Governor Resumes

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Catherine Marke

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

STANDARDS AND CURRICULUM COMMITTEE; AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE; REMUNERATION COMMITTEE; ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE
COMMUNITY GOVERNOR

I moved to Harpenden in 2005 and my neighbours said how fortunate we were to have such brilliant schools within walking distance. A few years later, I have certainly found this to be true! With a daughter in KS3 who is continuing to flourish as an independent and motivated learner, and a son to follow in a couple of years’ time, I am pleased to be able to contribute to the sustained success of Roundwood Park School as a parent governor. I am a passionate believer that access to excellent education is a great leveller in society as we should be aiming to get each student to fulfil their own potential.

I graduated from the University of Oxford with a Physics degree and then trained as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte. I left my role as a Senior Audit Manager after the birth of my eldest child, and currently work as a part time accountant in a local business.

During my 20s I was an LEA governor at a primary school in Buckinghamshire. When I moved to Harpenden and my eldest child was at Roundwood Primary, I was delighted in 2014 to be appointed as a co-opted governor at the school. During this time I have utilised skills in budgeting, analysing risks, communication and, most importantly, team-working and developing skills in safeguarding, recruitment, equal opportunities, and many more. I look forward to using these skills to continue to challenge and support Roundwood Park School in doing its best for all the children who are fortunate enough to be educated here.

In my spare time, I can often be found walking my dog or helping to run a local Brownie pack.

Eve Audis

STUDENTS, FAMILIES & COMMUNITY
PARENT GOVERNOR

My husband and I have lived in Harpenden for over 20 years and have two children at RPS. I have been so impressed by the school’s values and ethos, the house system in promoting teamwork and community spirit and the opportunities the school provides. I would highly recommend this fantastic school.

I started my career in marketing for a software company and then spent several years in corporate fundraising, working for the BHF and NSPCC managing partnerships with companies including Shredded Wheat, Hovis, Sky and Princes. I also worked for the Dixons Group in corporate affairs managing their charity relationships. After my youngest child started primary school, I volunteered at school and as a brownie leader; worked at a pre-school and later moved back into corporate fundraising for local charity the A-T Society.

I have a degree in Sociology and Social Policy from the University of Birmingham, a CAM Certificate in Communications, Advertising and Marketing, an Institute of Management Certificate in Management and a CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce.

Throughout my career I have always been passionate about child welfare and safeguarding issues and am keen to contribute to the school environment which is so crucial to children’s development and well-being. Completing the CACHE qualification provided me with a full understanding of the importance of educational settings to ensure every child thrives and fulfils their potential. I have an interest in and experience of the importance of safeguarding after completing safeguarding training for different roles. Whilst at the NSPCC I would work with new clients to look at areas of the business from a safeguarding point of view.

In my spare time I enjoy long walks in the countryside with our dog, baking, curling up with a good book and I am also learning to play golf.

Katie Barter

HEADTEACHER

I have lived in Hertfordshire for most of my life and was educated in St Albans. I began my teaching career at The Nobel School in Stevenage as a History teacher before moving to Sandringham School, where I worked for 21 years. During my time there, I held a variety of leadership roles including Head of Humanities, Head of Sixth Form, and Assistant Headteacher. I also served as the coordinator for the BeauSandVer consortium, supporting post-16 collaboration between local schools.

In September 2016, I joined Roundwood Park School as Deputy Headteacher, at a time when my own daughters were in Years 11 and 13. This marked a meaningful transition from being a parent at the school to becoming a dedicated member of its senior leadership team. After nine years as Deputy, I am honoured to now serve as Headteacher and to continue supporting the school community in this new capacity.

I am passionate about creating an environment where students not only achieve academic success but also develop a lifelong love of learning. I believe strongly in the wider value of school life and am committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

I hold a degree in History and Religious Studies from the University of Wales and completed my PGCE in History at the University of Bath.

