Governing Body

Executive Headteacher
I began my teaching career in 1988 in north London, becoming Head of Geography and leading assessment in two schools, introducing a range of measures to track student performance and raise standards, prior to my appointment as Deputy Head of The Priory School in Hitchin. 

We introduced the raising boys’ achievement programme and having successfully written Specialism bids in 2003, the school profile and outcomes gained considerable strength, culminating in an Ofsted Good Rating. During this time I began school improvement work with the London Challenge and within the Local Authority which I continue to do today.

I have been Headteacher at St Albans Girls’ School since 2010 and following an Outstanding judgement in January 2013, I led the team to further raise standards and challenge underperformance.  Appointed as a National Leader in Education and National Pupil Premium Assessor, myself and my team have supported a number of schools to raise standards. SEND provision is devolved within Hertfordshire and I lead the Higher Needs allocation for the St Albans and Harpenden areas for all young people aged 0-25. In addition, I am Governor at a Local PRU Academy as well as being a Board Member of the local Teaching School’s Alliance and Education Advisor with the DFE. Most recently, I have become Executive Headteacher of ATLAS Multi Academy Trust and Co-CEO of Ambition Education Trust.

Head of School

After teaching in Japan and the Middle East, I started teaching at St Albans Girls’ School in 2011. During my time at the school, I have taken on a number of positions, including Deputy Headteacher, Head of Key Stage 4 and Head of English. In 2023, I became Head of School and I continue to lead School Improvement for ATLAS Multi-Academy Trust. From January 2025, I will be Headteacher at STAGS. In addition to these roles, I was staff governor at STAGS from 2015 to 2019. My committed passion for both the school community and the learning ethos at STAGS is evidenced by my commitment and enthusiasm to ensure that all learners are inspired to thrive.
Our governing body is a dynamic group with a shared interest in seeing STAGS succeed at every level and have the skills and enthusiasm to ensure this.

Trust Appointed Governor: Chair of Curriculum, Assessment & Standards, Operations & Risk Working Group
Appointed: 25 September 2018
Term of Office: 11 November 2022 - 10 November 2026
Subject Link: History & Politics incl AAHT Teaching & Learning, SENCO

My daughter attended STAGS between 2016 and 2023, and I joined the Governing body in 2018. My daughter loved her time at STAGS and is now at university in the USA.

I have spent over 30 years working in the rail industry in a variety of posts in projects and operations, and bring experience of operational, financial and risk management to the Governing body. I also have an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and have a passion for developing and mentoring young people who are pursuing careers in these fields.  

I have an autistic daughter, and therefore have a lived experience in the provision for those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the unique challenges it can bring for young people and parents alike.

Trust Appointed Governor: Personnel & Student Wellbeing, Operations & Risk Working Group
Appointed: 25 September 2019
Term of Office: 25 September 2023 - 24 September 2027
Subject Link: Maths incl AAHT Data & Assessment, PE

I was born in Brazil and attended private school there until the age of ten before returning to the UK where I went through the state school and university system in the UK.  I studied sports science and maths at Loughborough University graduating in 1995. I then passed professional accounting qualifications and worked for large financial services firms in London, Zurich and New York.

I have previously been a governor in Islington and have an interest in supporting children from challenged backgrounds. I moved to St Albans with my wife in 2011, and we now have four young children.

I currently work for a management consultancy where we specialise in data analytics projects in both the public and private sectors.

Staff Governor: Curriculum, Assessment & Standards
Appointed: 23 September 2019
Term of Office: 23 September 2023 - 22 September 2027

Over the last five years at STAGS, I have been able to implement and instil my love of learning and learning styles through my overseeing of Science and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme as well as enrichment opportunities like the expeditions to Norway and South America. Through Staff Governance, I will now also be able to review and promote practice and procedures across the school - keeping wellbeing at the centre of all that we do at STAGS.

Parent Governor: Personnel & Student Wellbeing, Operations & Risk Working Group
Appointed: 26 November 2020
Term of Office: 13 January 2021 - 12 January 2025
Subject Link: Art, Design & Technology, Education Support Staff

With daughters in Year 7 and Year 10, I will be a STAGS parent for several years.  I’ve worked as in-house construction legal counsel for a large development company for 18 years, and co-manage the legal team. As a result, I have interviewed and supervised many graduates, summer students and apprentices. I am a volunteer “Career Champion”, promoting  employability skills of school children with a focus on raising career   aspirations by broadening their understanding of the world of work

Parent Governor: Curriculum, Assessment & Standards
Appointed: 18 November 2021
Term of Office: 18 November 2021 - 17 November 2025
Subject Link: Psychology, & Post 16T&L Lead, REP

I was born in Uganda and attended the Aga Khan School in Kampala. Coming to the UK in 1972, I have worked mainly in the pharmaceutical sector, leading teams based in the USA, UK, and Europe and recently I have started working as a Programme Manager in Local Government for two Councils in Hertfordshire with additional responsibility for Equality and Inclusion.

Graduating in Leadership and Professional Development from Hertfordshire University, and with my daughter in Year 10, I am delighted to join the governing body and hope to make important contributions to this high achieving and diverse school.

Trust Appointed Governor: Personnel & Student Wellbeing
Appointed: 7 October 2021
Term of Office: 7 October 2021 - 6 October 2025
Subject Link: Careers, Safeguarding (DSL), Pastoral Lead, Prevent, CLA/PCLA, Mental Health Lead 
Designated Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding

I joined STAGS’ Governing Body in October 2021, having previously served as a Governor at Bernards Heath Infants for eight years, five of them as Chair. At STAGS, I have a particular interest in support for disadvantaged children and pupil premium. I have a daughter in Year 7.

I trained as a social worker and graduated with a BA (Hons) in Applied Social Science (DipSW) and an MA in Social Policy.

In my working life, I am a policy development specialist and social justice campaigner. I currently lead programmes to improve stability, standards and affordability in London’s private rented sector for the Mayor of London, at the Greater London Authority. Over the past twenty years, I have lead projects at Shelter, Citizens Advice, Catch 22 and Carers UK, to develop policy across a wide range of arears including housing and homelessness, disability, older people, looked after children and carers, and influence Government and other policy makers to make change happen.

I am also an Associate Governor at Bernards Heath Infant and Nursery School.

Co-opted Governor: Operations & Risk Working Group
Appointed: 25 November 2022
Term of Office: 25 November 2022 - 24 November 2026 
Subject Link: Personal Development - Pupil Premium, Anti-Bullying, PSHE, Online Safety, Sustainability Lead

I have lived in St Albans for 30 years and am a Chartered Engineer, Chatered Surveyor, Chartered Surveyor and Member of the Energy Institute. I have extensive experience in the field of Property Management and Development having developed and managed 3.5 million square feet over 35 years.  I am the Construction Director for a large property company, and joint owner of 6 hotels in the West Country.  I would very much like to bring my experience to the benefit of the school.