Governors

The Full Governing Board (FGB) meets at least once each term and holds overall responsibility for the strategic leadership and effective management of the school. While governors set the vision, policies, and strategic direction, executive authority of running of the school is delegated to the Headteacher.

To ensure strong and focused oversight with a full ownership and accountability, the FGB operates a devolved committee structure through delegated decision making authority, for the key areas of school performance, compliance, and improvement. The decisions arrived at the committee level are then presented to the Full FGB for its endorsement and approval.

The current committees are:

• Standards Committee - Takes accountability and full ownership of the quality of education across the school, including the curriculum, teaching and learning, pupil progress and outcomes, safeguarding, attendance, and behaviour and attitudes.

• Resources Committee - Responsible for prudent finance, staffing, premises, and health & safety. The committee wisely and effectively utilises the available resources for not only the running of the school, managing the staff but also for supporting and funding the capital costs for ongoing maintenance and any new building construction projects. Its ultimate aim is to ensures the school’s resources are used effectively, efficiently, and in the best interests of pupils.

These committees report regularly to the FGB, ensuring informed decision-making and strong governance across all areas of school life.

Governors (ID 1346)

Ash Patil

Chair of Governors

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.
Jill Hohler

Vice-Chair of Governors

Jill Hohler
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
Hayley Yendell

Chair of the Standards Committee

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.
Julia Beaven

Deputy Head - Staff Governor

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 Burt

Co-opted Governor

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
Andy Burton

Parent Governor

Andy Burton
Rachael Sullivan

Parent Governor

Rachael Sullivan
Lucinda Campbell-Grey

Co-opted Governor

Lucinda Campbell-Grey
Jasmine Gerrell

Parent Governor

Jasmine Gerrell

Governors (ID 1346)

Governor Statutory Information 2024/25

Governors that have stepped down within the last year;
Peter Zeelie	Co-opted	Resigned 09/07/2025
Laura Dolby	Co-opted	Resigned 04/07/2025
Louise Harrop	Foundation	Resigned 04/07/2025
Laura Caulfield	Parent	Resigned March 2025
Matthew Clarke	Co-opted	Resigned 13/05/2025