St. Mary's
C.E. Primary School
'Shining Brighter and Brighter'
Proverbs 4:18
Governors
Our Governing Board at St Mary’s Northchurch
At St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, Northchurch, our Governing Board plays a vital role in shaping the life and direction of our school. Made up of dedicated volunteers from our parish, local community and school families, the Board works collectively as part of the school’s leadership, ensuring that every child is nurtured, challenged and supported to flourish.
As a Voluntary Aided (VA) school, our Governors hold significant responsibilities. They are the employer of staff, the admissions authority, and oversee any new building projects or external repairs. Their work sits firmly at a strategic level, focusing on the long-term success and wellbeing of our pupils by:
· Setting and upholding the school’s Christian vision, ethos and strategic direction
· Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
· Overseeing the financial performance of the school and ensuring public money is used wisely and effectively
Our Governing Board reflects the rich tapestry of people who care deeply about St Mary’s. It includes representatives from the church, the diocese, parents, staff and the wider community. As a VA school, the majority of our Governors are Foundation Governors, appointed for their commitment to supporting and strengthening the Christian character that sits at the heart of St Mary’s.
Together, our Governors bring experience, insight and a shared belief in the potential of every child. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every day in the warm, purposeful and inclusive environment our children enjoy.
If you are interested in becoming a Governor, more information is available here.
You can contact the Governing Board by writing to them care of the school by email to admin@stmarys916.herts.sch.uk
Governing Board
|
Name |
Category |
Appointed By |
Term |
Committee Roles 1 |
Interests 2 |
|
Julia Hughes (Co-Chair of Governors) |
Foundation |
St. Albans Diocesan Board of Education |
17 Mar 2024-16 Mar 2028 |
Standards and Ethos |
None |
|
David Laird (Co-Chair of Governors) |
Foundation |
St. Albans Diocesan Board of Education |
22 Nov 2024 - 21 Nov 2028 |
Pay |
None |
|
Leena Clark (Vice Chair of Governors) |
Local Authority |
Herts County Council |
29 Sept 2025 - 28 Sept 2029 |
Admissions (Chair), Standards and Ethos |
None |
|
Sarah Gray (Headteacher) |
Staff |
Ex-Officio |
Standards and Ethos Admissions, Resources |
None |
|
|
Lucinda Farr-Smith |
Parent |
Parents |
19 Jan 2026-18 Jan 2030 |
Admissions, Standards and Ethos (Chair) |
None |
|
Jonathan Gordon |
Foundation |
Ex-Officio |
Standards and Ethos |
Jonathan is also a Governor at St Bartholomew's C of E Primary School, Wigginton |
|
|
Kirsty Largent |
Parent |
Parents |
19 Dec 2022 - 18 Dec 2026 |
Resources |
None |
|
Sarah Morris |
Co-opted |
Governing Board |
26 Feb 2024 - 25 Feb 2028 |
Resources, Admissions |
None |
|
Sarah Stewart |
Staff |
Staff |
24 Sep 2026 - 23 Sep 2030 |
|
None |
|
Larry Eaton |
Foundation |
St Mary’s Parochial Church Council |
10 June 2026 - 9 June 2030 |
Resources |
None |
|
Scott Wallberg |
Associate |
Governing Board |
22 Sept 2025 -21Sept 2029 |
Resources (Chair), Pay Admissions |
None |
|
Elizabeth O'Hare |
Associate |
Governing Board |
03 Nov 2025 - 02 Nov 2029 |
Standards and Ethos |
None |
|
Tristan Gielen |
Associate |
Governing Board |
16 Mar 2026 - 15 Mar 2030 |
Resources |
None |
|
Kathy Jenkins |
Associate |
Governing Board |
08 May 2026 - 07 May 2030 |
Resources |
None |
|
Mary-Ann Mountford |
Associate |
Governing Board |
21 Sept 2026 - 2- Sept 2030 |
Standards and Ethos |
None |
|
Former governors who have served over the previous 12 months: |
|||||
|
Linda Slim |
Foundation |
St Mary’s Parochial Church Council |
12 Nov 2022 - 11 Nov 2026 |
Admissions, Head Teacher Performance Management |
None |
|
David White |
Foundation |
St Mary’s Parochial Church Council |
05 Mar 2022 - 04 Mar 2026 |
Standards and Ethos, Head Teacher Performance Management, Pay |
None |
|
Philip Anderson |
Foundation |
St. Albans Diocesan Board of Education |
28 Sept 2025 -13 March 2026 |
Resources (Chair) , Pay |
NCC Junior Cricket Committee Member - NCC provide grounds maintenance to the school. |
1 Academic Standards, Achievement and Ethos Committee abbreviated to Standards and Ethos
2 Business and financial interests, governance roles in other educational institutions, material interests arising from relationships between governors or relationships between governors and school staff.
Associate members do not have voting rights.
