Governors

School Governors are essential for the effective management and development of our school. They work within the framework set by both national legislation and the policies of the local education authority. Governors have a range of statutory responsibilities including:

Helping to establish the school’s strategy, appointing the head teacher, overseeing the financial performance and supporting and challenging the school leaders.

Above all else, they ensure that the school provides a safe environment for all pupils and staff.

The Governors meet at least twice a term and have general responsibility for the effective management of the school but in practice, they delegate the day to day running of the school to the head teacher. The Governing Board operates under a structure of committees and working groups to provide focus on the main issues. Currently these are:

  • Finance and Resources  
  • Standards and Curriculum
  • Safeguarding, Ethos and Well-being

The Governing Body consists of elected parents, a local education authority nominee, foundation governors, parish council representatives, elected teachers and a number of co-opted governors elected for their particular skills and experience. Typically these might include: finance; premises management; staffing; marketing; pupil welfare; and curriculum development. As such, every School Governor has opportunities to make valuable contributions to the success of the school and, at the same time, broaden their own skills and knowledge. Governors get to know the strengths and weaknesses of the school, understanding the challenges it faces, and are directly involved in setting appropriate priorities for improvement. Wherever possible, they engage regularly with staff, pupils and parents and respond quickly to their views and suggestions. Parents can raise any concern with a governor at any time, although it is usually more appropriate to contact the head teacher in the first instance.

Our Governors are:

Louise Harrop, Chair of Governors

louise.harrop@benington.herts.sch.uk

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.

Anja Tyler,  Head Teacher

head@benington.herts.sch.uk

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. 

Julia Beaven

julia.beaven@benington.herts.sch

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!

Laura Caulfield

laura.caulfield@benington.herts.sch.uk

I joined the board of governors in July 2021 as a parent governor just before my 5 year old daughter started in reception. We have had links with the school through the nursery for the past 3 years, it is a very special and unique setting.

We have lived in the village for 10 years and I’m looking forward to contributing to the school which plays a vital role in the wider community. 

My professional background is administration within finance.

Matt Clarke

matt.clarke@benington.herts.sch.uk

My two sons have both excelled at Benington School having received the very best teaching in a caring and nurturing environment.

I have seen Benington School consistently place their students at the very centre of everything they do. During the pandemic the school provided care and support, not just to the students but their families and the wider community. Throughout this challenging time the staff and students demonstrated the school values and ethos – inspiring the students and engaging with their parents/carers. It was seeing the school surpass all expectations in these ways that led me to accept a co-opted position on the board of governors, which I joined in April 2022.

I have worked in the Civil Service for over 20 years and have extensive experience and training in risk management and decision making. I have previously carried out voluntary work for the NHS and St John Ambulance and currently volunteer at Benington School where I read with the Willow Class students.

I bring to the governor role a desire to learn about the running and governance of Benington School and lots of enthusiasm for the school and the staff.

Laura Dolby

laura.dolby@benington.herts.sch.uk

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.

Governor Statutory Information

Governor Statutory Information 2022/23

 

Name 

Governor

appointment 

Term of Office 

Appointed

by 

Committee Membership 

Pecuniary

Interests

Relationships to

staff or other

Governors

Other Interests /

Declarations

Louise Beckham
Chair 
Foundation  07/07/2021 to 08/07/2025
(Term as Chair)
Full GB Finances & Resources
Safeguarding/Wellbeing/Ethos
(Chair)
None  None  Secondary school
teacher in London
Laura Caulfield  Parent  01/07/2021 to 30/06/2025  Full GB  Finances & Resources (Chair)  None   None None
Matthew Clarke  Co-opted   19/4/2022 to 18/4/2026 Full GB  Standards & Curriculum  None  None None
Laura Dalby    Co-opted 18/4/22 to 17/10/26 Full GB   None  None  None 
Anja Tyler    Head Teacher 21/04/2021 to 20/04/2025 Full GB Finances & Resources
Standards & Curriculum
Safeguarding/Wellbeing/Ethos
None Current staff
member
None
Julia Beaven   Staff  10/05/2021 to 09/05/2025 Full GB Standards & Curriculum (Chair)
Safeguarding/Wellbeing/Ethos
None Current staff
member 
None

 

Governors that have stepped down within the last year;

Ruth Cartmell  

19.4.2022 – 18.4.2026
Resigned 31.03.2023

LA Governor Governing Body