Governing Body

The local Governing Body of St Albans Girls' School complements and enhances the Leadership Team at St Albans Girls' School by providing support and challenge, ensuring that all statutory duties are met, and holding them to account to ensure improving outcomes for all students.

The Governors bring a wealth of experience from a cross section of the community. They meet throughout the term at Committee level and at Full Local Governing Body meetings. The Trust Members meet annually.

St Albans Girls' School is a member of Ambition Education Trust and the Governing Body consists of:

The Headteacher
Up to 8 Governors appointed by the Trust Board
Up to 3 elected Staff Governors (elected by staff)
Up to 5 elected Parent Governors (elected by parents)
Up to 3 Co-opted Governors

Our Chair of Governors is Claire Barnard.

The Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding is Vicky Pearlman.

The Full Governing Body meets at least five times a year with subcommittees termly as follows:

Curriculum, Assessment & Standards (CASCOM)
Personnel & Wellbeing (PSW)
Operations and Risk Working Group

Paul Kershaw

Headteacher
After teaching in Japan and the Middle East, I joined St Albans Girls’ School in 2011. Over the years, I have held several key positions at the school, including Deputy Headteacher, Head of Key Stage 4 and Curriculum Leader for English. In 2023, I became Head of School, continuing to lead School Improvement initiatives for the ATLAS Multi-Academy Trust until the formation of Ambition Education Trust in September 2024.

I am extremely proud to serve as the Headteacher at STAGS. In addition to my leadership roles, I was a staff governor at STAGS from 2015 to 2019. My dedication to the school community and passion for encouraging a vibrant learning ethos are reflected in my ongoing commitment to ensuring that all learners are inspired to thrive.

Our governing body is a dynamic and dedicated team, united by a shared goal of driving STAGS to succeed at every level. With a blend of skills and enthusiasm, we work collaboratively to support the school’s continued growth and success.

Claire Barnard

Chair of Governors: Operations & Risk Working Group
Appointed: 22 May 2001
Term of Office: 1 July 2022 - 30 June 2026
Service: Parent Governor, Community Governor, Vice Chair of Governors and Chair of Governors
Subject Link: Media & Film, Performing Arts - Music, Drama & Dance

I graduated from Homerton College, Cambridge in 1983, and I am a qualified teacher. I taught in both the private and state sector, full and part time. Both of my daughters went to STAGS. More recently, I have focussed on governance and school management, having previously served on appeals panels for county school admissions and as a Governor at STAGS. I led the governing body through an OFSTED inspection, managed the successful appointment of the current Head Teacher and I bring a wealth of relevant experience as well as a vision for excellence. I am also involved in a local church teaching in Sunday School and leading adult group discussions, have established a local art group, am a member of a book club and enjoy playing instruments in a band, gardening and keeping fit!

Contact: barnardc@stags.governor.aetrust.uk

Chris Curtis

Trust Appointed Governor: Chair of Curriculum, Assessment & Standards, Operations & Risk Working Group
Appointed: 25 September 2018
Term of Office: 11 November 2022 - 10 November 2026
Subject Link: History & Politics incl AAHT Teaching & Learning, SENCO

My daughter attended STAGS between 2016 and 2023, and I joined the Governing body in 2018. My daughter loved her time at STAGS and is now at university in the USA.

I have spent over 30 years working in the rail industry in a variety of posts in projects and operations, and bring experience of operational, financial and risk management to the Governing body. I also have an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and have a passion for developing and mentoring young people who are pursuing careers in these fields.

I have an autistic daughter, and therefore have a lived experience in the provision for those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the unique challenges it can bring for young people and parents alike.

Alun Davies

Trust Appointed Governor: Personnel & Student Wellbeing, Operations & Risk Working Group
Appointed: 25 September 2019
Term of Office: 25 September 2023 - 24 September 2027
Subject Link: Maths incl AAHT Data & Assessment, PE

I was born in Brazil and attended private school there until the age of ten before returning to the UK where I went through the state school and university system in the UK. I studied sports science and maths at Loughborough University graduating in 1995. I then passed professional accounting qualifications and worked for large financial services firms in London, Zurich and New York.

I have previously been a governor in Islington and have an interest in supporting children from challenged backgrounds. I moved to St Albans with my wife in 2011, and we now have four young children.

I currently work for a management consultancy where we specialise in data analytics projects in both the public and private sectors.

Keelin Keogh

Staff Governor: Personnel & Student Wellbeing
Appointed: 23 September 2019
Term of Office: 23 September 2023 - 22 September 2027

I am an experienced teacher with a passion for improvement. I see creating opportunities for cross curricular as a lens through which to reinforce and embolden our world class teaching and learning at STAGS. My English, Film and Media subject area allows me to monitor and focus on social and emotional skills in learning. As a link governor for Primary I would like to track Literacy and achievement for an eleven year learning journey whilst continuing to promote work / life balance.

Amy Fotheringham

Staff Governor: Curriculum, Assessment & Standards
Appointed: 23 September 2019
Term of Office: 23 September 2023 - 22 September 2027

Over the last five years at STAGS, I have been able to implement and instil my love of learning and learning styles through my overseeing of Science and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme as well as enrichment opportunities like the expeditions to Norway and South America. Through Staff Governance, I will now also be able to review and promote practice and procedures across the school - keeping wellbeing at the centre of all that we do at STAGS.

Arif Devji

Parent Governor: Curriculum, Assessment & Standards
Appointed: 18 November 2021
Term of Office: 18 November 2021 - 17 November 2025
Subject Link: Psychology and Post 16 T&L Lead, REP

I was born in Uganda and attended the Aga Khan School in Kampala. Coming to the UK in 1972, I have worked mainly in the pharmaceutical sector, leading teams based in the USA, UK, and Europe and recently I have started working as a Programme Manager in Local Government for two Councils in Hertfordshire with additional responsibility for Equality and Inclusion.

