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 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 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 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 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. 

Originally from East London I now live in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire with my husband and 17 year old son.  My career started in the Design world for 14 years in various design roles from web design, illustration, teaching Adobe applications, advertising, marketing, POS, branding, and my favourite magazine design for with Blue Chip companies, eventually reaching an Art Director role with The Guardian - Seven Group.  I have a true passion for everything creative.

After having my son I worked for 4 more years in this role and then ventured into private nursery teaching, SEN schools and finally SRA.  In the last 10 years at SRA have had experience from primary through to secondary specialising in the Inclusion department.  My extended role as a Pupil Premium Mentor is very satisfying, helping students and families wherever I can, from support, lesson mentoring, reading mentors, putting in place intervention help and promote extra learning techniques with year 11 examinations.  My ambition is to become a Design and Technology teacher within the coming years.

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 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’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 have lived in St Albans for over 30 Years and now live a short distance from Samuel Ryder with my two daughters and husband. Both my daughters attend the primary phase and for the last 3 Years I have enjoyed supporting the school at various PTA events.

My degree in Chemistry and French initially led me into a career in Scientific recruitment before I followed my passion into education. This began as a Science TA supporting children with autism and other educational needs. I particularly loved being in the classroom and later undertook my PGCE.

I now teach Chemistry in a local school where I pride myself in delivering engaging lessons that advance students critical thinking and support them in developing as reflective and resilient learners. Another part of my role is supporting young people with their emotional wellbeing which I believe to be pivotal in their school journey.

I am grateful for this opportunity as Parent governor at SRA and excited to support the school in it’s ongoing success.