The governing body at The Stephen Longfellow Academy brings together a wide range of skills and expertise from business, education and the wider community.
As a governing body we provide strategic leadership, monitoring and review. We are committed to working towards academy improvement which is the focus of all policy and strategy.
We are proud to work with senior leaders, teaching, pastoral and support staff in The Stephen Longfellow Academy and also professionals across The GORSE Academies Trust, to deliver exceptional teaching, learning and education experience for all our students. The aim is to nurture and maximise talents and aspirations, and also build self esteem and confidence so students are able to reach their personal goals and move on to the next stage in their development.
We would like to extend an invitation to parents and extended community to become involved and join our governing body. If you are interested please contact me though the academy and I would be pleased to discuss how you can become involved in shaping our provision and how best to utilise your experience, skills and knowledge.
Debra Oxtoby
Chair of governors
If you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, please contact [email protected]
Please mark your email ‘FAO Chair of Governors’.
Make a Difference, Become a Governor
Governors are highly valued volunteers who play a hugely important and rewarding role in overseeing our academies through questioning, challenging and supporting.
| Name | Category | Date of Appointments | End of Term of Office | Area of responsibility | Voting Rights | Declaration of Interests | Other establishments they govern | Any relations within the academy | 2024/25 Attendance | 2025/26 Attendance | 2026/27 Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aliceson O’Beirne (Vice Chair) |
Community | 27/06/2025 | 26/06/2029 | Safeguarding PPM |
yes | Director of Health & Wellbeing, The Ruth Gorse Academy | Academy and Boston Spa Academy | None | 3/3 | 3/3 | |
| Debbie Oxtoby (Chair) |
Community | 06/07/2026 | 05/07/2030 | Attendance PPM Health & Safety Finance |
Yes | Exam invigilator at The Stephen Longfellow Academy since February 2018 & The Morley Academy since February 2019 | None | None | 3/3 | 3/3 | |
| Neil Poskitt | Principal | NA | NA | Yes | None | None | None | 3/3 | 3/3 | ||
| Amy Pogson | Community | 20/03/2025 | 19/03/2029 | SEND CEIAG |
Yes | I took up the post of Lead Mentor at GORSE SCITT in September 2025 1 September 2025 – To present. | None | My partner is a Behaviour Leader at John Smeaton Academy – Horizons. 20 April 2026 | 1/1 | 3/3 | |
| Nicola France | Staff | 10/03/2026 | 08/03/2030 | Policy | Yes | None | None | None | – | 2/2 |
The following Governors have left the Governing Body in the last twelve months
| Name | Date Left | Governed At |
|---|---|---|
| Alan Young | May 2026 | TSLA |
| Andrew Moncur | May 2026 | TSLA |
Company Documentation
All company documentation relating to The GORSE Academies Trust, including the scheme of delegation, can be found on our trust website at www.tgat.org.uk/company-documentation.