Governors

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.

NameCategory
(Appointed by)
Term of OfficeResponsibilities
Canon Will GibbsEx-officio foundation governor1 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 2026Co-Chair of Governors
Simon OatenParent appointed by GB1 Sep 2024 – 30 Sep 2027Co-Chair of Governors
Christopher ToonFoundation
(Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral)
24 Nov 2023 – 23 Nov 2027 
Fiona FraserStaff
(School Staff)
1 Jan 2023 – 31 Dec 2026 
Gareth NicholsFoundation
(Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral)
22 Mar 2022 – 22 May 2028 
Katie WrightLocal Authority
(Herts Local Education Authority)
1 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 2026Safeguarding Link Governor
Nikki LoanFoundation
(St Albans Diocesan Board of Education)
1 Sep 2020 – 31 Aug 2028 
Patrick DawsFoundation
(St Albans Diocesan Board of Education)
01 Sep 2022 -31 Aug 2026 
Wai-Keat NgaiFoundation
(St Albans Diocesan Board of Education)
1 May 2024 – 30 Apr 2028 

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

  • 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