Louise Beckham, Chair of Governors
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
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
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
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
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.
Ruth Cartmell
I joined the Governing board in April 2022 and have now taken on the role of Deputy Chair. Having recently retired, I wanted to continue to contribute to the community in Benington, and offered to be a school Governor. By profession I am a general and mental health nurse, having worked with individuals and families in the community.
My knowledge base is in physical and psychological issues, and I am particularly interested in promoting pastoral care of children, in the teaching and development of social and relationship skills and helping children to adopt a healthy life style.
