Before having my family, I was a primary teacher and have taught at several schools in Leicester city and Leicestershire.  I have since retrained to become a Forest School and Outdoor Learning practitioner.  I work with school groups and private groups to deliver curriculum based learning and facilitate child led Forest School sessions.  I believe that learning and playing outside is beneficial to wellbeing and can help young people re-connect with and develop their understanding of the natural environment around them.  I have enjoyed delivering Forest School sessions for pupils at Richard Hill School since 2019. Richard Hill is a caring school, with staff who are working hard to develop the school and continually make improvements.  It is my hope that as a governor, I will be able to support the staff in this and help them to achieve their goals. 

• Reverend Matthew Gough

  Ex-Officio Foundation Governor

  I feel privileged to be the newly appointed Rector for All Saints, the local parish church and Foundation (Church) governor at Richard Hill School. It is the only C of E school in this part of Leicester Diocese and a great testimony to partnership working with the school's origins born out of the former Rector, Richard Hill and his care for the education of the local village children in the 19th Century. Before entering ministry I was a social worker then lecturer in Higher Education for several years. I am a former primary community governor where I served for many years seeing my own three children through our local Wigston school. In the short time that I have known the school I have been struck by the welcome, confidence and resources of school, staff and children alike. I take seriously my parish role to help nurture the spiritual life of all in our community which includes all who are involved with Richard Hill School. I am available for parents, carers and staff alike.

• Aimee Griffin

  Parent Governor

  I have recently been appointed as a parent governor at Richard Hill Primary School. I am a secondary PE teacher and former Head of Year and Head of PE at a large comprehensive school in Leicester City. These roles have involved being a deputy Deputy Safeguarding Lead and a leader in the delivery of PE and school sport. As part of this work I also have experience in liaising with our feeder primary schools in preparing pupils when transitioning into secondary school. I am passionate about creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all and I hope my experience may help to support the governing body for Richard Hill School. 

• Caroline Toone

  Parent Governor

  I became a parent governor at Richard Hill School in autumn 2023 after my daughter started in the Foundation Stage. I am currently working as a primary school teacher in Leicester city and I have been working at my school for 16 years. As part of my teaching role, I am responsible for leading English in the school, and my passion is early reading. Most of my career has been spent teaching in the early years and I have also worked as, in early years moderator for Leicester city. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling as much of the world as possible, but I have a soft spot for Norfolk. I love to spend time with my family and my young nieces. I am really looking forward to taking on this new role and I hope that my experience and skills will benefit the school.