Gavin Govinden - Principal

Gavin is one of the Principals of LEO Academy Trust, based at Furzefield Primary Academy in Merstham, Surrey. He has been the Principal of Furzefield since 2022 and has been a senior leader in both Local Authority schools and large Multi-Academy Trusts over his 15 years working in education. Gavin is also a qualified lawyer, working in private practice for 6 years before entering the teaching profession.

Since 2022, he has led the school through a period of transformation with a strong focus on inclusion, digital innovation, and pastoral care. Gavin is passionate about technology and the benefits it can bring to society, bringing his school into the national conversation around AI through his work with the Department for Education, Digital Poverty Alliance and the cross-sector initiative AI-In-Education.co.uk where he currently sits in a strategic advisory role.

As a values-driven leader, Gavin is passionate about nurturing a culture of kindness, respect, and aspiration, ensuring every pupil feels a sense of belonging, is valued and is supported to succeed. He is deeply committed to professional development and above all, believes in the power of community and collaboration to create exceptional opportunities for children and staff.