I live locally with my husband and our dog. Although our two daughters have now left home, they both previously attended Roundwood Park, giving me a personal as well as professional connection to the school. I am actively involved in the local community, attending St John’s Church in Southdown and volunteering with the St Albans and District Foodbank.

Outside of school, I enjoy travelling, reading fiction, particularly through my local book club, which I’ve been part of for over 15 years, and staying active at my local gym.

Heather Bayne

STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY COMMITTEE; AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE
COMMUNITY GOVERNOR

I am a Chartered Librarian and worked for HCC for over 10 years as a Branch Librarian, Information Specialist and with the Schools Library Service. I subsequently retrained as a Garden Designer and have been running my own Garden Design and maintenance business since 2008.

I first became a Governor at Wood End School and stood down as a Community Governor there in Sept 2020. Having seen the important role a Governor can play in a school I became a Governor at RPS in 2016 and was Chair of Governors from September 2020 to October 2024. I am currently Vice Chair of Governors. Both my daughters have now left the school but continue to benefit from the skills, inspiration, and love of lifelong learning that their time at RPS has instilled.

I think it is important that a school supports all its students and encourages them to develop their learning by building on their individual skills and interests. I believe that the students’ wellbeing, and attainment, should be at the heart of all the decisions the school and Governors make. RPS leavers are amazing young people and as Governors we strive to ensure that all our students continue to benefit from access to a wide range of opportunities and experiences throughout their time at the school.

Joanna Betts

CHAIR OF STANDARDS & CURRICULUM COMMITTEE; REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
COMMUNITY GOVERNOR

My husband and I have been living in Harpenden since 2004. We have two boys and our eldest started Roundwood Park in September 2017. In my short time as a Roundwood parent, I have already been very impressed by the ethos of the school and the emphasis on building a supportive environment to ensure an excellent and rounded education for all children. I am therefore delighted to be able to help contribute to the success of the school in my role as a parent governor.

As a PhD scientist, I have worked for the past 20 years in roles of increasing responsibility in R&D for a global pharmaceutical company. In my current senior director role, I lead and develop strategy and projects that involve the application of cutting edge informatics, data analytics and experimental technologies to understand disease and develop new medicines. I have a particular passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists and participation in STEM subjects. My role also involves developing others, with a focus on promoting the behaviours required for a successful career in any field.

As a family, we enjoy travel, outdoor activities and sport and I have recently completed my first triathlon!

Laura Clark

RESOURCES COMMITTEE; AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE
PARENT GOVERNOR

Over the last 20 years my husband and I have lived in Harpenden and Redbourn. Our two children attended Redbourn Primary School and now both Roundwood Park.

I have an Economics degree from Nottingham University and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young (EY), working in financial due diligence for 9 years. After having my children I pivoted from client facing work to become a Senior Operations Manager, initially supporting the Transaction Diligence team in EY. I then moved again within EY to become Operations Director of the Consulting business. Given my background I believe that I can bring strong strategic, planning and analytical skills to the governing board.

I enjoy being involved in the local community. I organised many PTA events during my children’s time at Redbourn Primary, was a Swim England timekeeper, volunteering regularly to support Harpenden Swimming Club and am proud to be able to contribute to the continued success of Roundwood Park School as a parent governor.

Louise Cooper

VICE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS
STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY COMMITTEE, ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE
COMMUNITY GOVERNOR

I have been a Harpenden resident since 2009 and my son attends Roundwood Park School. I have been a parent governor at Wood End Primary School since October 2016 where I currently chair the Standards and Curriculum committee. It really appealed to me to use the skills I have developed, through being on the governing board at Wood End, at RPS.

I have run my own yoga teaching business since 2017. I also offer consultancy on communications to a range of organisations as well as training individuals to become NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) practitioners and master practitioners. Before becoming self-employed, I ran the public relations team at John Lewis. Working for the retailer for nearly a decade, I specialised in crisis communications and issues management.

I am passionate about wellbeing, mental and physical health.

