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 (Appointed by) | Term of Office | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon Will Gibbs | Ex-officio foundation governor | 1 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 2026 | Co-Chair of Governors Admissions School Effectiveness Recruitment, Pay and Personnel Headteacher’s Performance Management |
| Simon Oaten | Parent appointed by GB | 1 Sep 2024 – 30 Sep 2027 | Co-Chair of Governors Finance and Premises Headteacher’s Performance Management |
| Christopher Toon | Foundation (Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral) | 24 Nov 2023 – 23 Nov 2027 | Finance and Premises Recruitment, Pay and Personnel |
| Fiona Fraser | Staff (School Staff) | 1 Jan 2023 – 31 Dec 2026 | School Effectiveness |
| Gareth Nichols | Foundation (Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral) | 22 Mar 2022 – 22 May 2028 | School Effectiveness |
| Katie Wright | Local Authority (Herts Local Education Authority) | 1 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 2026 | Safeguarding Governor School Effectiveness |
| Nikki Loan | Foundation (St Albans Diocesan Board of Education) | 1 Sep 2020 – 31 Aug 2028 | Finance and Premises Admissions |
| Patrick Daws | Foundation (St Albans Diocesan Board of Education) | 01 Sep 2022 -31 Aug 2026 | Recruitment, Pay and Personnel Headteacher’s Performance Management |
| Wai-Keat Ngai | Foundation (St Albans Diocesan Board of Education) | 1 May 2024 – 30 Apr 2028 | Admissions Health and Safety |
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.
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