Governors’ Details and Register of Interests October 2023

Governors that have left since August 2017

Helen Sizer - left staff 31/08/18 - subsequently reappointed as a Foundation governor (October 2018)

Gary O'Leary - stepped down 08/04/19

Andrew Biggs - term ended 31/08/19

Louise Archer - term ended 31/08/19

Stephanie Spenceley - term ended 31/08/19

Helen Sizer - stepped down 31-08-20

Gill Carr - term ended 31-08-20

Duncan Newton - stepped down because all his children have left the school 31/08/20

Ali Hoodless - term ended July 2023

Sarah Lynn - term ended July 2023

Governor Profiles

Chair of Governors: John Grubb

I have been a school governor since February 2014 and became the Chair in October 2014. My link with the school is through my two granddaughters, one who left in 2016 and one who left on 2023. I spend time every week helping in classrooms as well as helping out with a variety of projects across the school. I taught in Hertfordshire for 33 years and was headteacher of two primary schools. I retired from headship in 2012 and I am now an educational consultant, mainly working on behalf of primary schools in Hertfordshire.

Liam Bailey

I and Dawn have 3 children Tate, Esme and Susie. Tate began his education at the school in 2019 and I took that as an opportunity to apply to become a Governor. I am grateful to have been elected and I plan to use my life and work skills to assist the school to provide the students with the best possible educational setting.

Becky Bradley

I moved to Hertingfordbury in my late teens and whilst I now live in Hertford with my husband Tom, our son Theo and dog Cooper I still have close connections to the village through my parents living there and through St Mary’s where I have been a parishioner since my late teens. I am looking forward to playing my part in the continued success of this wonderful school. 

Ritchie Copues

I am married to Lizzy and have a daughter in year two with our youngest due to start in reception next year. With both girls starting their education at Hertingfordbury Cowper I welcomed the opportunity to have a role as a Governor. My experience has been gained in civil engineering, specifically in a commercial role on major projects in the UK. I worship at St Mary’s and am a member of the Parochial Church Council and I am looking forward to being more involved with the school as well.

Emma Davies - Vice Chair

I joined the Governing Body at Hertingfordbury Cowper in 2010.  I have two daughters, both now at Simon Balle, who previously attended the school. I sit on the Education Committee and am a link Governor for Early Years, but have many strings to my bow! And like nothing more than spending a few hours with the children.  My strengths are being able to organise and converse with people and my endless energy. I have always worked with and around children and I am extremely proud to be a Governor of such a wonderful, friendly and family run school.

Rob Lester

I have been a resident of Letty Green for over 30 years with my wife Lyn and our two children. I retired over 10 years ago after 40 years of working in central London in commercial architecture.  During my time in Letty Green I have served as a Parish Councillor and for a number of years as chairman. My daughter, having moved from the Midlands 5 years ago, now lives in the village with her son who attends Hertingfordbury Cowper. As a Governor, I look forward to participating in the continued success of such a splendid school.

Craig Pettengell

I am passionate about the opportunity that education offers and recognise that each child only gets one chance. My mother & siblings were/are all teachers, and whilst my father and I joked to them that "we were the only ones who left school", I am humbled by the difference they have made to so many children. My work has involved me having various people and business managerial roles in the UK and beyond since 1995. I want to ensure children get the best education they can at Hertingfordbury Cowper Primary School. I was appointed a Foundation Governor in 2016, shortly after my daughter and son joined Hertingfordbury Cowper Primary School in Nursery and Reception.

Paul Rowbotham

My wife Sharon and I were very lucky to of purchased a house in Birch Green in 2003 and  have 3 children ,Ella ,Lily and Charles who have all attended Hertingfordbury Cowper . I have been very blessed to of made friends in the parish with some local folk who also attended the school many moons ago! I have run my own business since 1995 in Hertford and enjoy cycling daily to work on The Cole Green Way . My son Charles, who loves golf and is a Young Ambassador for The England Golf Trust, is severely dyslexic and has Anaphylaxis , I have had experience in liaising with the necessary departments which deal with such issues in trying to support Charles moving forward in education and I will use my experience to support the school the best I can . I also enjoy playing golf too as well as gardening and the local wildlife.

Rev Alan Stewart

I am married to Rachel and we have two children Rosie and Elijah. In a previous life I have worked in retail and fashion design, but became a priest in 2003. I am responsible for St Mary’s church in Hertingfordbury and for St Andrew’s in Hertford. I’m fairly addicted to buying books and music from Amazon and enjoy painting, running and roller-skating!. Every week I lead two assemblies in school.