Graduating in Leadership and Professional Development from Hertfordshire University, and with my daughter in Year 10, I am delighted to join the governing body and hope to make important contributions to this high achieving and diverse school.

Vicky Pearlman

Trust Appointed Governor: Personnel & Student Wellbeing
Appointed: 7 October 2021
Term of Office: 7 October 2021 - 6 October 2025
Subject Link: Careers, Safeguarding (DSL), Pastoral Lead, Prevent, CLA/PCLA, Mental Health Lead
(Designated Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding)

I joined STAGS’ Governing Body in October 2021, having previously served as a Governor at Bernards Heath Infants for eight years, five of them as Chair. At STAGS, I have a particular interest in support for disadvantaged children and pupil premium. I have a daughter in Year 7.

I trained as a social worker and graduated with a BA (Hons) in Applied Social Science (DipSW) and an MA in Social Policy.

In my working life, I am a policy development specialist and social justice campaigner. I currently lead programmes to improve stability, standards and affordability in London’s private rented sector for the Mayor of London, at the Greater London Authority. Over the past twenty years, I have lead projects at Shelter, Citizens Advice, Catch 22 and Carers UK, to develop policy across a wide range of arears including housing and homelessness, disability, older people, looked after children and carers, and influence Government and other policy makers to make change happen.

I am also an Associate Governor at Bernards Heath Infant and Nursery School.

Gordon Spitz

Parent Governor: Curriculum, Assessment & Standards
Appointed: 12 October 2022
Term of Office: 12 October 2022 - 11 October 2026
Subject Link: English & Literacy, Geography

In addition to being the parent of a STAGS pupil, I am Head of English at Immanuel College and have worked in education for 30 years. I am a confident communicator and skilled listener who wants to support the STAGS community to help secure the best possible outcomes for all students. My skill set includes academic standards, curricular and extracurricular provision, inclusion and diversity, and conflict resolution. I enjoy music, cooking, the outdoors and (unsurprisingly) I own too many books.

Sandy Sahota

Co-opted Governor: Personnel & Student Wellbeing
Appointed: 25 November 2022
Term of Office: 25 November 2022 - 24 November 2026
Subject Link: KS5 Student Personal & Academic Development, Equality Diversity and Inclusion, Sociology

I see school as a place for cultivating young minds, enabling both educational and personal growth. As Co-Chair of Embrace, a network focusing on diversity, I want to continue the work being done at the school to create an inclusive environment for those from all backgrounds and abilities, encouraging empathy, inclusivity, and highlighting the value of listening to those marginalised. I am keen to support the school, both students and dedicated staff, in maintaining its high reputation for success.

Patrick Gill

Co-opted Governor: Operations & Risk Working Group
Appointed: 25 November 2022
Term of Office: 25 November 2022 - 24 November 2026
Subject Link: Personal Development - Pupil Premium, Anti-Bullying, PSHE, Online Safety, Sustainability Lead

I have lived in St Albans for 30 years and am a Chartered Engineer, Chatered Surveyor, Chartered Surveyor and Member of the Energy Institute. I have extensive experience in the field of Property Management and Development having developed and managed 3.5 million square feet over 35 years. I am the Construction Director for a large property company, and joint owner of 6 hotels in the West Country. I would very much like to bring my experience to the benefit of the school.

Lucy Phipps

Trust Appointed Governor: Personnel & Student Wellbeing
Appointed: 25 November 2022
Term of Office: 25 November 2022 - 24 November 2026
Subject Link: Business & Economics, Languages (MFL): French/Spanish; EAL

Having completed my secondary education at STAGS, I’m really excited to be re-joining the school community and seeing all the changes that have taken place since I left all those years ago!

I finished Year 13 in 2008 and went straight to university studying Spanish and Italian at Manchester Metropolitan University for 4 years, which included a year abroad split between Spain and Italy. After graduation, I then went to study for my Masters in International Business at the University of Liverpool.

After completing my studies I was successful in obtaining a place on the Network Rail Graduate Scheme which is where I have been ever since. I’ve been lucky enough to work in a range of roles during my time at Network Rail so far including frontline operations, the Crossrail project, a national electrification software development and rollout programme, and more recently within Track and Signalling engineering.

I love the breadth of experience going to work for a major STEM organisation has offered me, and although not having followed a traditional path in line with what I studied at both A-Level and undergraduate level, I strongly believe my time at STAGS had a major impact on the direction I’ve taken and wanting to break the mould in working as a Senior Leader within a male-dominated engineering company!

I’m really looking forward to bringing the skills and experience I’ve gained in my adult life back to the school and helping to shape its future direction and growth.

Clair Younghusband Francis

Staff Governor: Operations & Risk Working Group
Appointed: 5 July 2022
Term of Office: 5 July 2022 - 4 July 2026

I have worked at STAGS as an ADT Technician since 2019.

After completing a Fine Art degree I have continued to work as a professional artist, producing work for private and corporate commissions.

As a staff governor I am committed to making an effective contribution to the governing body, and looking forward to representing our support staff.

Types of Governor

Co-opted Local Governors are appointed by the Governing Body. They are recruited from within the community served by the school for the skills and knowledge that they can bring.

Parent Local Governors are elected by all parents at the school. They are representative of the parent body but the views they express at meetings are their own – they need not canvass parental opinion on every issue, or report back to parents on decisions taken: that is the responsibility of the whole of the Governing Body.

Staff Local Governors are elected by all other staff. Anyone who is paid to work at the school is eligible for election. Like Parent Governors they are representative of staff but the views they express at meetings are their own – they need not canvas staff opinion on every issue.