List of Governors

Welcome to the Governors’ section of the Sandringham School website which I hope you will find interesting and informative.

This section gives a broad outline of the role of the Governors, how we go about fulfilling our responsibilities and who we are.

Chair of Governors

Jonny Downs 

Co-opted Governor Term: 07.10.2024 – 06.10.2028

Co-opted Governors

 Jon Pike

Co-opted Governor Term: 13.03.2023 – 12.03.2027

I became a co-opted governor at Sandringham in March 2023.

After starting my career as a Chemical Engineer, I changed focus after a few years and trained as a Chartered Accountant. Upon qualification I left to work in industry, initially in a finance role before moving into trading. Since 2013 I have worked at Blue Commodities, a commodity broker with operations in the UK, the Netherlands and Switzerland, where I am the CEO.

In 2010 I took the well-trodden path and moved from central London to St Albans, where I live with my wife and two children who are at primary school. What remaining free time I have, I enjoy sports – albeit more from an armchair than a playing field!

Trust Appointed Governors

Jonny Downs

Trust Appointed Governor Term: 07 .10.2024 – 06.10.2028

Growing up in Manchester, I started my career in technical theatre early by volunteering to light and design my school productions for the drama faculty. After graduating from Aberystwyth University with a BA in Film and Television Studies, I volunteered at my local theatre running hemp galleries and flys for their pantomimes and professional touring productions. I subsequently joined Sandringham as a theatre technician at The Sandpit Theatre in 2015. I then became theatre manager in 2018 supporting the arts departments and the wider school community in all their ventures. Recently I moved to Sadler’s Wells in London where I am the Head Technician of the Lilian Baylis Studio.

I have lived in St Albans for 10 years and enjoy trips to the theatre, hiking, Dungeons & Dragons, and American football. I currently volunteer with Guide Dogs, boarding their dogs while they undergo training and fundraising for their cause.

Lucy O’Neill

Trust Appointed Governor Term: 03.09.2024 – 02.09.2028

I have two children, currently at Wheatfields Juniors (Year 4) and Wheatfields Infant (Year 2).

I am a member of the Government Statistical Service, currently working as a Statistician for the Ministry of Justice. I manage three teams who focus on analysis of and evaluations related to prison safety and security.

My work requires me to be able to quickly assimilate various information, data and research and to develop recommendations whilst considering the strength of the data and evidence. I also led primary research into various aspects of prison safety for example an impact assessment of Incentivised substance free living wings. Producing good research means being open to questioning and challenge particularly in the early stages.

Hassan Ayad

Trust Appointed Governor Term: 30.04.2024 – 29.04.2029

Hassan is a Strategic Advisor with expertise in the sports industry, currently advising the Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, overseeing strategy for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ and its long-term legacy. He specialises in data-driven strategies, partnerships, and investment appraisal across major programmes for the State of Qatar.

 

Previously, Hassan was a sports advisory consultant at PwC, delivering complex, high-profile projects at the global level. He holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham and is PMP certified in project management.

 

As a former sportsman, Hassan has a passion for all sports. Having developed a recent interest in mountaineering he plans to summit the Matterhorn later this year.

 

Andrew Farrugia

Trust Appointed Governor Term: 28.01.2026 to 27.01.2030

 Previously I was a head teacher of 2 primary schools for 14 years between 2009 and 2023 and believe the collective 22 years of school leadership during my career have given me a wealth of skills that I could bring to the local governing board. I have a wealth of experience and skills in curriculum development and assessment. I also have skills in terms of analysing assessment data and using this to inform practice, together with skills and knowledge in terms of provision for SEND pupils, child protection and safeguarding systems.

I wanted to become a governor at Sandringham as both of my children have been through the school and benefitted from the excellent academic and social opportunities provided by the school.  I would like to help to support the school to continue in its quest for academic excellence.  I know that Sandringham never ‘stands still’ and is always looking forward and finding new ways to enhance teaching and learning.

Aaron Walker

Trust Appointed Governor Term: 28.01.2026 to 27.01.2030

I am a Research and Policy Manager for the Greater London Authority, living in St Albans. My role involves overseeing effective day-to-day operations for London Assembly Members, managing a team of six researchers and handling HR and budget issues, overseeing committee output, in-depth research, writing reports and press releases, scrutinising reports and finances, as well as creating and delivering strategy. 

