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.
Lauren Hudson
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
In September 2023, I was appointed Vice 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..
Ben McCalla
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
As the Assistant Principal for Personal Development, my responsibility is to oversee students' social, emotional and character development. The aim is for our students to become responsible citizens, able to make a positive contribution to society and achieve their full potential. I started teaching in 2017 as a Teacher of Science, before moving into faculty leadership in schools across Nottingham and Derby. More recently, I have taken on leadership roles in behaviour and culture, with a particular focus on rewards, pastoral support and positive classroom behaviour.
Josh Neville
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
I am passionate about making a difference in young people's lives. I joined Ellis Guilford in 2016 and I'm proud of the transformational journey we have been on. Working in the Quality of Education team, we have moved mountains to reach our Ofsted 'Good' and I'm excited to continue this work as we move towards 'Outstanding'. I began as a teacher of Modern Foreign Languages in 2014. I've always focused on working in city schools and driving positive change where it is most needed. At my core is my determination to raise attainment for disadvantaged pupils. What benefits the disadvantaged, ultimately benefits all. As I've progressed in my career, I've been keen to help give back to the teaching community. I have revelled in leading teaching and learning for developing teachers, as well as on a whole-school level. I passionately believe that all teachers need to improve, not because they aren't good enough, but because they have the ability to be even better. I have a passion for lifelong learning, and I instil this in my staff and students.
Jordan Platten
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Growing up locally in Bulwell and being the first in my family to attend university, I understand the transformative power of education. It’s this personal journey that fuels my passion for ensuring every student at Ellis Guilford School, no matter their background, is supported to achieve their very best. I have had the privilege of working at Ellis Guilford for several years, where I have played a key role in significantly improving outcomes in Science. Most recently, I have led on raising achievement for Year 11, working closely with staff and students to drive progress and maximise potential. Now, as Assistant Principal for Quality of Education: Outcomes, I am committed to using data intelligently to inform decisions that positively impact all learners. I believe in the power of high expectations, tailored support, and a relentless focus on progress to elevate every child’s educational journey. It’s an honour to serve the community I grew up in and to help shape futures through ambition, opportunity, and belief.
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.
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.