Sophie Darby

RESOURCES COMMITTEE
STAFF GOVERNOR

After graduating university with a degree in computer science, I went straight into teaching, so I am currently in my first ECT year. Although relatively new to teaching, I am no stranger to RPS having attended the school myself. As an ECT and alumni, I believe I would provide a unique and different view which I hope would be helpful and insightful. I’m glad to be part of the governing board so I can help to continue to provide an up-to-date environment where students are able to thrive at school, much like the environment I was lucky enough to grow up in. In my spare time I enjoy playing the guitar, hiking and making silver jewellery.

Mark Franklin

CHAIR OF RESOURCES COMMITTEE; ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE; REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
PARENT GOVERNOR

I live in Harpenden with my wife and two of my three children. All of my children have been through Roundwood Park, with my daughter starting KS5 this year. My eldest has recently graduated from university and my middle child has just left RPS after successfully completing his A Levels.

I am a former director and partner of an engineering consultancy and worked as an expert witness in the fields of highway adoptions and drainage matters. After 35 years in construction, I have chosen to take a different path and am currently an undergraduate at University of Hertfordshire, studying Politics and International Relations.

As Chair of the Resources Committee, I am honoured to continue to support the school and help drive its continued success, and to try and ensure that all RPS leavers have the same positive experience that my children enjoyed.

Darryn Havenga

RESOURCES COMMITTEE
PARENT GOVERNOR

I moved to Harpenden from South Africa in 2017, along with my wife and four children.
My oldest son completed A-Levels at RPS and is currently at university, while the younger three are all at RPS.

I have a degree in Theology, at one point taking up a role in full time church ministry. As well as a post-graduate diploma in economics, I am involved with a local church in Harpenden called The Rock Church.

I am currently the Alumni Participation Director for the Global North, for a university in South Africa, and have been working for the university since 2009.

People and building relationships are a keen aspect of who I am. A school like RPS has incredible talent and resources. From experiencing the positive impact the school, its staff and other children have had on my own children, I am eager to ensure that it continues to thrive and benefit others and future families.

Laura Jones

STUDENTS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY COMMITTEE
STAFF GOVERNOR

After graduating from University with a model making and special effects degree, I found myself travelling and working abroad as a private English as a Second Language teacher and a mural artist for the majority of my twenties. I trained as a teacher around 10 years ago and since then have worked both in support and main teaching roles. This has allowed me a great insight and experience into school life as a whole. I have been a Head of House at RPS for the last three years, a role which I thoroughly enjoy .House Music in particular is a highlight! In my spare time I occasionally teach on charity projects with prolific offenders, developing their communication, confidence and collaborative skills through the medium of art.

I find myself in a privileged position of also having my son attend RPS and to be a part of this brilliant community together. I am excited to be a part of the governing board, to work alongside colleagues to continue to make RPS the great place it is to both work and have our children attend.

Andrew Mills

STANDARDS & CURRICULUM COMMITTEE; CHAIR OF AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE
COMMUNITY GOVERNOR

I live and work in Harpenden, where our family moved 25 years ago. Both of our daughters have attended RPS, and my wife is a staff member too. I’m proud to be a community governor of this great school.

My professional qualifications are in accounting and investment, and in my day job I provide strategic analysis on the financial industry to a range of clients worldwide. I draw on this and my experience of charitable governance in my Audit Committee role. I’ve recently joined the Standards & Curriculum Committee to better understand the challenges of teaching and learning.

My academic interests include languages, the humanities and economics, but I also have a lifelong interest in science, literature and music. I’m an enthusiast for travel, expeditions and volunteering.

Collectively, governors play an important but often misunderstood role. Individually, I hope that my involvement makes a positive contribution – helping RPS to prepare students for happy and fulfilling adult lives.

Sarah Nicholls

RESOURCES COMMITTEE
COMMUNITY GOVERNOR

I am a proud former Roundwood Park student, and it’s a real privilege to now serve as a Governor at the school. After leaving Roundwood, I went on to study French at the University of Oxford and have since built a career in commercial finance within blue-chip companies.

