Governor Profiles

St George’s Governing Board

Helen Barton - Headmistress

Name: Helen Barton

Appointed Governor: Headmistress

Finance Audit  & Facilities: Staff & Students; Environment & Engagement

Appointment date: 01/09/2017

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I have been part of the St George’s family for 16 years having been first appointed as an Assistant Head in 2005. I was promoted to deputy in 2008, before having the great privilege to be trusted with the role of Head as of September 2017. 

I have a degree in Geography from the University of Wales and a Master’s degree from the Open University.  I started my working life as an accountant, working for National Power and Scania Trucks, before going back to University to train to be a teacher.  My educational career has taken me through all incarnations of educational establishment at secondary level and has included time in both the Independent and state sectors. 

When I’m off duty (Ha!) I love to read, run, hike and travel.

John Featherby - Chair of Governors; Finance Audit & Facilities;  Staff & Students; Environment & Engagement

Name: John Featherby

Appointed Governor: Parent Governor

Chair of Governors; Finance Audit & Facilities;  Staff & Students; Environment & Engagement

Appointment date: 20/11/2019

Term of Office: 20/11/2019 - 19/10/2027

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John is married to the ever-supportive Beth and father to Frederick, Charles, Wilbur and Felicity, the eldest two of whom are students at St George’s.

John is a long-term advocate for the redefinition of success in business towards something that balances our desire for prosperity with being a force for positive social and environmental change. Senior Advisor to Blueprint for Better Business in its early days, Blueprint being a primary protagonist for the importance of corporate purpose. In 2015, John was UK Founder Member of “B Corp”, now the world’s leading “business as a force for good” movement. He sits on the Investment Committee for Resonance’s multi-award winning impact investment funds and various other finance, land and family office working groups exploring the commercial and philosophical question of stewardship. Once in real estate and corporate finance at Savills Capital Advisors, John holds an MA from Cass Business School and BA (Hons) from University of Nottingham.

LIz Cowan -Vice Chair of Governors; Finance Audit & Facilities: Staff & Students; Environment & Engagement

Name: LIz Cowan

Appointed Governor: Foundation Governor

Vice Chair of Governors; Finance Audit & Facilities: Staff & Students; Environment & Engagement

Appointment date: 01/04/2018

Term of Office: 09/03/2022 - 08/03/2026

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I was elected a Governor in 2018 and have a particular interest in Curriculum and Boarding.  I have lived in Harpenden with my husband John since 1997 and my children were both born here, and have attended St George’s. My son is studying film at Hertfordshire University and my daughter has just finished at St George’s and is now in her first year at the University of St Andrews.

I am a qualified Solicitor and practised in the area of Commercial Property before I had my children.  I have subsequently been involved in several organisations in a voluntary capacity including St Nicholas Church, the Cecil Grant Founder’s Trust and a local Scout group.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing and watching tennis, supporting Arsenal FC, cinema, reading and cooking for family and friends.

Kyle Barry - Staff & Students

Name: Kyle Barry

Appointed Governor: Foundation Governor; Staff & Students

Appointment date: 09/03/2022

Term of Office: 09/03/2022 - 08/03/2026

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Kyle is passionate about learning, and believes it is a life-long process that starts at school and should be nurtured. He has taught in a variety of schools throughout Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire over the last decade, before being appointed as Deputy Headteacher at a local all-through school. In 2016, Kyle was appointed as a Specialist Leader of Education. Through this role, Kyle has led school improvement in a number of schools throughout Hertfordshire, focusing on mathematics curriculum and outcomes.

Kyle has sat on an advisory body for the Chartered College of Teaching and supported the Office for Qualifications and Examinations Regulation in their work to deliver fair and equitable assessment at GCSE and A-Level.

Tim Bull - Staff & Students; Environment & Engagement

Name: Tim Bull

Appointed Governor: Foundation Governor; Staff & Students; Environment & Engagement

Appointment date: 09/03/2022

Term of Office: 09/03/2022 - 08/03/2026

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I became a Governor in 2022 in order to play a more active part in the life of Harpenden. Although having lived here for over 25 years, I became aware I seemed to only know the route from home to the station and the train to London, but not much else!

I am a solicitor and a partner in a City law firm, specialising in litigation.   Married to Julia, I have two sons who have both recently graduated.

My appointment as a governor was my first introduction to St George's. It is a remarkable school, full of remarkable people, and it is my intention to contribute as much to the school as I can.

In my spare time, I enjoy photography, squash (not so much now), badminton (dodgy achilles permitting) and travel.

Bruce Dallas -  Staff & Students; Environment &  Engagement

Name: Bruce Dallas

Appointed Governor: Foundation; Governor Staff & Students; Environment &  Engagement

Appointment date: 09/03/2022

Term of Office: 09/03/2022 - 08/03/2026

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I became a Governor in 2022 to become more involved in my kid’s school, learn about the education sector, and offer my commercial skills to the Governing team. I have a son in Year 11 and a daughter in Year 9.

