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 been running successfully since 2015.  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 have lived in St Albans for nearly 20 years, having grown up locally and returned after marriage. My husband and I have two daughters, both of whom attended Samuel Ryder Academy from Reception.

I have been an active member of the school community since 2013, when our eldest daughter joined the school, and previously served as Co-Chair of the PTA. I was elected to the Governing Body in October 2016 and have held a number of roles, including Chair for three years and have been Vice Chair since 2022. I currently serve as Link Governor for Maths, PE and Key Stage 4 Outcomes.

Following my graduation from university, I have built a career spanning over 25 years in procurement, working across a range of organisations including British Airways, Barclays and the BBC. I am currently a Director at a management consultancy firm.

I have lived in St Albans for ten years with my husband and two sons. Our eldest son is in the secondary phase of Samuel Ryder Academy, and our youngest son is at the beginning of his SRA journey in the primary phase.

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 organisational 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 was delighted to be elected as a Parent Governor in November 2023. 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 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.

Hi, I'm Cherie Bunney.  As a former student, I am proud to now serve as a staff governor at Samuel Ryder Academy.  My journey has come full circle, and it is a privilege to contribute to the continued growth and success of a school that played such an important role in my own education.  In my role as EYFS and Key Stage 1 Lead, I am deeply passionate about laying strong foundations for our youngest learners and ensuring that every child receives an outstanding education from the very start.  I am committed to supporting the academy’s vision and working collaboratively to create a nurturing, inspiring environment where all pupils can thrive. 

I am delighted to join the Board of Governors at Samuel Ryder Academy as a Parent Governor and contribute to the school community. My wife and I moved to St Albans in 2006, and I am a proud farther of two girls, one currently Head Girl at SRA.

Professionally, I currently serve as Director of Investments at Big Issue Invest Ltd, leading impactful investments for social enterprises and charities across the UK. Since February 2023, I have also been a Trustee of Big Creative Education and Vice Chair of the Finance Committee. My international experience includes seven years in the Middle East, where I invested in and managed schools, before returning to the UK in 2015.

By fostering an inclusive environment that promotes social growth alongside academic success, I aim to help Samuel Ryder Academy provide the resources and opportunities every child needs to excel. I look forward to collaborating with fellow governors, parents, and staff to achieve this vision.

Originally from Hampshire, I now live in St Albans and work professionally as a senior software engineer and engineering manager.  Over the past decade, I’ve developed a broad range of experience across the tech industry, with a particular focus on building web applications and digital systems.  Prior to this, I worked in the social housing sector, which gave me a strong foundation in public service and community-focused work.

Outside of my career, I volunteer with the RAF Air Cadets as a Civilian Instructor, soon to be commissioned as an officer.  This role has deepened my passion for working with young people and supporting their development beyond the classroom.

I joined the governing board out of a desire to help young people access the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive.  With a strong belief in the power of technology to enhance learning, I’m particularly interested in digital strategy, innovation in the curriculum, and ensuring the school continues to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.  My focus as a governor is to support continuous improvement while helping the school maintain its high standards and values.

I’m a proud mum of two girls (12 and 9) and Head of Legal for a Social Impact Real Estate Fund.

Having lived near Samuel Ryder Academy for 13 years, I have been delighted to witness the school’s growth and progress. I am deeply passionate about education and committed to ensuring equal access to quality learning opportunities for all children. Every student should feel proud of their school and confident in their potential.

I am also actively involved in promoting social mobility, working to break down barriers in the City and championing diversity and inclusion within the legal and finance sectors.

Community is at the heart of everything I value. I firmly believe that fostering a safe and supportive environment helps individuals and communities thrive.

I am honoured to have this opportunity to contribute to SRA’s ongoing success and to support its vision for the future.

I am delighted and proud to join the SRA Governing Body as a Parent Governor. My son has attended SRA from Reception through to Sixth Form, giving me a long-term, informed perspective on the whole school and its community. I am committed to providing strong, independent leadership that supports effective governance and strategic oversight, while ensuring that parents’ voices are represented.

I bring senior-level management experience from both education and an international business career. I currently work as a strategic leader in a large London secondary school, with responsibility for whole-school improvement, behaviour and inclusion. As a nationally trained SENCO with a Master’s in Education, I have supported multiple inspections and worked with schools nationally, strengthening systems, leadership practice, and outcomes.

My approach is rooted in evidence-led decision-making, and a clear focus on impact—ensuring high standards, strong accountability and inclusion for all students.