This section gives a broad outline of the role of the Governors, how we go about fulfilling our responsibilities and who we are.List of Governors
Welcome to the Governors’ section of the Ridgeway Academy website which we hope you will find interesting and informative.
Janette Atkins
In my role as school governor at Ridgeway I hope my experience, skills and passion from a career of 37 years in the NHS will influence the learning journey and wellbeing of the friendly and vibrant Ridgeway Community.
In my career as a Children’s Nurse I have worked in a variety of settings and roles and developed a wide range of transferable skills, with a particular interest in staff recruitment, retention, leadership and well-being as-well as quality improvement and change management. The opportunity to contribute as a Governor in assisting children to meet their full potential in a well managed and supportive environment is very motivating to me.
I am born and bred in Hertfordshire and have played an active role in my two children’s local primary and secondary schools, on the parent fundraising committee and assisting with reception class reading sessions.
My hobbies include spending valuable time with family and friends, exploring new places, reading/studying, walking our dog, swimming and cycling.
I am the link governor for staff wellbeing, governor development and HR.
Cathy Burns
I work in the charity sector partnering employers with students to prepare them for the world of work and develop their career confidence. Prior to that I worked in education for 12 years, as a Learning Mentor and then as a Head of Year in North London. In that time I used strong links between curriculum teams, families and support services to help students identify and overcome barriers to progress and close the gender and Pupil Premium attainment gap.
As a resident in Welwyn Garden City I am keen to contribute to my local area and support the community of Ridgeway Academy.
The specific area I am linked to as school governor is Pupil Premium, SEND, and children looked after.
Anne Garland
I have been a school governor since 2009 starting this role at a primary school in St Albans before moving to a governor role at Sandringham in St Albans, and became a co-opted governor at Ridgeway Academy (initially Sir Frederic Osborn) in 2015.
I grew up in North Yorkshire where I attended a mixed comprehensive school and then studied Ergonomics at Loughborough University after which I joined London Underground in their HR function. I continued my work at London Underground for 30 years in various HR roles including HR Manager for the Metropolitan and Circle Lines and Business Partner for Central Services.
I have lived in St Albans for over 30 years and have 2 daughters who both attended local schools in St Albans I was very involved in the PTA’s of both my daughters’ schools and on leaving full time employment took on the role of school governor to continue my interest in ensuring all children get the best education and to use the skills I developed during my career. Having enjoyed my governor roles in St Albans, I was delighted to join Ridgeway Academy at such an exciting stage of its development.
I have held several roles as a governor at Ridgeway including the role of Chair for 5 years, finishing my term of office as chair in August 2023. I now hope I can continue using the knowledge and skills I have developed through my time as a governor.
In my spare time I enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling, canoeing and skiing as well as walking my dog.
David Clarke
I have over 27 years’ experience in the civil service and not for profit sector, specialising in transformation of services within the local community. This has given me an understanding of the challenges in delivering genuine change, and the importance of really effective governance.
I am an advocate of the whole school approach, and the importance of balancing academic achievement and progress and supporting every child to achieve the most that they can, without losing sight of their emotional wellbeing and the general health of the school.
My own children have attended a school in need of improvement so I have an understanding of the challenges faced from the parental perspective but also the progress that can be made.
Charlie Smith
I have been a governor since 2019. I have lived close to Ridgeway Academy for the majority of my life and see this as an excellent opportunity to contribute to the local community.
I have a degree in Economics from the University of Leeds and am a Chartered Accountant currently working as an Audit Manager for a large accountancy firm. I believe my professional skillset, including data analysis, financial awareness and a keen interest in education helps me to fulfil my role as governor.
I am passionate about helping individuals fulfil their potential and am keen to be part of the transitional journey with Ridgeway. Having left school in 2012, I feel my relatively recent experience of being a student allows me to offer an alternative perspective in decision making discussions.
I have special responsibility for GDPR, e-safety, ICT and Health and Safety.
Becky Sharp
I have lived in Welwyn Garden all my life. I have 3 children, the eldest of which is at Ridgeway Academy.
I am currently completing a law degree as a ‘mature’ student, so I am still in education myself. In what little spare time I have, I enjoy running with my dog, and boxing classes.
When I visited the school during an open evening I was really struck by the atmosphere. The students were happy and seemed proud to show parents around. I am keen and excited to play a part in the school and see it flourish. I want to see the students grow in all aspects of school life, not just academic.
Anne Lyons
I retired from full-time teaching at Sandringham School where I was Head of Modern Languages in 2017 and became a governor here the following year. I wanted to use my experience of working in education to support The Ridgeway as it joined a wider group of schools working together under the Alban Academies Trust.
I have four children who have attended local schools and so am aware of the parents’ role in supporting their children’s education. I was a teacher governor at Sandringham for four years and am currently a trustee of a charity which houses and cares for vulnerable adults with learning needs. This has given me an awareness of the challenges faced by institutions and the need for good governance.
