Hannah Layfield - Head Teacher

Jane Makin - Co opted governor and Chair

Jane has spent 35 years in education working both within the state and independent sector. She is a great supporter and advocate of small rural schools. Latterly, she was a Head teacher of a small independent day school with a day care facility for babies and children from 0 - 11 years before taking early retirement to be able to spend time giving back to the world of education. During her 13 years of Headship Jane was a strategic leader within a Teaching Alliance and an ISI Inspector. Jane is also a governor of another local state school where she has delegated Governor responsibility for Safeguarding. Jane also acts as a mentor for Head teachers and consultant to schools. She has a passion for education and the holistic development of all children. She fully upholds the vision, values and ethos of Elevate. In her spare time she is a keen sportswoman, enjoying cycling, walking and skiing.

Hannah Secouet - Co Opted Governor

Following University, Hannah moved to London to work as a producer in radio and audio production for national networks and large corporate clients. In 2000, she joined the Central Office of Information, where she worked closely with central government policy makers in turning policies into public messages. After the birth of her daughter in 2010, she returned home to North Yorkshire with her family. Soon after her children started at Knayton C of E Academy, she began to volunteer in school, becoming a governor in 2014, with specific interest in SEND, and Chair of Governors in 2018. Hannah has a Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools, she also captains a team for Thirsk Hockey Club and helps coach their junior section.

Ian Haylett - Co-opted governor

Ian and his wife have both been the local Salvation Army ministers in Thirsk since 2018 and prior to that, held the same responsibilities in Selby for 12 years. As a resident of the Sowerby Gateway housing development, Ian enjoys being involved in the local community, working to bring a sense of unity and being particularly mindful to include those at the margins or who feel isolated. Ian is a Chaplain for the Thirsk Racecourse, actively involved in the Gateway residents group and he also volunteers at the Salvation Army charity shop in Thirsk. Before becoming a Salvation Army minister, Ian had a career in IT working for a global financial services company. In his spare time Ian enjoys films (he is a volunteer at the Ritz Cinema), Astronomy and baking bread!  Ian feels honoured and privileged to be a part of the Keeble Academy and he looks forward to doing what he can to ensure that all children continue to be afforded the opportunities and encouragement that they need to fulfil their potential.".

Jane Long - Parent governor