The Board of Governors represent a cross section of our school community, from parents, staff, the Cathedral, Diocese and Local Authority. Members of our board uphold the Christian ethos of our school and support our Headteacher in the strategic management of Abbey School. The Instrument of Government states the number and type of governors the school must have; for Abbey school 14 in total with a majority elected by the Cathedral and Diocesan and of Education to ensure the Christian ethos is upheld in all aspects of school life.
As a Voluntary Aided school under the Diocese of St Albans the role of the Board of Governors is a strategic one, to act as a critical friend to the Headteacher, having the responsibility as employer and for the school site and ensuring the school budget is well managed.
The governing board is structured around four committees:
- Finance and Premises
- Recruitment, Pay and Personnel (RPP)
- School Effectiveness
- Admissions
Each committee and the Full Governing Board meets at least once per half term.
Name | Category | Term of Office | Business Interests | Responsibilities |
Ex-officio foundation governor | 1 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 2026 | Canon at St Albans Cathedral | Co-Chair of Governors Chair of Admissions School Effectiveness Chair of Recruitment, Pay and Personnel Headteacher’s Performance Management | |
Simon Oaten | Parent appointed by GB | 1 Sep 2024 – 30 Sep 2027 | Children in school | Co-Chair of Governors Finance and Premises Headteacher’s Performance Management |
Foundation | 24 Nov 2023 – 23 Nov 2027 | Children in school | Finance and Premises Recruitment, Pay and Personnel | |
Headteacher | 01 Jan 2022 – 31 Dec 2026 | Headteacher | Admissions Finance and Premises School Effectiveness and Recruitment Pay and Personnel | |
Staff | 1 Jan 2023 – 31 Dec 2026 | Deputy Headteacher | School Effectiveness | |
Foundation | 22 Mar 2022 – 22 May 2028 | Chair of School Effectiveness | ||
Katie Wright | Local Authority | 1 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 2026 | Safeguarding Governor School Effectiveness | |
Nikki Loan | Foundation | 1 Sep 2020 – 31 Aug 2028 | Chair of Finance and Premises Admissions | |
Foundation | 01 Sep 2022 -31 Aug 2026 | Children in school | Recruitment, Pay and Personnel Headteacher’s Performance Management | |
Wai-Keat Ngai | Foundation | 1 May 2024 – 30 Apr 2028 | Child in school | Admissions |
In addition the Governing Board can elect any number of Associate Governor for a specific role or skill; these governors have no voting rights and do not have to attend FGB meetings. The position is not tied to a four year term. We have no Associate Governors at this time.
Communication
The Governors frequently visit the school for special events including open days, school productions, assemblies and specified Parent/Teacher Consultations. The Governing Body welcomes questions and comments.
Parent Governors are often in the playground at school pick-up/drop-off times.
Governor Profiles
Will Gibbs has been Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care at St Albans Cathedral since September 2022 and is an ex officio Governor. He was previously Vicar of Redbourn, has served as a trustee of nine different charities and served as a Governor at two schools previously. He is passionate about sustainability and the environment, social justice and enjoys playing and watching sport.
Patrick Daws is global head of ethics and compliance at a large civil engineering consultancy. He has held a variety of governance roles in large businesses across a variety of different sectors during his career. His two daughters attend Abbey CE VA and in his spare time he enjoys cooking and watching old movies with his family.
Gareth Nichols has worked at St Albans School since 2010, initially as a Teacher of Economics. He has taken on several roles over the years before becoming Deputy Head – Staff in September 2021. Gareth is also a keen supporter of the school’s co-curricular programme, working with different rugby teams and supporting the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award programme.
Chris Toon is a chartered accountant and is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Orega, the flexible workspace operator. After qualifying with KPMG, Chris moved into industry working in both listed businesses and private equity and has a particular interest in real estate. Married to Alice who is treasurer and a trustee of the Friends (PTA), they have two children who attend the school.
Linda O’Melia is incredibly proud to serve as the Headteacher at The Abbey CE VA Primary School, a role they have held since January 2022. It is a privilege for them to lead such a wonderful and supportive school community. Mrs O’Melia is deeply committed to providing a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum that enables every child to flourish, feel supported, and, most importantly, be happy as they achieve their fullest potential throughout their school journey at Abbey School.
Fiona Fraser is the Deputy Headteacher and Staff Governor. She has been in post since September 2022. Fiona believes it is essential for the voices of working staff members to be heard on the governing body. With over 20 years of experience in education across various roles, including working in secondary schools, Fiona has seen many changes. Throughout this time, she has remained committed to ensuring that one constant is the focus on putting children at the heart of every decision. Equally important, however, is ensuring that the wellbeing of all staff is considered in every decision made.
Governor attendance at meetings
- Governor Attendance at Meetings 2024-25 (122.49KB)
- Governor Attendance at Meetings 2023-24 (130.42KB)
Governors who have resigned in the last 12 months
- Gary Freer (Chair of Governors), Foundation (St Albans Diocesan Board of Education), 1 Sep 2021 – 31 Aug 2024
- Robert Raine, Foundation (St Albans Diocesan Board of Education), 1 Sep 2020 – 31 Aug 2024
- Marion Silvey, Parent Governor May 2021- Oct 2024