Manuden Governing Body

What is a governor?

School governors form the biggest volunteer group in the country.  People from all walks of life become governors for their own personal reasons, but primarily to support their local school.

What is a Governing Body?

Governing bodies are democratic groups.  In principle, they operate along the same lines as local councils and other voluntary organisations.  They contribute to the leadership of a school and are involved in strategic planning and formulation of policies.  Governing bodies also act as 'critical friends' to both support and challenge the school.  At Manuden we all work as a team for the benefit of the school, respecting each other's points of view but always acting as a corporate body and accepting decisions reached by the majority.  Governing bodies have a strategic role in the development of the school.  They do not become involved in day-to-day management issues as these are the responsibility of the head teacher.  Ultimately, the governing body, along with the head teacher and all the staff want the very best education for your child/ren.

Our full Governing Body meets at least once a term, and more frequently if required.  Minutes of all these meetings are available for your inspection, so please ask the office if you would like to read them.  We do, however, ask that they be kept on the school site.

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Our Governing Body

Sarah Turner - Chair of Governors 

I am delighted to have been elected Chair of Governors, and I'm looking forward to working with staff, governors, pupils and parents to ensure that Manuden continues to thrive.  I have worked in education for many years and most recently I was the CEO of a multi-academy trust in Enfield. I live in Stansted and have four grandchildren who keep me busy!  

 

 

 

 

Katie Cooper - Vice Chair and Co-Opted Governor 

My family and I have recently moved to the area.  We were delighted to have our daughter accepted into Manuden Primary.  It seemed to be a natural step for me to join the school's Governing Body.  I have worked in education for the last 20 years, mainly within the primary independent sector.  Within this time, I progressed to sit on the schools' senior leadership team in the capacity of Head of Teaching and Learning, an educational consultant on school improvement projects and supply work.  I have a true passion for the wellbeing and education of all children and look forward to bringing this commitment and enthusiasm to my role as parent governor.

 

Mr Andrew Price - Headteacher

I am incredibly proud to serve as the Headteacher of Manuden Primary School, returning to the very school where my educational career began nearly 20 years ago. It’s a privilege to lead a community where children are not only hard-working but also supported by a dedicated and talented team of staff.

With over two decades of experience in education, I started my journey as a Teaching Assistant at Manuden Primary School before earning a degree in Early Years Education. My teaching career has been focused on Early Years and Key Stage One, and I have worked in several schools in Bishops Stortford. Most recently, I held the role of Deputy Headteacher at a larger school in Ware.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my family. Whether we’re taking long walks, enjoying a trip to the cinema, or visiting a theme park, we always make the most of our time together.

 

Lizzie Grant - Staff Governor 

I have worked at Manuden Primary School since March 2013 and have been the Staff Governor since September 2020. I have a diverse work history which includes finance/banking, HR and legal - all of which are beneficial to my roles at the school.  I have lived in Manuden for more than 25 years and enjoy being part of the village community.  In my spare time, I like reading, cooking and shopping.

 

 

 

 

 

David Pimm - Parent Governor

Since settling in Manuden Village in 2014 with my wife, I have enjoyed being part of this wonderful community.  Our eldest daughter, in year 2 at Manuden Primary, has flourished under the care of the school, and we look forward to our second child joining in 2026.

As the son of two teachers, I have a deep appreciation of the vital role education plays in shaping lives. I am eager to contribute to the continued success of Manuden Primary by applying my professional expertise. With a career spanning three decades in the telecoms industry, I have gained extensive experience in strategic partner management, sales, marketing, and the commercial, legal, and contractual aspects of business. I believe these skills will provide valuable insights and support in ensuring the school remains a nurturing and high-performing environment for its pupils.

 

 

Rhys Jones - Co-Opted Governor

My career in education began in 2006 as a Geography Teacher. Since then, I have gained extensive experience working in a range of schools across Middlesex and Hertfordshire.

Over the course of eight years, I served as a Senior Leader in two highly successful yet distinctly different schools. As Assistant Headteacher at St. Ignatius College, I led on teaching and learning as well as whole-school CPD. Subsequently, at Hockerill Anglo-European College, I held the roles of Assistant Principal and Vice Principal, overseeing Quality of Education, Curriculum Development, and Data & Reporting.

In January 2022, I joined the Avanti Schools Trust as the founding Principal of Avanti Grange in Bishop’s Stortford. It has been an immense privilege to lead this thriving school community. Avanti Grange became oversubscribed within its second year, and we recently moved to our brand-new, state-of-the-art £40 million campus, marking an exciting new chapter for the school and its students.

I am delighted to join Maunden Primary School as a governor, bringing my experience in education to support the school’s leadership and development. I am passionate about ensuring that every pupil has access to the highest quality education and opportunities to thrive. As a governor, I look forward to working collaboratively with staff, parents, and the wider community to contribute to the school’s continued success and positive impact on children’s lives.

Darren  Addicott- Co-Opted Governor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hannah Gifford - Local Authority Governor 

I fell in love with Manuden Primary on my first visit. I was drawn to the school’s close-knit, family-like atmosphere. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in sports education and coaching, as well as an NPQLBC. I have worked in both primary and secondary education and am currently the Year 2 Teacher, Phase Leader, School Council Lead, and PE Lead in my own school. I also mentor new student teachers. I am passionate about supporting the development of both students and staff, and outside of school, I enjoy reading, playing the piano, and practising Pilates.