Headteachers within the Trust
Claire Hodgson Preston C of E Primary School
I was appointed Headteacher of Preston C of E Primary School in 2019, having started my teaching career in the school as a trainee in 2010. In 2011, I was appointed as a class teacher, before taking on the role as Phase Lead and subsequently becoming Assistant Head in 2017.
I believe in providing an excellent education underpinned by Christian values and this is central to my vision for the school. Our church school distinctiveness provides the Christian foundation for children to flourish and grow spiritually. I am proud to lead an incredible team of staff who deliver high quality teaching and an exciting curriculum for the pupils. Preston being ranked 99th nationally in the Sunday Times UK Schools Guide is testament to this. I am passionate about improving outcomes for children and have supported other schools in school improvement, particularly at Key Stage 2. |
Dan Glentworth
Kingfisher Primary School
After eight years at Manor Court in various roles, an opportunity for Headship came up within the Trust, following a successful application, I started at Kingfisher in September 2020. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the PPAT team – I believe passionately about enriching the lives of all our children and that all pupils, regardless of their background or situation can achieve. Currently Kingfisher School is a one form entry with the possibility of growth as more provision for school places is needed in the area.
Dave Gordon Countess Gytha Primary & Pre School
I moved to Somerset in 2013, from Stoke-on-Trent in the West Midlands. Somerset is a unique area and I feel blessed to live and work in beautiful surroundings, with wonderful people.
My background in education was initially in outdoor and adventurous activities for young people, training children in outdoor skills and supervising Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. After completing my Primary Education degree, I moved to Somerset to work in a number of schools before taking my first headship at Countess Gytha Primary and Preschool.
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I am very keen to continue to broaden opportunities for young people, recognising the importance of several key experiences in my own life and how they have shaped the person I am today. By providing a wealth of experiences, offering help and support to parents and families and ensuring everything the school staff do has your child at its heart, I know that the children who attend Countess Gytha Primary and other schools in the PPAT trust have the highest aspirations for themselves and go on to succeed in their choices.
Leanne Hall Hambridge Primary School
Working in education is all I've ever wanted to do. I have been a teacher since 2009 and I've worked within the trust for 6 years now, gaining experiences in various leadership positions across two PPAT schools. After a year as Assistant Headteacher at Hambridge, I was delighted to have the opportunity to apply for the headship and be successful in my application. I firmly believe in providing the best possible education for the children at Hambridge Primary School. I encourage the children to take pride in their work and I aim to provide the children with the best experiences so that they enjoy their learning as much as possible. Reading is my passion and I'll ensure that reading is at the heart of the curriculum here at Hambridge. Outside of school, I am mum to two energetic boys, so I'm always outside exploring and often found at the beach! |
Lindsay Hayward Middlezoy & Othery Primary School
In 2007, having gained my degree and completed the Graduate Teaching Programme I began teaching in the 3 -form entry school in West Kent that I had trained in. After three years in year 5 there, my family relocated, I moved to a much smaller mixed age class school in North Kent. I remained there for 8 years progressing from a class teacher across Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 2 lead. I then began working across both federated sites as a Teaching and Learning Advisor and then was appointed as Acting Head of School on 2017.
I moved to Somerset in 2018 with my family and began working for PPAT in April 2019 at North Cadbury School. In September 2020, I was seconded to Middlezoy and Othery Schools and the Levels Academy Trust. We became part of the PPAT Trust in February 2021 and continue to strive to be "The best we can be!" |
Lisa Thompson North Cadbury Church of England Primary School
Having worked in other Somerset schools for almost a decade as a class teacher, SENCO and Early Years leader, I joined PPAT as a Deputy Head and class teacher in September 2018. It soon became apparent that this academy trust was one that very closely matched my own values and vision for education, and in September 2019 I was delighted to start my first headship at North Cadbury C of E Primary School. As a Church School leader, I believe Christian values underpin all that we undertake at North Cadbury. Our Church School distinctiveness enables our children to grow and develop spiritually. My passion is to improve educational outcomes for children and young people and to work closely with our school families in order to achieve this. I firmly believe that children’s heritage shouldn’t define or limit their destiny. |
Outside of school I love to read, sew and try my hand at crafts such as pottery. I’m also partial to a good meal out with my husband, son, and family - preferably somewhere warm and sunny!
Luke Talmage Manor Court Primary School & Pre School
I have been Headteacher of Manor Court Community Primary since April 2017, leading it to its first Ofsted ‘Good’ judgment in over two decades in December 2019. I have worked for, or with, the Preston Primary Academy Trust for over a decade and in the past ten years I have also had the privilege to be the Headteacher of two other contrasting Somerset Schools – a small rural primary and a two-form junior school in challenging circumstances. I am an LLE for Somerset Local Authority and have been a member of the Somerset Education Design Team. I have a passion for inclusion and improving education for all. I am known for having a particular skill and track record in improving the outcomes for SEN and Pupil Premium children within schools.
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In my free time I am a trustee for two charities, love to travel, attend the theatre, read for pleasure, and I am an avid Yeovil Town Football Club supporter.
Tiffany Doughty Davis Huish Episcopi Primary School
I am passionate about delivering the best possible education for the children in my care whilst encouraging and developing a team of talented colleagues. I have been the Headteacher of Huish Episcopi Primary School since January 2018 after qualifying as a Teacher in July 2015. Prior to that I worked in the independent sector teaching EYFS to KS4 and holding both academic and pastoral leadership roles. I worked in co-educational and single-sex establishments, in primary, secondary, middle and all-through schools both in the UK and Switzerland. I have managed two inspections as the HEPS Headteacher with the most recent in February 2020 stating that ‘aspirations for pupils are evident in the school’s values and ambitious curriculum.’. |
I am passionate about instilling aspiration through high standards and promoting these ideals in others. I was enthusiastic about leading the school into Preston Primary Trust in February 2021. PPAT continually support our successful ways of working whilst ensuring the PPAT golden thread of high quality provision and opportunity prevails.