Professionally, I have lived and worked in various parts of Africa, continental Europe, Asia Pacific, and have now settled in Harpenden. I hold an undergraduate degree in Marketing and Economics, a postgraduate honours degree in Marketing, and a Master’s in Business Administration.

I work for Britvic, a UK based soft drinks business where I am the GB Executive responsible for Marketing, Commercial Strategy & Growth. I have an interest in introversion in the workplace and how this is often undervalued as a key component of stronger teams.

I am an avid follower of a wide array of sports and to keep active I dabble with golf and triathlons. My wife and I share a passion for travel and so can be found dragging our kids off to unfamiliar places whenever we get the chance.

Ross Finlay - Chair of Finance Audit & Facilities

Name: Ross Finlay

Appointed Governor: Foundation Governor; Chair of Finance Audit & Facilities

Appointment date: 09/03/2022

Term of Office: 09/03/2022 - 08/03/2026

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I became a Governor in 2022 in order to give something back to the school which has given my children so much.  I have 2 daughters; Isla, who left in 2022; and Ruby in Year 12. 

A chartered accountant by profession, I currently work as a Finance Director in a Life Sciences business.  The business manufactures, among other things, components for PCR testing and so, like the school, I have had a busy and challenging Covid period!  Prior to that I held various finance roles in a renewable energy business based in Hertfordshire. 

I have lived in Harpenden for 20 years.  I enjoy sports and am an occasional parent helper with the girls’ lacrosse at the school as well as being a keen cyclist and tennis player.

Lyn McCarney Redford - Staff Governor; Environment & Engagement

Name: Lyn McCarney Redford

Appointed Governor: Staff Governor; Environment & Engagement

Appointment date: 19/11/2021

Term of Office: 19/11/2021 - 18/11/2025

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I was appointed staff governor in 2021. I have lived in Harpenden for 44 years and worked in education for the past 20 of those.

I first became part of the St George’s community as a parent 15 years ago, both children have been through to 6th form and have now flown the nest!

I have worked at St Georges for over 4 years as the Pastoral Support Manager. I am also the Mental Health Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

I am passionate about supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.

I like to throw myself into all aspects of St George's life including taking part in DofE and residential trips. I have worked in all three boarding houses, giving me great insight into the life of a boarder.

My interests are walking, talking and laughing!

David McNally - Finance Audit & Facilities: Environment & Engagement

Name: David McNally

Appointed Governor: Foundation Governor;  Finance Audit & Facilities: Environment & Engagement

Appointment date: 09/03/2022

Term of Office: 09/03/2022 - 08/03/2026

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Born, bred and educated in St Albans, David returned to live in Hertfordshire in 2018 along with his wife, and three children after 20 years living and working in London and New York.

As a parent, son of a retired Headteacher and experienced Governor, (having recently served on the board of Ridgeway Academy in Welwyn Garden City) David is passionate about the power of education and is excited about contributing to the legacy of St George’s.

David’s professional career is in Financial Services, and he is currently the Chief Operating Officer of the global Securities Services business at Deutsche Bank. David holds an MA in Law from Cambridge University and was called to the Bar at Middle Temple in 2001.

In his spare time, David is a keen musician, enthusiast cyclist and dog walker to Paddy, a mischievous young cockerpoo.

David Mackay - Finance Audit & Facilities

Name: David Mackay

Appointed Governor: Foundation Governor; Finance Audit & Facilities

Appointment date: 09/03/2022

Term of Office: 09/03/2022 - 08/03/2026

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Originally from Glasgow, David has lived in Hertfordshire for 20 years.  Father to two boys currently attending St George's. 

As a beneficiary of a programme to encourage young people into higher education, David is passionate about the power of education to transform lives and the wider community. 

David's professional career in tax and treasury commenced with a large accounting firm, subsequently working for General Motors and Deutsche Telekom.  He is now Head of Tax & Treasury for the specialist STEM recruitment company, SThree PLC. He holds an MA in Economics from the University of Glasgow and is a Chartered Tax Adviser. 

In his spare time, David likes to keep fit with numerous sports including triathlon, gym, and golf.

Emma Millo - Finance Audit & Facilities: Environment &  Engagement

Name: Emma Millo

Appointed Governor: Foundation Governor; Finance Audit & Facilities: Environment &  Engagement

Appointment date: 09/03/2022

Term of Office: 09/03/2022 - 08/03/2026

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I joined St George's as a Governor in 2022 having worked in secondary education since 2011. I currently live in Hertford with my husband Rob and our 5 year old Marvel fan Freddie!

Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a physiotherapist and was lucky enough to work with the Welsh rugby team, the All Blacks, Essex Cricket Club and at the London 2012 Olympics.

I started my career in education at Felsted school, teaching psychology. I am currently working at Haileybury College in Hertford as a psychology teacher and a Housemistress of a girls' boarding house. I have a particular interest in pastoral care and wellbeing and have recently been selected as the Boarding Schools Association (BSA) Research Fellow for 2022-23, where I will be conducting research into effective pastoral care.

