Governors (ID 1346)

• Louise Harrop
  Chair of Governors
  Louise Harrop

  I am honoured to be Chair of Governors at Benington Church of England Primary School. I joined the school as a Church Foundation Governor in March 2018. Previously, I was a Benington resident and parent. Both my children attended the school, and I’ve also taught French here.

  I have been a secondary school teacher of German and French for over 30 years, and I currently teach at a Christian Faith School in London. I hope to use this experience to support the children, parents, staff and governors in all aspects of school life. I am especially mindful of my role as Chair to work with the school to achieve its vision not only in terms of financial & strategic direction, but also in inspiring each child to achieve their potential within an inclusive, stimulating nurturing and caring Christian community.

  louise.harrop@benington.herts.sch.uk

• Anja Tyler
  Head Teacher
  Anja Tyler

  My name is Anja Tyler. I joined Benington School in 2001 as a Year One/Two teacher. I became a senior teacher and staff governor two years later. In 2013 I became Deputy Head. In 2016 I completed my SENCo qualification. I am now subject lead for RE and Mental Health. I was promoted to head teacher in 2020. I’m excited about the challenges ahead. I have watched Benington School blossom, from having only 60 children on roll, to having over 100. I am passionate about our school and continuing to drive it forward.

  head@benington.herts.sch.uk

• Julia Beaven
  Deputy Head
  Julia Beaven

  My name is Julia Beaven. I trained as a teacher at Kingston Polytechnic in the 1980s and worked in London at several primary schools in Tower Hamlets and Islington before moving to Hertfordshire in 1995. I taught in Hertford for 10 years and moved to Benington Primary school in 2007. I started off working 2 days a week, as my children were both still in primary school themselves, and I have gradually increased both my hours and responsibilities.

  I am now Deputy head and coordinator for both English and science as well as being the deputy designated safeguarding lead. I absolutely love working at our wonderful village school and I am proud to have been part of everything that we have achieved in the past and excited to see the school grow to meet the challenges of the future!

  julia.beaven@benington.herts.sch.uk

• Laura Dolby
  Laura Dolby

  I joined Benington Church of England Primary School as a Governor in 2022. Since my first visit, the commitment of staff, governors, and pupils has impressed and inspired me. It’s a remarkable environment; one where learning and exploration on so many levels is encouraged and celebrated. Every child at the school is valued.

  With a varied background in academia and marketing, I bring to my role an open mind and an interest in learning more about how the school supports children and how we continue to build a strong community together.

  laura.dolby@benington.herts.sch.uk

• Peter Zeelie
  Peter Zeelie

  Peter has worked in schools either as a Business Manager or financial advisor for over 20 years. Other than this he has been a Game Ranger and Farmer.
  He is a proud and devoted husband and father. He believes strongly in giving back to the community.

• Ash Patil
  Ash Patil

  Ash brings over 15 years of extensive experience in school governance, demonstrating a deep commitment to educational leadership and improvement. He has served as Chair of Governors for a number of different types of schools across Hertfordshire, providing strategic direction and promoting strong governance practices.

  Currently, Ash chairs the Board of Members at a large secondary school, where he plays a key role in shaping long-term planning and ensuring accountability. His involvement in various schools centres around school improvement plans and parental engagement. This reflects his dedication to raising educational standards and driving positive change.His prime focus singularly always remains on children's learning, their safety and wellbeing and life chances.

• Hayley Yendell
  Hayley Yendell

  Hayley is currently one of the Executive Headteachers of a federation of three maintained nursery schools in Hertfordshire. She has worked in education in Hertfordshire for over 20 years. Prior to embarking on Headship, she spent four years as a teaching and learning Adviser for Herts for Learning (HfL), a provider of school improvement services. For five years she held the position of Chair of Governors for a large three form entry primary school in Hertfordshire and is currently a trustee of a small multi academy trust. She has vast experience of leadership and governance and improving educational outcomes for children.

• Laura Burt
  Laura Burt

  'I am an experienced Governor having been involved in two other governing bodies for 8 years in Stevenage and act as a Chair of Governors on one of the Governing bodies. By profession I am a Chartered FCIPD in HR and work within the Pharmaceutical industry. I have a child in junior school, and one in secondary school, and for me the role of governor is so crucial to ensuring the correct running of the school, providing strategic leadership and supporting the team, all with the aim of ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to thrive. Both of my children are diagnosed SEN, and so for me the SEND provision in schools is a personal passion, ensuring equity in opportunity and celebrating each unique child for what they bring to our school community

Governors (ID 1346)