The school governors are all volunteers and come from various backgrounds. Their main role is to support the Headteacher and staff to ensure that Graveley Primary School continues to be a successful and happy school.
The main role of the governing board is a strategic one, and its key functions are to:
– Set the aims and objectives for the school
– Set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
– Set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
– Monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
– Be a source of challenge and support to the Headteacher
– Monitor the financial aspects of the school
The Headteacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the Governing Board.
Minutes of governor meetings are available from the school on request. Please email: nancy@graveley.herts.sch.uk
| Governor | Category | Term of Office | Appointed by | Committee Membership | Subject Link roles | Any Interests declared and nature of Interest(s) | |
| Nicky Hand | Head Teacher | ex officio | Curriculum and Standards, Finance and Resources | Computing | None | ||
| Laura Forster | Co-opted | 24/3/2023 – 23/3/2027 | Elected by Governing Board | Curriculum and Standards | None | ||
| Co-opted Governor vacancy | |||||||
| Elaine Dunnicliffe | Foundation (Vice Chair and Data Protection Officer) | 16/4/2025 – 15/4/2029 | Diocese of St Albans | Curriculum and Standards (Chair) | S.E.N., Early Years, P.E., P.S.H.E., SIAMS and R.E. | None | |
| Rev Edward Keene | Foundation | ex officio | Diocese of St Albans | Finance and Resources | History and Geography | Yes – Rector of the parish of Graveley | |
| David Marriott | Parent (Chair of the Governing Board) | 31/5/2023 – 31/5/2027 | Elected unopposed | Finance and Resources Curriculum and Standards | Maths, Art, D&T and Off-Site Visits | Yes – Rare Productions Ltd – Director Rare Pantomimes Ltd – Director Out Side The Box Productions Ltd – Director | |
| Willem Otto Chris Hinch Kate Casey Katie Adams Local Authority Governor – vacancy | Parent Parent Parent Staff Governor | 9/11/2023 – 8/11/2027 6/12/2022 -5/12/2026 23/10/2025 – 22/10/2029 7/10/2025 – 6/10/2029 | Elected unopposed Elected unopposed Elected by parents Elected unopposed | Curriculum and Standards Finance and Resources (Chair) Finance and Resources Finance and Resources | English, Phonics, Early Reading and Music Safeguarding, Pupil Premium, Health and Safety Science and Modern Foreign Languages | Yes – wife is FOG (Friends of Graveley) Treasurer and also works in the school office None None |
Meet the Governors
Dave Marriot – Chair of Governing Board
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I have been a governor at Graveley since 2019 and since joining I have become Chair of Governors. I have 3 children of which all three have attended Graveley and two are still at the school. As a child I went to a small village Church of England primary school. My memories of that time and the strong links that can form around the village school inspired me to get involved. During my day job I run a Theatre Production Company. We produce youth musicals in over 40 theatres a year putting 5000+ children and young people on stage. We also produce Pantomimes both in theatres and touring pantomimes which go into over 200 schools a year bringing the magic of theatre to as many children as possible. Cliché as it is my job is also my hobby. When I am not working in the theatre I love nothing more than seeing live performances. Although having 3 children I find my hobbies becoming more in line with their activities!
Laura Forster – Co-Opted Governor
I was appointed as a Governor at Graveley in March 2023. I was initially a teacher at the school and have now changed roles within the school. I am currently Deputy Head, SENCo and Early Years lead. This role is my first experience of Governance, but I am looking forward to a new role. I became a governor to use my knowledge of the school to support school development going forward. I enjoy baking, spending time with my family and camping.
Elaine Dunnicliffe – Foundation Governor
I am appointed by the Graveley Parochial Church Council and the Diocese of St Albans. My term as a Foundation Governor ends in 2025. I have been a governor since 2013. I have been part of both the Finance and Resources and Curriculum and Standards Committees at different times, and am currently Vice Chair of the Governing Board. I am retired from paid employment having spent 40 years with Herts County Council as a librarian, web information editor; and Information Governance specialist. I have lived in Stevenage and North Herts for over 40 years. I am a member of the Church of St Mary in the village. My children both attended Graveley Primary School in the 90’s- 00’s and I am delighted to see parents who are also former pupils. I believe in the power of education to change lives and want to see every child achieve their potential. A good education in a caring environment that fosters a love of learning is the best start a child can have and Graveley’s values provide a firm foundation, it is a privilege to support the work of the school. I am a keen gardener, which is why I can sometimes be found head down in the school eco garden, hoping to ensure it remains accessible and is planted to encourage more pollinators and small wildlife. I volunteer at the Foodshed in Stevenage. I also enjoy reading, theatre and art. I attempt to stay fit enough to catch my young grandchildren, usually by swimming regularly.
Rev Edward Keene – Foundation Governor
Rector, Stevenage (St Nicholas) and Graveley (St Mary). I wish to support and develop the ongoing link between the village church and school. Past experience – governor of Sir John Cass School, London 2014-18. Governor at Graveley from 2023. Hobbies and interests – badminton, country walks, skiing, reading history books.
Chris Hinch – Parent Governor
I became a governor to gain an insight into the school, its staff and to provide support where possible. Hobbies and interests include music, sport and nature. My term as a Parent Governor ends in December 2026. I am a coach for Stevenage Boro Jrs and my children attend the school. Work – telecoms professional.
Willem Otto – Parent Governor
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Kate Casey – Parent Governor
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Katie Adams – Staff Governor
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I currently teach in Squirrels class and was appointed as a staff governor in October 2025. I have previously served as a governor at a similar, small village school. I am passionate about supporting the school’s development and contributing positively to the future of its children. I am committed to helping ensure the school remains a fun, safe, and inclusive environment where all pupils feel happy and are able to learn and make their best progress. I value the strong sense of community within the school and appreciate the important contributions made by families. I have two grown-up children and, outside of school, I enjoy swimming, reading, and spending time with my family.
Graveley Primary School 