Governors
Manuden Governing Body
The Role of Our Governing Body
At Manuden Primary School, our governing body plays a vital role in supporting our vision of "Growing hearts, Growing minds, Growing dreams." Governors are dedicated volunteers from all walks of life who share a commitment to ensuring the very best education and opportunities for every child in our school.
Our governing body works as a team to provide strategic leadership, help shape school policies, and support the continuous development of our learning community. Acting as a 'critical friend,' governors both support and challenge the school, ensuring that we remain focused on fostering an environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. While the day-to-day management of the school is led by the headteacher and staff, the governors have a key role in setting the long-term vision and ensuring the school is always striving for excellence.
At Manuden, our governors work collaboratively, respecting each other’s views and making decisions that reflect the best interests of our pupils, staff, and wider community. The full Governing Body meets at least once a term, with additional meetings as needed. Minutes of these meetings are available for inspection—please ask at the school office if you wish to read them. Together, we are committed to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment where every child can grow, learn, and achieve their dreams.
Our Governing Body
Sarah Turner - Chair of Governors
I am delighted to have been elected Chair of Governors, and I'm looking forward to working with staff, governors, pupils and parents to ensure that Manuden continues to thrive. I have worked in education for many years and most recently I was the CEO of a multi-academy trust in Enfield. I live in Stansted and have four grandchildren who keep me busy!
Katie Cooper - Vice Chair and Co-Opted Governor
My family and I have recently moved to the area. We were delighted to have our daughter accepted into Manuden Primary. It seemed to be a natural step for me to join the school's Governing Body. I have worked in education for the last 20 years, mainly within the primary independent sector. Within this time, I progressed to sit on the schools' senior leadership team in the capacity of Head of Teaching and Learning, an educational consultant on school improvement projects and supply work. I have a true passion for the wellbeing and education of all children and look forward to bringing this commitment and enthusiasm to my role as parent governor.
Mr Andrew Price - Headteacher
I am incredibly proud to serve as the Headteacher of Manuden Primary School, returning to the very school where my educational career began nearly 20 years ago. It’s a privilege to lead a community where children are not only hard-working but also supported by a dedicated and talented team of staff.
With over two decades of experience in education, I started my journey as a Teaching Assistant at Manuden Primary School before earning a degree in Early Years Education. My teaching career has been focused on Early Years and Key Stage One, and I have worked in several schools in Bishops Stortford. Most recently, I held the role of Deputy Headteacher at a larger school in Ware.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my family. Whether we’re taking long walks, enjoying a trip to the cinema, or visiting a theme park, we always make the most of our time together.
Lizzie Grant - Staff Governor
I have worked at Manuden Primary School since March 2013 and have been the Staff Governor since September 2020. I have a diverse work history which includes finance/banking, HR and legal - all of which are beneficial to my roles at the school. I have lived in Manuden for more than 25 years and enjoy being part of the village community. In my spare time, I like reading, cooking and shopping.
David Pimm - Parent Governor
Since settling in Manuden Village in 2014 with my wife, I have enjoyed being part of this wonderful community. Our eldest daughter, in year 2 at Manuden Primary, has flourished under the care of the school, and we look forward to our second child joining in 2026.
As the son of two teachers, I have a deep appreciation of the vital role education plays in shaping lives. I am eager to contribute to the continued success of Manuden Primary by applying my professional expertise. With a career spanning three decades in the telecoms industry, I have gained extensive experience in strategic partner management, sales, marketing, and the commercial, legal, and contractual aspects of business. I believe these skills will provide valuable insights and support in ensuring the school remains a nurturing and high-performing environment for its pupils.
Rhys Jones - Co-Opted Governor
My career in education began in 2006 as a Secondary School Geography Teacher. Since then, I have gained extensive experience working in a range of schools across Middlesex and Hertfordshire.
Over the course of eight years, I served as a Senior Leader in two highly successful yet distinctly different schools. As Assistant Headteacher at St. Ignatius College, I led on teaching and learning as well as whole-school CPD. Subsequently, at Hockerill Anglo-European College, I held the roles of Assistant Principal and Vice Principal, overseeing Quality of Education, Curriculum Development, and Data & Reporting.
In January 2022, I joined the Avanti Schools Trust as the founding Principal of Avanti Grange Secondary School in Bishop’s Stortford. It has been an immense privilege to lead this thriving school community. Avanti Grange became oversubscribed within its second year, and we recently moved to our brand-new, state-of-the-art £40 million campus, marking an exciting new chapter for the school and its students.
I am delighted to join Maunden Primary School as a governor, bringing my experience in education to support the school’s leadership and development. I am passionate about ensuring that every pupil has access to the highest quality education and opportunities to thrive. As a governor, I look forward to working collaboratively with staff, parents, and the wider community to contribute to the school’s continued success and positive impact on children’s lives.
Darren Addicott- Co-Opted Governor
I was delighted to join the governing body at Manuden Primary School in 2024 as a co-opted governor. My wife and I moved to Manuden in 2001, and both of our children were fortunate to go through the school. Over the years, I have seen many changes within the school and have always been keen to support in any way I could.
With over 30 years of experience working in education, I am excited to bring my knowledge and passion to this role. I believe that a strong school is at the heart of a thriving village, and I am committed to working with staff, parents, and fellow governors to ensure that Manuden Primary School continues to provide the best possible education for its pupils.
I look forward to contributing to the school’s future and welcome any thoughts or ideas from the community. Together, we can help our school flourish and continue to be a place where every child can thrive.
Hannah Gifford - Local Authority Governor
I fell in love with Manuden Primary on my first visit. I was drawn to the school’s close-knit, family-like atmosphere. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in sports education and coaching, as well as an NPQLBC. I have worked in both primary and secondary education and am currently the Year 2 Teacher, Phase Leader, School Council Lead, and PE Lead in my own school. I also mentor new student teachers. I am passionate about supporting the development of both students and staff, and outside of school, I enjoy reading, playing the piano, and practising Pilates.