I look forward to being part of The Ridgeway’s development and success over the next few years.
I have special responsibility for safeguarding and online safety.
Kerri Lewinton
I attended Sir Frederic Osborn School, now known as Ridgeway Academy.
I brought up my husband’s daughters Natashia and Emma, we also have Sam who is starting his A-Levels and Kristina in Year 9.
I am a full-time carer for my 92 year old nan who has dementia and other health problems.
My hobbies are my animals, collecting films and reading.
Paul McNally
Having retired from a lifetime working in education I am delighted to be a governor and to be part of a team dedicated to ensuring the best possible education for all the students at Ridgeway Academy.
I have worked across a range of secondary schools finishing as a headteacher. I also worked on numerous local, national and international committees within the education sphere.
I have previously served on three governing bodies; now in retirement and as a governor I attend Ridgeway Academy events and governor meetings.
I now work part-time within the NHS on a social prescribing project; work for AQA; teach Latin and pursue long neglected hobbies and travel.
I have special responsibility for Pupil Premium, Special educational needs and disability, and children looked after.
Sally Parrett
I was born in Cambridge, moving to Hertfordshire in 1962 where I was educated and worked. I have carried out various roles in banking and financial services. For 12 years I worked in education in Hertfordshire, retiring in 2018, having been employed in various roles across Key Stage 1-5 in mainstream schools specialising in Special Education Needs and Student Wellbeing where I supported students, staff, parent/carers and worked with outside agencies.
As a mature student I attended University of Hertfordshire gaining a degree in Education Studies with a specialism in Disabilities and Learning. I also attended the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education gaining further experience and qualification in Counselling Adolescents. More recently I returned to the University of Hertfordshire and successfully completed the Foundation course in Art Therapy.
While employed in schools I have acted as a Staff Governor and wanting to put all my experience to good use, I became a Governor at Ridgeway Academy. I believe in behaviour for learning and creating a safe, secure environment in school while supporting and developing the wellbeing of students.
I hope Ridgeway Academy will benefit from all this training and experience.
Liz Tillett
CHAIR OF GOVERNORS
I have lived near Wheathampstead for 30 years. After university, I joined the Department of Employment (now Department for Work and Pensions) and worked there until 2014, running Jobcentres and benefit offices and doing a range of interesting domestic and international policy work.
I am a keen (but not very good) skier and golfer. I speak French and Italian and a little Spanish and love foreign travel. I have always been interested in education and preparing young people for the world of work and am enjoying my involvement as a governor. I have special responsibility for literacy.
Dan Townson
Special Responsibility – 6th Form
Having grown up in Staffordshire, I have spent most of my life in the North before moving to St Alban’s over ten years ago to take up my first teaching role. My wife and I have two children and a cat who mean the world to us. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, travelling, playing golf (though this needs some work) and spending time as a family.
In my mind, education plays one of the most vital roles in children’s development, which inspired me to become a teacher. I have worked in both the state and independent sectors, teaching Maths and PE, leading as a Head of Department and currently as a Housemaster. During this time, I have completed an MSc in Learning and Teaching at Oxford University and an apprenticeship in Education Management.
I am committed to ensuring high aspirations for all the children attending Ridgeway Academy, as well as a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for all. I’m prepared to give time, challenge, strategic leadership, skills and knowledge to create highly effective governance.
Nicola Picariello
I am a staff governor at Ridgeway Academy, and have worked at the school since 2017, and as a governor since 2020.
I am currently Head of Sixth Form, having studied for my degree at the University of Nottingham straight from school. Whilst I kept my passion for History, I then worked in financial services and HR for 20 years before being lucky enough to be made redundant so I could retrain as a teacher!
I completed my training at Verulam school with the Alban Teaching Federation and came to Ridgeway Academy as an NQT.
I live in St Albans, have a son in his final year at Leeds Beckett University and two dogs who need lots of walks!
Julie Williams
I have lived in St Albans for over 20 years with my husband, son, daughter and two dogs). I was chair of the PTA at Verulam School in St Albans for 4 years until my son completed his A level and found involvement with the school extremely rewarding. I am delighted to have the opportunity to act as a governor at Ridgeway Academy.
For the past 12 years I have been self employed as a business/executive coach, leadership skills trainer and facilitator. Prior to this I worked for 25 years at Sainsbury’s and BP in a variety of roles including Graduate Recruitment, Procurement, Marketing, Project Management, Leadership Development, Change Management and Communications. In my spare time I volunteer with Rennie Grove Peace hospice and enjoy long walks with the dogs and travelling with friends and family.
From September 2023 I will be Vice Chair of Governors and am looking forward to using my skills and experience to continuing to support the school in achieving its goals.
