Paul Connolly (Chair and Member)

Term of Office

(05/10/2016 – 04/10/2024)

Registered business interests: None

I have been a Governor at Simon Balle since 2005 and have two boys who have been through the school, university and are now both working. During this period I have served on most of the committees and tried to help ensure that the school does its very best for the students, staff and local community.  I am really enjoying the challenges that being Chair of Governors has presented in learning more about the wider aspects of education, teaching and learning and leadership. We have an excellent Governing Body with a wide range of backgrounds, skills and experience but all focussed on the clear vision, ethos and culture of Simon Balle All-through School making it such a great place in which to learn, work and play.

Louise Archer Ker

Term of Office

(01/05/2019 – 30/04/2027)

Registered business interests: None

I joined Simon Balle as a governor in 2019, although I have been a primary governor locally for eight years. I am a Professor at UCL Institute of Education, where I specialise in sociology of education, with a focus on educational inequalities. I also have a child at the school.  I care passionately about education and am delighted to be able to support the school as a governor.

Jo Brown

Term of Office

(08/02/2016 – 07/02/2024)

Registered business interests: CFO at ethical investment manager, EdenTree.

I am a Finance Director in financial services and have a depth of experience in a variety of finance and accounting roles. I joined the Governing Body in 2015 and enjoy using skills gained in my career to support and contribute to the school. 

Both of my children are now at Simon-Balle and are benefitting from the learning opportunities and experiences offered to them. 

I am committed to ensuring that the high standards and expectations already set continue to remain high and that through our values and ethos we support all students as they develop into young adults, enabling them to thrive in the wider world.

Steve Brown

Term of Office

(04/02/2019 – 03/02/2027)

Registered business interests: I am the director of a limited company that specialises in providing environmental consultancy services, with a focus on water. As part my work I sometimes engage, and help promote, suppliers of related technology and services.

I am new to the role of school governor but I believe my skills and experience will help contribute to the overall direction of the school. I am an independent sustainability consultant specialising in the water sector. Currently I am completing a PhD in a project related to water demand in commercial buildings, such as schools. Before this, I worked as a civil engineer on large-scale infrastructure projects in the UK and New Zealand.

My eldest child attends the school and loves being part of the Simon Balle community. I look forward to contributing to the operation and strategy of the school.

Will Davies

Term of Office

(01/01/2017 – 31/12/2024)

Registered business interests: None

I have two sons at the school and joined the board of Governors in late 2016.  When I found out that my professional experiences would be useful to the School to help it (continue) to excel, I signed up straight away.  With just over 30 years of working in the Military, Police and currently disruptive technology industry, I hope my experiences will add value to what is already an excellent team.

I sit on the Attainment & Standards Committee and look forward to adding to the successes of the Simon Balle School family.

Kelly Gradwell

Rebecca Hardcastle

Term of Office

(24/02/2020 – 23/02/2024)

Registered business interests: My father-in-law is a governor at the school

I joined the governing body of Simon Balle School in February 2020 and also have previous experience as a primary governor.

As a busy working Mum, living very close to the school, I want to give something back to my local community and also help improve the educational experience for not only my daughter, but other local families.

After working in Buying & Retail for over 20 years, I hope my broad experience will help add to the success of the school.

Alison Mackie

Term of Office

(01/01/2016 – 31/12/2023)

Registered business interests: None

As a former pupil and now parent of a primary child, I am passionate about being part of the governing body and supporting the school to achieve key objectives to the benefit of all pupils.

My background is scientific.  I work as a consultant to the pharmaceutical industry and look forward to using my skill-set to contribute to the development of the all-through school.  I joined the governing body in January 2016 and currently attend the Attainment & Standards Committee.

Ann Orpin (Member)

Term of Office

(03/03/2014 – 02/03/2026)

Registered business interests: None

It has been my pleasure to be a parent governor since 2014 when I was originally recruited because of my background in finance.  At the time I had two very different boys thriving within the school; one has now moved on to university where he continues to use skills learnt as a Simon Balle student, the other continues to thrive, both educationally and socially, from all that the school offers. During my time serving the Governing Body I have learnt a great deal from leaders, staff, students and colleagues, this in turn has helped me to bring all that I can offer to benefit the school and the community

Charlotte Phillip

Term of Office

(01/09/2021 – 31/08/2025)

Registered business interests: None

I am a full-time Key Stage One Primary Class Teacher in the Larch Centre, having started teaching at Simon Balle in September 2020. I completed my PGCE in Early Primary at Cambridge University and was the recipient of the Charles Fox Prize for outstanding contribution to the PGCE training. Prior to teaching I worked in policing and criminal justice policy, and bring previous experience of accountability roles. I worked for Police and Crime Commissioners in management roles, holding police forces to account for performance and delivery, including children’s safeguarding and community engagement. I also previously volunteered as a Trustee for Northamptonshire Rape Crisis, helping to set strategic direction, and monitoring policies and plans. 

I am looking forward to becoming more involved in the wider governance of our wonderful school. It is an honour to serve on the governing body at this crucial time in our journey.

Andrew Porrer

Term of Office

(01/01/2016 – 31/12/2023)

Registered business interests: None

I joined the governing body of Simon Balle All-Through School as a parent governor starting in January 2016 and I now have a child in both the primary and the secondary phase. I am a software developer and run a small business and have an office in Hertford. I have also been a Hertford Town Councillor for 4 years.

I am chair of the Achievement and Standards committee and also sit on the Finance committee. I find being a governor at Simon Balle All-Through School very rewarding.

Chris Townsend

Term of Office

01/09/2021 – 31/08/2025

Registered business interests: None

Over my career I have taught in both primary and secondary schools, and held a variety of positions during this time (Head of Department, Head of Year, Assistant Head).  As a result, I have some experience of working with governors and am interested to see how, as a school, we do this from a whole school perspective. Additionally, being a member of staff, I feel that I am able to work as a bridge between the school and governors. I strike a good balance between both supporting and challenging the school, and have a good relationship with SLT, staff and students.

John Wiggett

Term of Office

(01/01/2017 – 31/12/2024)

Registered business interests: I am employed by AD Architects as Associate Director – a possible supplier or contractor to the school.

I am the father of two children at Simon Balle All-through School and joined the Governing Body in January 2017.  I am a member of the Finance committee and the careers link governor.

As a qualified architect, I have worked on projects in the healthcare and education sectors for over twenty years. I have been mentoring architecture students as part of RIBA East’s student mentoring programme since 2015.

I will use my professional experience to support Simon Balle in continuing to be an outstanding all-through school. 

Rachel Kirk: Co-headteacher