Steve Brown

Simon Balle Governor

Term of Office

(04/02/2019 – 03/02/2027)

My roles on the governing board are supporting the school by discussing and evaluating a broad range of topics as part of the student, community and partnerships committee and contributing to the environmental aspect of  the health, safety, environment & sustainability committee. Having worked in the environmental sector since 2010, mainly related to advancing water stewardship implementation with global companies, I believe I offer the school a broad range of technical expertise across a range of environmental considerations including their Eco-School Silver award achievement.  

I have seen first-hand through my two children, Simon Balle delivering a well-rounded learning experience which is able to adapt to a broad demographic of students. The senior leadership team and staff consistently demonstrate a responsive attitude to critique and challenge from the governor board.

Tara Bullworthy

Simon Balle Governor

Term of Office

(10/12/2012 – 09/12/2028)

I am now retired from working in local government before and after spending ten years as a stay at home parent. Singing in two choirs (and as membership secretary of the school’s adult choir)  volunteering on Hertfordshire police scrutiny panels and of course being a school governor keep me busy now.

Following many years as a parent at the school and secretary of the PSA, I started as a parent governor in 2012. My four children all thrived from the holistic educational environment at the school and after 6th form each followed a different path leading into work: straight into work (now commercial business manager), college (now zookeeper), apprenticeship (now kindergarten supervisor) and university (now primary school teacher).   

I sit on 2 committees: attainment and standards and student and community.  I am one of two link governors for attendance and behaviour, both important areas to keep improving to ensure the continuing excellence of the school . I also attend the very active and influential school parliament.

The ethos and values of the school are what drew us to the school twenty five years ago for our children and they are still the foundation for the excellent teaching and learning now in the all- through school.

Adam Cooper

Chair of the Simon Balle Local Governing Body

Term of Office

(01/04/2023 – 31/03/2027)

Having two children attend the school in the primary phase, I enjoy hearing about their learning environments and the development they are making within the school, which is reflective of the school’s community and values.    

I am the Governor aligned to Pupil Premium and passionate about providing an environment whereby each child has the best opportunity to reach their full potential. I believe Simon Balle All-through School provides an optimal environment to achieve this.

Simon Cutmore

Simon Balle Governor

Term of Office

(01/02/2025 – 31/01/2029)

I am the parish priest at All Saints Church in Hertford. In 25 years of ordained ministry I have supported schools in a number of ways but especially as a governor.
I have a particular interest in wellbeing for staff and student alike and I am a Mental Health First Aider.
I am keen for Simon Balle to engage with it’s wider community well and for the benefit of school and community alike
In my work for the Church of England, I also coordinate links with a Diocese in the Swedish Lutheran Church.

Bradley East

Simon Balle Staff Governor

Term of Office

(01/09/2024 – 31/08/2028)

I sit on the Board of Governors as a Staff Governor. I work at Simon Balle in the Secondary Phase as a teacher of Physical Education and Head of Year. I am extremely proud to work at this school and believe our all-through curriculum from Reception to Year 13 enables every student to thrive academically and socially, fostering a love of learning that prepares them well for life beyond school.

Daniella Hall

Simon Balle Governor

Term of Office

(20/03/2025 – 19/03/2029)

With over  20 years of experience in education, I’ve taught across all year groups from Early Years to Key Stage four and gained extensive experience as a SENCO and leader. My expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) comes from both my professional background and personal experience as a parent.

Currently, I work with a local charity, supporting children and families with a wide range of needs and disabilities. I also serve as a parent representative, working across Education, Social Care, and Health sectors to improve services and outcomes for children with SEND.

As a mother of two, with one child at Simon Balle, I’m passionate about helping every student thrive and ensuring they reach their full potential.

