Meet our Governors

Peter Griffin – Chair of Governors

Born and bred in Worcestershire I moved with my family to Groby in 1984 following a career transfer with an international bank with whom I worked until retirement in 2011. During most of my career I held management roles involving finance, human resources, local public relations, customer service, training and implementation of organisational change including branch refurbishments. In addition, I am active with charitable organisations, assisting with fund raising and chairing committees.

I have 4 young grandchildren with whom I have active involvement.

Linda Springthorpe – Vice Chair and Chair to Quality Of Education sub-committee

I live in Groby and am retired. I have 1 daughter & 2 grown up grandchildren.

I have worked in Administration, covering numerous roles, all of my working life making processes efficient & handling teams of workers. I have many interests. My greatest love is books. You may have seen me in and around the school on Mondays listening to YR1 children read. I regularly practice & sing with Newtown Linford Choir. I love gardening and since retiring I have increased my interest in cooking using produce I have grown.

My role within the governing body is as Deputy Chair of Governors, Chair for the Quality of Education committee. The role involves lots of administration, interviewing for staff positions, visiting with teachers and classes and being generally involved in the Strategic decisions within the school.

Louise Proudman – Headteacher

I have worked in a variety of schools as a teacher and a leader for over 25 years. I have my own children, who are now grown up, and I love being a nanny to my grandchildren. My main hobbies are playing the clarinet in a local band and riding my horse.

It is a privilege and an honour to be able to work in school and I love working with children. My passion is to ensure we provide the best experiences and education we can so that all the children can flourish and blossom to become the best they can be. I also love working together with our families to ensure the school can play a big part in a thriving community.

Julie Linford – Governor

Originally from Bromley, Kent, I moved to Leicester when I met my husband.

I worked for The Royal Bank of Scotland for 24 years where I had many roles but primarily an IT Business Analyst. I am now the Accounts Manager for our engineering business and a mum of two children, both who attended Martinshaw.

Previously a Parent Governor, I have remained on the Governing body and bring my skills from my previous and current working life such as using my IT skills to look after the Governor website. I am passionate about my role especially as Safeguarding and PE Governor. I am often in school working with the School Council, helping at sporting events and have even attended a residential.

I love shopping, cooking, Boxercise and dog walks.

Sheila Brown – Governor

I was born and educated in Leicester and qualified as a teacher in Cambridge before moving back to Leicestershire.

I have taught in three schools in Leicester before retiring from the profession. I am currently a co-opted governor at Catherine Junior School where I spent most of my career.

As I have lived in Groby for 33 years, I welcomed the opportunity to join the Martinshaw Governing Body, where I will use my experience in Education to support Martinshaw in whatever capacity I can. I have always believed it to be a great privilege to help and guide children to achieve their full potential.

I have two children and four grandchildren and they definitely keep me on my toes. Teaching them mathematics in Lockdown has been very rewarding.

My main hobbies include taking part in dog agility competitions with two of my dogs, participating in Groby Sings and touring in our caravan.

Amy Keeling – Parent Governor

Having lived in Loughborough all my life, I moved to Groby with my husband and little boy nearly 5 years ago. Since then, we have had a little girl, both of which now attend Martinshaw Primary School.

I have been a primary school teacher now for 10 years, graduating from The University of Derby with a first class honours degree in primary education. I currently teach part-time at a local school in EYFS which I love, and is the year group the majority of my teaching career has been based in.

I hope to use my knowledge of teaching, and my experience of being a mum to inform and guide my governor role. I hope to be an approachable person in the playground that will be able to support positive partnerships between both home and school.

Helen Brown – Staff Governor

I have been teaching at Martinshaw for thirteen years. Currently I teach Y5/6. I lead writing, art and design technology. I also help the school council run their meetings and projects.

I enjoy eating out with friends, reading, going to the cinema, walking, going to pottery class and I volunteer with CRT at the weekends as a lock keeper.

My role as staff governor means that I can support the governing body by providing a staff perspective.

Ian Walker- Governor

I was born in South Leicestershire, after completing college I joined a National security company and managed numerous contracts throughout the UK.

When I left the security industry in 2010, I joined the L.E.A.D. Academy Trust as a facilities manager, my role involves that of managing Health and safety on site and first aid.

I am also staff a staff governor at the academy, and one of the appointed deputy safeguarding leads.

I enjoy football and coach the upper school football team.

Daly Phull – Parent Governor

I was born and educated in Leicester and qualified as an ACCA Chartered Accountant. I have a varied professional background within the financial sector, with experience in financial management, budgeting, governance and risk. Throughout my career, I have enjoyed working with people and organisations, helping to support good decision-making and positive outcomes.

I was delighted to join the Governing Body at Martinshaw Primary School and look forward to using my experience to support the school, its pupils and the wider school community. I am particularly pleased to be able to contribute my financial knowledge while learning more about the day-to-day life of the school and the fantastic work of its staff and pupils.

Outside of work and my governor role, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, travelling, exploring new places and keeping active. I am looking forward to getting to know the Martinshaw community and working alongside the governors, staff and families to help ensure that every child has the opportunity to enjoy school, learn and achieve their full potential.