Anja Tyler, Head Teacher
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.
Dan McLean
I live in Benington and I am also one of the Parish Councillors.
I joined the school Governors in September 2020 and it’s a great privilege and responsibility to be a part of this excellent school.
My wife and I were welcomed to this community and I am very pleased to offer something back.
I have spent many years working with national charities, currently medical research, and I am an enthusiastic but totally average gardener and lover of nature.
Dennis Preston
I was recently appointed to the Governing Board and am a member of the Resources Committee. Since September 2017 I have also worked as a volunteer teaching assistant at Benington and have got to know the school, staff and pupils really well.
My business background is in financial services and I still run my own consultancy providing services to large organisations and 1-1 coaching for senior executives. I also volunteer at Oxfam bookshop in Hertford where I look after the donations and sales of vinyl records and at Hertford museum where I am also a patron. I support another very special school in the tea gardens of Darjeeling, India and am currently helping to build a strong friendship link between the two schools. Born in Leeds, I have lived in Hertford for over 35 years. I have one son who is a professional journalist and lives in London. We both enjoy football and watch games together whenever we can.
Jonny Spowart
I joined the board of governors at Benington Primary School at the beginning of the academic year 2020/21 and it is a privilege to be able to play a part in the direction of this very special school.
My background is in education. I have been a teacher for 19 years and am currently Deputy Head Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead at Heath Mount School, a co-educational prep school for children from the ages of 3-13. My wife is a TA at the school and together we run the girls boarding house. My eldest daughter is a pupil at Presdales School and my younger two are both at Heath Mount. Prior to Heath Mount I was Head of Boarding, Head of Year, and Head of Rugby at Dulwich Prep London for 10 years.
Laura Caulfield
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.
Louise Beckham
I am honoured to have joined the school as a Foundation Governor in March 2018. Previously, I was a Benington parent, as both my children attended the school, and I’ve also taught French here. I’m a regular member of the congregation at St. Peter’s church, Benington.
I have been a secondary school teacher of German and French for 30 years, and I’m currently Head of German at a Christian Faith School in London. I hope to use this experience to support the children, staff and Governors at the school in all aspects of school life, but especially to support and encourage the school with its Christian ethos.
Zuzana Zvolenská
I was appointed to the Governing Board In May 2021 and it is an absolute privilege to be part of this lovely school.
Originally from a beautiful country in Central Europe, Slovakia, I moved to UK 17 years ago and now live in Stevenage with my partner Mark. We have been Benington Parents since 2017, when our eldest daughter started Reception here. She is now Y4 and her two younger sisters joined Benington School family too (currently Y1 and Y2).
My professional background is in sales management, marketing and recruitment and I totally fell in love with ballroom dancing when I was a child (our girls and I are huge Strictly fans). Other than that, all 5 of us share a massive love for travel, Theme Parks and are a big Chelsea FC fans.
