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 Sept 2021 – 31 Aug 2025 |
|
| Robert Raine (Vice Chair Governors) |
Foundation (Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral) |
1 Sept 2020 – 31 Aug 2024 |
|
| Canon Will Gibbs | Foundation (Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral) |
1 Sept 2022 – 31 Aug 2026 |
|
| Rachel Hyndman | Foundation (Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral) |
1 Sept 2019 – 31 Aug 2023 |
|
| Gareth Nichols | Foundation (Cathedral Chapter, St Albans Cathedral) |
|
|
| Nikki Loan (Treasurer) |
Foundation (St Albans Diocesan Board of Education) |
1 Sept 2021 – 31 Aug 2024 |
|
| Vacancy | Foundation (St Albans Diocesan Board of Education) |
||
| Simon Oaten | Parent (Parent Body) |
1 Oct 2019 – 30 Sept 2023 |
|
| Marion Silvey | Parent (Parent Body) |
30 May 2021 – 29 May 2025 |
|
| Katie Wright | Local Authority (Herts Local Education Authority) |
1 Sept 2018 – 31 Aug 2022 |
|
| 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 Sept 2022 – 31 Aug 2026 |
|
| Patrick Daws | Co-opted (Governing Board) |
01 Sept 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.
Associate Governors
- Gareth Nichols
Governors who have resigned in the last 12 months
- Gayle Ball until 31/08/22
- Caroline Train until 31/08/22
- Carol Borras until 31/08/22