The team 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 Head Teacher in the strategic management of Abbey School. The Instrument for 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 governing board is a strategic one, to act as a critical friend to the Head teacher, 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 (Appointed by) | Term of Office | Committees/Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gary Freer (Chair of Governors) | Foundation (Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral) | 1 Sep 2021 – 31 Aug 2025 |
|
| Robert Raine (Vice Chair Governors) | Foundation (Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral) | 1 Sep 2020 – 31 Aug 2024 |
|
| Canon Will Gibbs | Foundation (Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral) | 1 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 2026 |
|
| Gareth Nichols | Foundation (Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral) | 27 May 2024 – 26 May 2028 |
|
| Nikki Loan (Treasurer) | Foundation (St Albans Diocesan Board of Education) | 1 Sep 2021 – 31 Aug 2024 |
|
| Simon Oaten | Parent (Parent Body) | 1 Oct 2019 – 30 Sep 2027 |
|
| Marion Silvey | Parent (Parent Body) | 30 May 2021 – 29 May 2025 |
|
| Christopher Toon | Foundation (Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral) | 24 Nov 2023 – 23 Nov 2027 | |
| Katie Wright | Local Authority (Herts Local Education Authority) | 1 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 2026 |
|
| Linda O’Melia | Head Teacher Ex-officio (Head Teacher of the School) | 1 Jan 2022- 31st Dec 2025 | All committees |
| Fiona Fraser | Staff (School Staff) | 1 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 2026 |
|
| Patrick Daws | Co-opted (Governing Board) | 01 Sep 2022 -31 Aug 2026 |
|
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.
Governors who have resigned in the last 12 months
- Rachel Hyndman, Foundation (Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral), 1 Sep 2019 – 31 Aug 2023