Emma Haddon - Acting Head teacher

I have worked in Education for over 25 years and became a school governor at Hollybush Primary School when I took up the role of Acting Headteacher in September 2024. I joined the school April 2015 at Deputy Headteacher and am proud to worked with the previous headtecher and governors to move the school form requires improvement to good.  

It is been a privilege to work with the children, governors, the school team and community to define the Hollybush visions and values. Our commitment to these values has underpinned a rise in expectations and aspirations, along with huge improvements in behaviour, ethos, learning and progress.  I am always proud to see what can be achieved by our children when we work together to nurture and respect a love of learning, growth mindsets determination and self belief - the sky is the limit!

Councillor Caroline Gruen (LA Governor)

Chair of Teaching and Learning

I have been a Leeds City Councillor representing Bramley and Stanningley ward for eight years. Originally a Primary school teacher, I went on to become the Deputy Head of Blenheim Primary school before taking on a number of school improvement roles with Leeds City Council and then Kirklees and Doncaster Authorities. I retired from the post as Director of Education in Calderdale and then stood to be in my current role. I have a good knowledge of the area and its communities, and have led a number of local initiatives including establishing the Bramley War Memorial, the refurbished Bramley Hub and alongside Bramley Elderly Action, the community acquisition of Bramley Lawns and Bramley Community Centre. I am a member of the Bramley Baths Board and do voluntary work as a Director of Leeds Cares Charity which whilst an independent charity, works for the Leeds Teaching Hospitals.
I am passionate about education, children and young people, and contribute to the Council’s Scrutiny Board on this as well as being on the Corporate Parenting Committee.

Lisa Buxton (Staff Governor)

I have worked at Hollybush for 5 years as a Teaching Assistant and gained my HLTA qualification with the support of the school in early 2023.  

I have worked across various key stages and enjoy my role supporting and furthering children’s education. It is a privilege to work not only within the education sector, but as a proud member of the Hollybush team - where all staff ensure children’s well-being and learning are undertaken in a nurturing and respectful environment helping the children to aspire to be the best version of themselves. 

I have been a School Governor since 2022, I enjoy this role as I am able to gain insight and further my understanding in different aspects of the education sector.  I am also able to build on my existing knowledge, which helps me support the children to the best of ability. 

Trevor Patterson (Co-opted Governor)

My name is Trevor Patterson. I have been a governor at Hollybush since 2022. I was previously in primary education for 34 years with 10 years as a headteacher and 5 years as an executive headteacher. I was brought up in west Leeds and I know the value of a good education and that a good teacher can transform lives. I enjoy working with staff to ensure Hollybush children are the best that they can be.

Harry Croft (Co-opted Governor)

Bridgitte Causer (Associate Member)

Business Manager