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 & Foundation Governor
  Jill Hohler

  I have worked in education for my whole career, first running a small nursery school in New York and then spending the next 35 years in an independent prep school in London. I began as class teacher for Years 4 to 6 and then became Head Teacher and finally Vice Principal of the group of four prep schools and two nursery schools.
  Since my retirement in 2013 I have continued to work with the school's charity, Thomas's Foundation, as a member of the Bursaries Committee and running a programme called Pathway which provides enrichment lessons and activities for children from Thomas's neighbouring primary schools.
  My husband and I moved to Benington in 2013. I am delighted to be involved in the community and feel that it is a privilege to be part of the team working to ensure this warm, nurturing school continues to thrive.

• 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 - 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

• Andy Burton
  Parent Governor - SEND Governor
  Andy Burton

  Andy has worked in regulated healthcare services for over 25 years, spanning both public and private sectors. Throughout his career he has focussed on delivering accessible, high-quality care to patients and service users, with an emphasis on safeguarding and governance. He became a parent governor at Benington primary school in late 2025. Andy has twin daughters at the school and chose to become a governor to give something back to the school community and help support the effective governance and performance of the school.

• Rachel Sullivan
  Parent Governor
  Rachel Sullivan

• Lucinda Campbell-Gray
  Co-opted Governor
  Lucinda Campbell-Gray

• Jasmine Gerrell
  Parent Governor
  Jasmine Gerrell

  I have worked in numerous HR roles, in both the energy and defence industry. I have two children at Benington school and became a governor in 2025 to help enable effective performance and governance of the school. I am keen to ensure our children have an enriching education experience during their primary school years.

Governors (ID 1346)