Meet the Governors

Led by Liz Turner and Ieuan Smiton as Joint Chair of Governors; the governing body of Cranfield Church of England Academy are a group of parents, staff and members of the community. The governing body of Cranfield Academy promote the highest standards of educational achievement for our children.

Liz Turner - Joint Chair of Governors

I joined the governing body in 2017 as a Parent Governor and am thrilled to be part of a team working toward a shared vision of educational excellence for all. 

I have lived in Cranfield since 2007 and am also involved in the community through the local churches’ Holiday Club.

Professionally, I am a solicitor and work in the public sector for a regulator – so am well versed in governance and risk management, as well as having a keen eye for detail!

Ieuan Smiton - Joint Chair of Governors

I joined Cranfield Church of England Academy as Headteacher in April 2023.

I am excited about building on Cranfield’s current achievements, moving the school forward and potentially expanding the academy to become a primary school. All the decisions we make will always be about the children – they will always come first. I went into teaching to make a difference and improve the lives of young people.  Children get one primary education and it must be the best we can provide. 

As Headteacher, I will work with Cranfield's Governing Board to set a future strategy that reflects the values of the academy; builds on existing key stakeholder relationships; continuing to ensure Cranfield Academy is a great place to work; and ensure Governance is effective.

 Staff Governor

Vacancy - appointment October 2024  

Michelle Gedny - Support Staff Governor

I have lived in the village for over 20 years, with my husband and two children. I have been involved in the school since my children started, which considering they are now young adults, means I have seen lots of changes to both the school and the community.

Starting as a parent helper and working my way up to becoming a cover supervisor, specialising in Physical Education, has been a journey of immense pleasure.  Watching children growing in confidence and learning new skills still makes me smile.  I remember a time, when as a parent helper, having for many weeks listened to a particular child in Year 1 sounding out his words and struggling to blend, read me a whole sentence without hesitation.  That was the day I realised the impact of teachers on our children.  I still get that feeling helping the children today.

I have always felt the desire to help in any capacity through committees at playgroups to running PTFA, offering after school activities and cricket weeks, I hope that in my role as support staff governor I can offer my time, passion and commitment to the continued development, our school offers, to the education and rounded enrichment to the children in our community

Gavin Gill  - Parent Governor

I have lived in Cranfield for over 20 years.  My partner and I have two children enjoying the fantastic experience of attending Cranfield Academy - a school that my partner attended in her early years! Having joined the team at the end of the 2019 summer term, I am still learning, but hope to be able to bring my experiences as a senior leader in a large and complex business to bear on what is already an experienced, competent and passionate team.

I think it is essential that we have parents engaged in the process, helping to govern and guide the leadership of the school.   In this regard, I aim to give assistance in areas where I can, to give the perspective of parents of attendees, and last, but by no means least, in the role of a critical friend where necessary.

Outside my roles as governor and parish councillor, I enjoy the fantastic opportunities afforded to me by living in a rural community, and coaching junior rugby and cricket take up most of the rest of the time that two small children allow me! 

 Mahmoud Ageli - Parent Governor