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
Julia Shaw
Co-opted Governor Term: 14.06.2024 – 13.06.2028
After graduating from Bournemouth University with a BA in Business, I started a career working in finance at Saville and Holdsworth Ltd and latterly The Wall St Journal. I subsequently joined Accenture where I qualified as a management accountant and spent 10 years + in their finance team. In 2007, I decided on a career change and took up a Business Manager role at Sandringham School where I supported the school move from maintained school to an academy and finally to a multi academy trust, where I held the role of Chief Operating Officer. More recently, I have moved to a post at Hitchin Girls’ School as Director of Finance and Resources.
I have a degree in Business Studies and I am a CIMA qualified accountant. I have lived in St Albans for 25 years and have had the pleasure of seeing my twin girls progress through primary and secondary education at Wheatfield’s Primary/Junior Schools and Sandringham School. I enjoy running and outdoor activities.
Co-opted Governors
Anne Garland
Co-opted Governor Term: 09.10.2021 – 08.10.2025
I became a governor at Sandringham in 2013, initially as a parent governor as I had 2 daughters at the school, and now as a co-opted governor. I am currently the link faculty governor for Geography and the Learning Resource Centre. I was previously a governor at a local primary school and am currently Chair of Governors at Ridgeway Academy in Welwyn Garden City which is one of the secondary schools in the AAT.
I grew up in North Yorkshire where I attended a mixed comprehensive school and then studied Ergonomics at Loughborough University after which I joined London Underground in their HR function. I worked for London Underground for the rest of my career in various roles including HR Manager for the Metropolitan and Circle Lines and Business Partner for Central Services.
I have lived in St Albans for over 25 years and enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling, canoeing and skiiing as well as walking my dog.
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.
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.
Ben Wynn
Parent Governor Term: 09.11.2022 – 08.11.2026
I am a parent governor with a son and daughter both attending Sandringham.
I have spent my career leading and scaling technology focused start-ups. My area of professional expertise spans product development, digital transformation, marketing and technology. I currently work as a consultant advising a range of early stage businesses with innovative products and business models.
I grew up in Yorkshire but have lived in the south east throughout my working life and in Wheathampstead for the last 17 years.
I have a degree in Civil Engineering from Aston University.
I’m a lifelong learner and I love any kind of outdoor adventure sport.
Staff Governor
Liz Kelly
Staff Governor Term: 09.09.22 – 08.09.26
After graduating in Combined Arts from Plymouth University, I undertook my PGCE Art and Design training and progressed to complete a Masters in Teaching at Middlesex University. In my role as Director of Learning for Visual Arts at Sandringham, I aim to ensure that our students have the opportunity to enjoy the creative process whilst learning key skills to ensure that all of our students leave us with a love of Visual Arts as they progress to higher level study or other chosen pathways. I complete creative projects with local schools and promote art across the community by ensuring the Visual Arts Faculty participates and supports events such as The National Campaign for Drawing, St Albans Legacy project, The National Schools Photography Award and ARTiculation prize. I am a trained tutor for University of Arts London Future Creatives. In my spare time, I help to lead a local Brownie unit and enjoy visiting museums and galleries.
Ex-Officio Governor
Alan Gray
Executive Headteacher: Ex-officio Governor
Headteacher of Sandringham School for 15 years and previously Headteacher at The Hemel Hempstead School. Alan is a National Leader of Education and has experience of working with a number of secondary schools in this capacity to support leadership. Alan has trained and served as an additional OFSTED inspector and chairs Hertfordshire Schools Forum, the Alban Federation (ITT provider) and the Alban Teaching School Alliance. He has previously chaired local and Hertfordshire Headteacher groups. He was a member of the DfE Secondary Headteacher Reference Group, supporting the DfE with guidance on education matters. Alan is also a trustee of the Saracens High School MAT, contributing to the development of a new school in North London and a Trustee of the Radio Communications Foundation, supporting students with an interest in electronics and communications. Alan has worked closely with governing bodies for over 25 years and has significant experience of school leadership and how to create an outstanding learning environment for all.
Co-opted Local Governors are appointed by the Governing Body. They are recruited from within the community served by the school for the skills and knowledge that they can bring. 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. 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.ukTypes of Governor
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