Priya Khambhaita

LET Trustee, Simon Balle Governor

Term of Office

(05/07/2021 – 04/07/2025)

I work as a Senior Widening Participation Officer at an Higher Education Institute. I am a mum of two children at the school and enjoy being an active part of the school community. I hold a position as the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Governor and attend the Student, Partnership and Community Committee which fits well with my career experience and interests.  I am proud to represent the school, its values and beliefs and support the staff and students to uphold a high standard in my professional and personal life.

Jonathan Lockett

Simon Balle Governor

Term of Office

(27/03/2025 – 26/03/2029)

My previous work experience included roles in Operations, HR, Finance and Sustainability,
before I set up my own businesses in 2022. I expect to bring the combination of my varied
experience and startup mentality to the Governing Body, to challenge effectively and contribute to the on-going success of Simon Balle All-through School.
In addition to my professional experience, I am also fortunate to be a parent at Simon Balle.
My twin daughters started in reception as part of the second intake at the Larch and so I
have seen first-hand how the team at Simon Balle contributes to the development of confident and well-rounded young people.

Sarah Mansfield

LET Trustee, Simon Balle Governor

Term of Office

(01/09/2024 – 31/08/2028)

I am the mother of two young children and live locally to Simon Balle. I am a qualified teacher and have taught across a wide variety of settings, including state, independent and international, as well as across all key stages from Early Years through to Key Stage 5. I currently work as a Specialist Educational Assessor and Consultant.

I am pleased to be able to use my knowledge and expertise to help support Simon Balle as they continue to remain an outstanding provider of education for children in Hertford.

Laura Newby

Simon Balle Governor

Term of Office

(15/05/2025 – 14/05/2029)

I have been a part of the Simon Balle community for several years, with both of my children
attending – one in the Larch and one moving into the Secondary phase.
I have 15 years of experience working in health policy, health economics and corporate
communications – working for a global healthcare company for the last 10 years, and prior to
that in consultancies and UK parliament.
I am passionate about effective engagement and supporting a thriving culture on this basis.

Charlotte Phillip

Simon Balle Staff Governor

Term of Office

(01/09/2021 – 31/08/2025)

I sit on the Board of Governors as a Staff Governor. I work at Simon Balle in the Larch as a Reception Teacher and Phase 1 Leader. I am extremely proud to work at our school and believe our Early Years curriculum enables every child to thrive and build a strong love of learning to prepare them well for their journey through our All-through school.

Rebecca Pirt

Simon Balle Governor

Term of Office

(20/03/2025 – 19/03/2029)

I work as Educational Grants and Relationships Manager for the Merchant Taylors Foundation and as such work with a wide range range of educational organisations to assess and approve grants which improve educational outcomes for children and young people.  I am also a Trustee for the ALMT, a grant giving trust awarding funding to organisations working to improve the quality of life for the marginalised children and young people worldwide.

With over 15 years experience of working in the charitable sector, I have a strong understanding of grants management and governance with extensive knowledge of children’s charities and the community sector.  I am a passionate believer in the power of education to change lives and recognise the challenges and pressures involved in running a school – particularly an All-Through School.

Prior to working in grants management I set up and ran Leaf Children’s Bookshop and Cafe for five years in Hertford where I formed strong relationships with local schools and the community promoting literacy programmes.  I have lived in Hertford since 2011 and both of my children now enjoy attending Simon Balle School Sixth Form. I am keen to use my skills to benefit the school and the wider community.

Jonathan Wolton

Simon Balle Governor

Term of Office

(01/09/2024 – 31/08/2028)

I have a long and fond association with the school with both my children now attending. I felt now was as good a time as ever to offer to give something back!
I’ve worked in education for most of my career so far, currently for an exam board, working with teachers to make sure our GCSEs, A-Levels and BTECs are the best they can be for students.
I wanted to support a local school not only to be able to offer any relevant help and insights but also to be constantly reminded of the amazing work they do with young people and the community.

Rachel Kirk: Co-headteacher

Term of office
(01/09/23 – )

Michael Moss: Co-headteacher

Term of office
(01/09/23 – )