Meet the Leadership Team

Gemma Johnson – Principal

I am the very proud principal of the Ellis Guilford School. I first joined the school in January 2021 to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

In 2023, we became an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ school, and since then, I have taken over as Principal.

In my previous experience, I have led the quality of education in a number of secondary schools, including Quality Assurance, Continued Professional Development (CPD), Early Careers Development and a number of subject areas including Humanities and Science.

Since my time at Ellis Guilford School began, I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing our children go from strength to strength. Our classrooms are great places to be, where children are focused on learning. Teachers at Ellis Guilford have a wealth of experience in how best to deliver their subject. It is this that supports calm and purposeful lessons.

My aim is that our children will receive the very best education, and therefore outcomes, here at the Ellis Guilford School.

David Farnie – Vice Principal

I am proud to be the Vice Principal for Behaviour & Culture at Ellis Guilford School, having been appointed in September 2024.

I started my teaching career in 2007 and have worked in Senior Leadership positions since 2013 where my responsibilities have included: Behaviour & Culture, student outcomes, attendance, Pupil Premium, and Safeguarding.

I am passionate about improving the life chances of the children who attend Ellis Guilford School and will seek to support our children in reaching their potential.

Aaron Richardson – Assistant Principal

I started my teaching career in 2016 working in a state comprehensive school and took on pastoral leadership roles shortly after, focusing on behaviour and attitudes, which is now under my remit at Ellis Guilford.

I believe in having high expectations of pupils and providing them with the tools to be independent and resilient.

John Williams – Assistant Principal

My current leadership responsibility is safeguarding as the school Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). I enjoy the challenge of this role and particularly the satisfaction of knowing that my work is ensuring that Ellis Guilford students are safe.

I am committed to ensuring that all students know that they are protected by an experienced and vigilant Ellis Guilford safeguarding team.

I joined Ellis Guilford School in September 2000 and have progressed through several different roles including Head of Department, Head of Faculty, Head of Year, Assistant Principal and Vice Principal.

Nick Lever – Assistant Principal

I began my teaching career in 2014 as a Teacher of PE at the Ellis Guilford School, and I am extremely proud to be one of our Leadership Team since being appointed in 2021.

As Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Assessment, my role is to ensure our curriculum is broad and balanced, giving opportunities to every pupil to achieve their goals, no matter what their interests.

I will ensure opportunities are provided for our pupils to develop both personally and academically through strong leadership of Careers and Personal Development.

Lauren Hudson- Assistant Principal

In September 2023, I was appointed Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning. My primary responsibility is to uphold and enhance the quality of teaching and learning by fostering excellence in Ellis Guilford’s classrooms.

My responsibilities include overseeing the quality assurance of Teaching and Learning, the delivery of CPD, homework, remote learning and the elevate curriculum.

My teaching career started in September 2011 as a Teacher of Music at a school in Nottingham City. Over the years, I have expanded my experience, working in three different secondary schools in the East Midlands and the North East. In 2021, I became part of the team at Ellis Guilford School, where I led the Performance Faculty and I have been part of the Teaching and Learning Team.

Jamie Smith – Assistant Principal

Having worked in a number of schools across the East Midlands as Head of English and Assistant Principal, I am delighted to join the leadership team at Ellis Guilford as Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning.

I thoroughly believe that regardless of how experienced a teacher is, we can all improve our practice, and in doing so, raise outcomes for our students. I gained my NPQSL in 2023 and use this to enhance my leadership style.

As part of my role, I oversee the training of early career teachers and work with PGCE students, ensuring that they receive the support needed to become excellent practitioners. I also support the whole school development of literacy, with this being a key priority.

Graham Webb – Assistant Principal

Having graduated from the University of Chester with a BA/BsC in Biology and Physical Education, I felt inspired by the love of learning that my school teachers had instilled in me and pursued a career in education, completing my PGDE in Physical Education at Loughborough University.

I started teaching at Ellis Guilford school in September 2001 as a PE teacher. Since then I have had a number of leadership roles and responsibilities including Head of Physical Education, Head of Year and now Assistant Principal for Behaviour and Culture.

I’m dedicated to the transformative power of education, fostering an environment where staff and students feel valued, empowered, and inspired to achieve excellence.