Ben Noakes - Staff & Students

Name: Ben Noakes

Appointed Governor: Foundation Governor; Staff & Students

Appointment date: 09/03/2022

Term of Office: 09/03/2022 - 08/03/2026

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I was appointed a governor in 2022. I have worked in the finance industry my entire career, having been at my current employer GFI since 2001 working in Foreign Exchange Currency Options.

I got married to Helen in 2004 and we have three children Max, Raffy and Mia who all currently attend St George's.

I am extremely passionate about supporting the school and the community in any way I can. I hope my experience and abilities in certain areas can prove useful as a member of the governing body.

For fun I like to play golf , support Saracens and West Ham !

Gboyega Olusoga - Staff & Students; Environment & Engagement

Name: Gboyega Olusoga

Appointed Governor: Foundation Governor; Staff & Students; Environment & Engagement

Appointment date: 09/03/2022

Term of Office: 09/03/2022 - 08/03/2026

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Appointed a Governor in 2022, I consider myself privileged to serve a truly special institution in that capacity.

I am a Business Change and Transformation Consultant with a primary focus on the Financial Services industry. Home is in St Albans with my wife and three sons - for whom I more or less work as a weekend taxi service!

A terrible but enthusiastic golfer; I also enjoy travel and squash (I’m still working my way back to my pre-Covid proficiency).

Clare Rudd - Staff & Students; Environment & Engagement

Name: Clare Rudd

Appointed Governor: Foundation Governor; Chair of Staff & Students; Environment & Engagement

Appointment date: 09/03/2022

Term of Office: 09/03/2022 - 08/03/2026

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I am delighted to have been elected as a Governor of St George’s in 2022. I have two children attending St George’s and live in Flamstead.

Professionally, I have run my own Marketing company since 2010, supporting SMEs & Third-sector organisations. Additionally, I work with an international business networking organisation, supporting others in business. I spent my early career in the Third Sector working with charities in PR, marketing, and fundraising, and in corporate agency marketing, before making the move into the world of being a business owner. I also have a degree in Adult Education.

I am involved in several organisations in a voluntary capacity including trusteeships for the BNI Foundation UK, the Blue Tangerine Federation, and St Leonard’s Church, Flamstead. I also chair the Flamstead Scarecrow Festival.

In my spare time, I enjoy singing and performing with local choirs and Musical Theatre groups. I also love going to the theatre, reading, cookery & travelling.

I decided to become a School Governor because I firmly believe that education has the power to change and improve lives. I am passionate about education which nurtures the whole child and their sense of self and equips them to go out into the world and achieve their personal goals.

Emma Sabato - Staff Governor; Finance Audit & Facilities: Environment & Engagement

Name: Emma Sabato

Appointed Governor: Staff Governor; Finance Audit & Facilities: Environment & Engagement

Appointment date: 19/11/2021

Term of Office: 19/11/2021 - 18/11/2025

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I have taught at St George’s for six years and have loved my time as part of the St George’s family so far. I am currently working as one of the Deputy Directors of Learning for Humanities, but have held various posts in the school, including Subject Specialist for History and Deputy Head of Grant House, and I teach history and politics within the faculty.

I have a degree in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds and completed my PGCE training at the Institute of Education in London, where I met my husband (also a history teacher!). We now have a three year old who is almost certainly destined for a career in education. I love teaching and wouldn’t want to do any other job; I firmly believe that a child’s educational experience helps to shape their future, academically, socially and pastorally. I am also passionate about facilitating opportunities for our young people to become more politically informed.

Outside of work, I enjoy keeping fit and I also love having the time to enjoy a really good book.

Nigel Sellars - Finance Audit & Facilities

Name: Nigel Sellars

Appointed Governor: Foundation Governor; Finance Audit & Facilities

Appointment date: 09/03/2022

Term of Office: 09/03/2022 - 08/03/2026

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I’m married to my ever-supportive wife Jane and proud father to Andrew and Hannah, both currently at primary school. I became a Governor in 2022 in order to give something back to the local community using my professional experience and as I’m passionate about education and have a particular interest in promoting Diversity & Inclusion.

A chartered surveyor by profession, I currently lead and manage a range of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) industry forums across property and valuation related areas, whose function is to provide strategic oversight, monitor market trends/industry issues, shape industry best practice, raise standards and develop policy. This is achieved through extensive collaboration with subject matter experts, industry influencers and public consultation. I’m also involved in the development and maintenance of the technical competencies required to become a Chartered Surveyor and am an assessor for the Chartered Surveyor final assessment interview panel.

Away from work, I hold a non-exec position on the England Hockey Equality, Diversity and Inclusion advisory group, whilst also keeping up my hockey occasionally on the pitch with St. Albans Hockey Club and as a masters international hockey representative.