Our Governors

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	Link roles	Any Interests declared and nature of Interest(s)
Nicky Hand	Head Teacher	ex officio			Curriculum and Standards, Finance and Resources		None
Paige McNeilly	Co-opted	16/9/2026	Governing Board		Curriculum and Standards
Katie Adams	Staff Governor	7/10/2025 – 6/10/2029	Elected by staff		Finance and Resources	Health and Safety and Allergy
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., 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
Parent Governor vacancy
David Marriott	Parent (Chair of the Governing Board)	31/5/2023 – 31/5/2027	Elected unopposed		Finance and Resources Curriculum and Standards	Pupil Premium, Safeguarding, Mental well-being, Maths, Art, D&T and Off-Site Visits	Yes – Rare Productions Ltd – Director Rare Pantomimes Ltd – Director Out Side The Box Productions Ltd – Director
Kate Casey	Parent	23/10/2025 – 22/10/2029	Elected by parents		Finance and Resources	Early Years, Science, Modern Foreign Languages	None
Willem Otto Local Authority Governor – vacancy	Parent	9/11/2023 – 8/11/2027	Elected unopposed		Curriculum and Standards	English, Phonics, Early Reading Music and Computing	Yes – wife is FOG (Friends of Graveley) Treasurer and also works in the school office

Welcome from the Chair of Governors

As Chair of Governors, I am proud to be part of a school where every child is valued, encouraged and inspired to achieve their very best. Graveley is a place where children are supported to grow not only academically, but also as kind, confident and resilient individuals.

Our dedicated staff, supportive families and enthusiastic governors work together to create a happy, caring environment in which every child can thrive. As governors, we work closely with the Headteacher to support the school, provide constructive challenge and help shape its future, always keeping the best interests of our children at the heart of every decision.

Whether you are already part of our school community or are considering Graveley Primary School for your child, I hope our website gives you a flavour of what makes our school so special. Better still, come and visit us, we would be delighted to welcome you and show you everything that makes Graveley such a wonderful place to learn.

David Marriott
Chair of Governors

Meet the Governors

Dave Marriot – Chair of Governing Board

Awaiting picture

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!

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.

Willem Otto – Parent Governor

Awaiting details

Kate Casey – Parent Governor

Awaiting photo

I am a parent governor and a parent of three children, two of which currently attend the school. I am also an active member of St Nicholas Church, where I value being part of the local community. Professionally, I work in safeguarding, supporting churches, clergy and safeguarding officers to put safeguarding requirements into practice and helping to ensure that children and vulnerable adults are kept safe. I have also extensive experience working in schools. My career has given me experience in providing advice and support, handling sensitive situations, and building positive relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds. As a governor, I hope to bring this experience, together with my perspective as a parent and member of the community, to support the school and its pupils. In my spare time I enjoy walking, reading and I also sing in a Worship band.

Katie Adams – Staff Governor

Awaiting photo

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.