Governor Profiles

Although originally from Scotland, Alison has lived in St Albans for over 20 years and has been a Governor since September 2016 and Chair of Governors since October 2022 having been Vice Chair for several years prior to this.  After completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree at University of Edinburgh and many years working in senior human resources positions within big blue-chip companies, Alison decided to set up her own business which has now been successfully running for over 8 years.  This also allows plenty of time and opportunity to put her passion for education, as well as her skills acquired in the private sector, to good use as a Governor.  Alison and is very much enjoying working with the school and students to support the SRA values of Achievement, Care and Excellence.

I grew up in St Albans and, after getting married, returned to live here 11 years ago.  My husband and I have two daughters, both of whom attend Samuel Ryder Academy. After graduating from university, I embarked upon a career in procurement that now spans over 17 years working for a number of organisations including British Airways, Barclays and the BBC.  I am currently an executive consultant at a niche procurement consultancy.

Since my daughters joined the school I have been an active parent and was previously co-chair of the PTA.  I was delighted to be elected to the SRA Board of Governors in October 2016 and am keen to support the school in its continued success and contribute to its strategic direction. I am also a member of the Resources Committee and Link Governor for the Maths Faculty.

I am delighted to be a member of the newly formed Samuel Ryder Academy Board of Governors. I have recently retired from teaching at Sir John Lawes School, where I was Assistant Head. Over the thirty six years, I witnessed at first hand how a school could turn itself around from being an under subscribed school to one that was recognised by OFSTED as Outstanding. The challenge ahead for the Headteacher, Staff, Students, Governors and Parents is a huge one, but one that, with hard work, will be both successful and rewarding. I know all concerned are looking forward to the challenge.

On a personal note, my wife is also recently retired from teaching and both my children are teachers so you could say teaching is in our blood.  I look forward to the challenges ahead.

I live in St Albans and have two daughters who are currently at university.  Now working as a school business manager in Abbots Langley, I previously worked as a tax adviser for a professional services firm in London and Cambridge for 25 years.  I have previously been a governor in a primary school in St Albans for several years.  I hope that my financial and analysis skills developed in the private sector coupled with my experience as a governor and a staff member in the education sector mean I can make a contribution to supporting the school's continued success.

Martin considers it an honour and a privilege to be selected as a Community Governor of Samuel Ryder School.

Martin is currently a practising Barrister with vast experience in the fields of Private Children, financial remedies, and property disputes to name but a few.

At every turn of Martin’s career, he is reminded of the importance of putting children first.

Martin believes that it is fundamental to keep in mind that the potential of a child is infinite and early experiences in their lives can have a dramatic impact on the direction of their future. At the heart of a child’s experience is their relationship with the school they attended.

Martin is excited to be given the opportunity, in conjunction with other Governors, to make a positive contribution to the continuing upward trajectory of Samuel Ryder School.

I have lived in St Albans for ten years with my husband and two sons. Our eldest son is in the primary phase of Samuel Ryder Academy, and our youngest son will hopefully join SRA in September.

I studied Drama at the University of East Anglia before embarking on a varied career with the Walt Disney Company and in large-scale commercial exhibitions such as BBC Gardeners World Live. My passion for theatre and organizational skills evolved into a 14-year career at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, supporting three different Artistic Directors and specialising in international touring, hosting visiting artists, and curating events in both the open-air Globe Theatre and indoor candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.

I have been an active parent since we joined the SRA community, and I am excited to engage further as a Parent Governor. I am passionate about education and, while working within the Education department at Shakespeare’s Globe, I saw the power of language, stories, and active learning to provide vital skills from an early age.

I am excited to join the Board of Governors at Samuel Ryder Academy as a Parent governor and look forward to working more closely with the school. Both of my boys go to SRA and are very happy there.

I am an employment lawyer by profession, and although I no longer practice law, I continue to work in a legal capacity. After my youngest son started school, I thought it was time for a change, and I have now completed a MSc in Organisational Psychology with a view to changing careers. I have also recently signed up as a mentor for a young person through a youth mentoring charity.

I am passionate about learning, and believe it is a life-long process that starts at school and should be nurtured. I am equally passionate about ensuring our children get the greatest opportunities at school to be the best they can be: not just academically, but also in terms of their mental and emotional wellbeing.

I graduated from Leeds University in 2000 with a first class B.Sc. in Medical Biochemistry and began my career working in a small biotechnology company in Cambridge. After having worked for several years in research labs I moved into the pharmaceutical industry working at Pfizer for over 12 years in medical sales and account management.

My husband and I moved to St Albans 15 years ago and have since gone on to have two sons. Following the birth of our youngest son I took a break from my science and healthcare career to focus on our family life. The boys are now both in the primary phase of the academy one in year five and one in year three. I have always been an active parent and enjoyed being involved in the school. I have recently completed 2 successful years as chair of the PTA and am looking forward to using this experience and my passion for this academy to represent parents on the governing body.

A good education is the best gift we can give our children. It opens up a world of opportunity for everyone, regardless of background.

I grew up around doctors and teachers, with everyone in my family either working in medicine or education. I have worked as a surgeon in the NHS for 18 years having trained in both dentistry and medicine. I am also passionate about music and have played guitar from the age of 4.

My son is in the primary years at Samuel Ryder Academy. It is my privilege to work with the school's leadership to continue raising educational standards and ensure all our children achieve to their full potential.