Emily Hopkins-Hayes

Having worked in education for 23 years and in special education for over half of those, I joined Discovery Academy in November 2021. I combine my work here, with the same role for Venture Academy. My role at Discovery is to support Tony and the leadership team to develop and work towards the strategic ambition of the school. I love working in special education and feel very lucky to be part of MacIntyre Academies Trust.

I really enjoy my time with Discovery as things are constantly developing and the leadership team that I work with the most closely have a clear ambition for every child to achieve their very best outcomes. Since joining Discovery we have made a number of key appointments to the leadership and wider staff team that have had a significant impact in what we offer to pupils each day. There is always lots more to do, but our staff team should feel very proud of the work they do each day with our pupils – I truly believe they change lives.

When I am not at work or working, I can usually be found at home with my family and our pets. My daughters tend to keep me very busy out of work hours. I am also a parent governor at a Warwickshire Primary School. My hobbies are music (both listening and performing), listening to podcasts and baking and decorating cakes.