I also have extensive project management experience from previous roles in Parliament, including the running of large-scale events, running an MP’s office and managing complex safeguarding issues. The MP I most recently worked for was an Education Minister for 3 years, and then the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. I have also worked for a small start-up in the private sector.

I am very passionate about education and have a particular interest in improving standards in state schools. I believe that providing a quality state education is the closest thing we have to a silver bullet in terms of helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds get on and get ahead in life. Going to a excellent state school helped me to become the first person in my family to go to university, so I know first hand the difference a quality education makes to a young person’s prospects in life.

Linda Randall

Trust Appointed Governor Term: 01.09.2026 – 31.08.2030

I trained as a Registered Nurse at Leeds General Infirmary and spent my career working as both a Health Visitor and School Nurse, later serving as a Non-Executive Director of Quantum Care. Alongside my professional life, I have been deeply involved in the voluntary sector, including over 40 years with St Albans & District Talking News, where I currently serve as Chairman.

Throughout my career, I have maintained a strong focus on the wellbeing and development of young people, gaining valuable insight into the unique challenges faced by children with SEND. As a grandparent to eight young people, I see firsthand the educational landscape facing students today.

I bring over 20 years of school governance experience across all key stages, including eight years at Sandringham School where I chaired two committees and supported projects like the construction of the Sandpit Theatre. Although I stepped down as a governor some years ago, I have maintained a close connection - establishing two annual Key Stage 5 awards for tenacity and unsung heroes. I am delighted to have the opportunity to return to Sandringham’s Governing Board and look forward to supporting our school community, staff, and students.

Parent Governors

Mark Adams

Parent Governor Term: 09.11.2022 – 08.11.2026

I am a recently elected parent governor, a role that attracted me as all three of my children are currently attending Sandringham and I wanted to give something back to the school.

I previously served as a governor for several years at Wheatfields Infants’ and Nursery School.

My day job is in the computing field working on the behalf of the John Lewis Partnership. I particularly enjoy using technology to allow people to do their job more easily and collaborating with my colleagues to improve our effectiveness through a process of continual improvement.

To relax I enjoy walks in the countryside and completing cryptic crosswords.

Staff Governor

 Deborah Chopping

Staff Governor Term:  01.07.26 – 30.06.30

I am the Assistant Director of Learning for Mathematics (KS5) and feel privileged to have been part of the Sandringham community throughout my entire teaching career, having originally trained at the school. Alongside leading post-16 mathematics, I support the UCAS process and contribute to teacher development. I am deeply passionate about ensuring mathematics is accessible to all, and that every student benefits from high-quality teaching that enables them to achieve their full potential.

Before transitioning into education, I spent my career as an accountant and audit partner. As a Staff Governor, I am proud to combine this prior experience with my day-to-day understanding of school life to support Sandringham’s continued success.

Outside of school, I enjoy going to the theatre, exploring the outdoors with my dog, and supporting local charities.

Ex-Officio Governor

Mark Nicholls

Acting Headteacher:  Ex-officio Governor

 

Governor Membership 2026

 Types of Governor

Trust Appointed Local Governors are appointed by the Trust Board. They are recruited from within the community served by the school for the skills and knowledge that they can bring to the Local Governing Board.

Parent Local Governors are elected by all parents at the school. They are representative of the parent body but the views they express at meetings are their own – they need not canvass parental opinion on every issue, or report back to parents on decisions taken: that is the responsibility of the whole of the Governing Body.

Staff Local Governors are elected by all other staff. Anyone who is paid to work at the school is eligible for election. Like Parent Governors they are representative of staff but the views they express at meetings are their own – they need not canvas staff opinion on every issue.

The Headteacher is also an ex-officio Governor.

Contact

Queries about the management of Sandringham School and the progress of any individual child should be directed in the first instance to the school through the prescribed channels as set out in the student planner. However, if you have any queries for the governors or wish to let us know your views on the school, please e-mail: governors@sandringham.aetrust.uk