I’m currently Head of Commercial Finance at Ocado Group, where I partner with technology R&D teams to drive capital allocation decisions and support innovation and long-term growth. In previous roles, I’ve supported commercial pricing proposals and risk management within major contracts. Alongside my core role, I’m part of the learning and development work stream and am passionate about creating an environment where everyone can reach their full potential.

Outside of work, most of my time is spent running after my young daughter, reading, cooking, and (very) occasionally running half marathons.

Being part of the Roundwood community again feels incredibly special, and I am committed to giving back to a school that gave me so much. I recognise that not all students have access to such a strong springboard for future success, and I am excited to help ensure every student has that opportunity.

Sonja Stocks

STANDARDS & CURRICULUM COMMITTEE; ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE
PARENT GOVERNOR

I have lived in Harpenden since 2007 with my husband and 2 children, the youngest of which attends Roundwood Park. 

I have worked in a number of fields, starting out with gaining a PhD in Chemistry, through years of consultancy in various fields in London, working in telecoms and ending up teaching secondary science at an academy in St Albans. 

I feel I have a lot to give as a governor at RPS as I have a keen interest in both education and science, but also in neurodiversity and mental health. 

Ruth Townsend

STANDARDS & CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
PARENT GOVERNOR

My family and I have lived in Harpenden for many years, and we have two children who attend RPS.

I have been a solicitor for over 20 years and I currently work for a major national charity. Each year, I give a voice to hundreds of vulnerable individuals at risk of losing their home. In my spare time, I help to run and organise a Harpenden Rainbow Unit and I assist with a Guide Unit. I help to organise local community events.

I have always been very impressed with the community ethos of RPS and the environment created for all of the students to thrive. Supporting our students and staff is of paramount importance and enabling every one of our students to be their best. As a member of the governing board, I see that good governance is an essential key to support school in enabling our students to flourish.

Sally Veitch

CHAIR OF STUDENTS, FAMILIES & COMMUNITY COMMITTEE; AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE
MEMBER APPOINTED GOVERNOR

I am an experienced governor having served on the board at Wood End School for eight years. I have three boys who all attended Wood End. One is still at Wood End and another at Roundwood Park. My middle son is learning disabled and has autism. He attends St Luke’s SEND school.

My executive career was in finance. I worked as a Finance Director at Home Retail Group for many years but in the last five years I have developed a portfolio career as a non-executive director. This is essentially the commercial equivalent of a governor and I currently sit on the boards of two challenger banks and a building society. I am also the Chair of Settle, a local housing association with 10,000 homes in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

I have been very impressed with the wide range of opportunities my son has had so far at Roundwood Park and the positive, kind and engaging culture of the school. I hope that I can bring my governance experience to Roundwood Park in a way that is helpful to what I consider to be a great school.

As I have a son who wasn’t able to come to Roundwood Park, due to his needs (no fault of Roundwood), I do have an interest in how SEND works in schools. It’s pretty broken across the sector so I will be interested in how Roundwood Park tackle the many challenges of a growing SEND population.

Liz Hamilton

GOVERNANCE PROFESSIONAL TO THE GOVERNING BOARD

The role of the Governance Professional is crucial to the effective functioning of the Governing Board. I provide advice and guidance on governance, procedures and compliance to ensure the board works in accordance with the appropriate legal and regulatory framework and that it understands the potential consequences of noncompliance. I arrange, administer and minute each Governing Board and Committee meeting. I keep the board and committees focused on their core strategic priorities and governance obligations. I find the role very rewarding due to working with a team who are committed and dedicated to the education, wellbeing and future of the Roundwood Park students.

I live in Redbourn and my two sons both attended Roundwood Park. One is currently at university, whilst my eldest graduated in 2021. I am also Clerk to the Harpenden Secondary Schools Trust.