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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.

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
  • HT Performance Management
  • Finance and Premises
Robert Raine
(Vice Chair Governors)
Foundation
(Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral)
1 Sep 2020 – 31 Aug 2024
  • Finance and Premises (Chair)
Canon Will Gibbs Foundation
(Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral)
1 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 2026
  • School Effectiveness
Gareth Nichols Foundation
(Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral)
  • RPP
  • School Effectiveness
Nikki Loan
(Treasurer)
Foundation
(St Albans Diocesan Board of Education)
1 Sep 2021 – 31 Aug 2024
  • Finance and Premises
Simon Oaten Parent
(Parent Body)
1 Oct 2019 – 30 Sep 2023
  • Finance and Premises
Marion Silvey Parent
(Parent Body)
30 May 2021 – 29 May 2025
  • Admissions
Katie Wright Local Authority
(Herts Local Education Authority)
1 Sep 2022 – 31 Aug 2026
  • School Effectiveness (Chair)
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
  • School Effectiveness
  • Admissions
Patrick Daws Co-opted
(Governing Board)
01 Sep 2022 -31 Aug 2026
  • School Effectiveness
  • RPP

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.

Associate Governors

  • Gareth Nichols

Governors who have resigned in the last 12 months

  • Rachel Hyndman,  Foundation (Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral),  1 Sep 2019 – 31 Aug 2023