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

Pen portrait:

John is married to the ever-supportive Beth and father to Frederick, Charles, Wilbur and Felicity, all 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.

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

Pen portrait:

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.

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

Pen Portrait:

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.

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

Pen portrait:

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 who both went to St George's School.  

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 over 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.

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

Pen portrait:

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, enthusiastic cyclist and dog walker to Paddy, a mischievous cockerpoo.

Name: Ben Noakes

Appointed Governor: Foundation Governor; Staff & Students

Appointment date: 09/03/2022

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

Pen portrait:

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, 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!

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

Pen portrait:

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).

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

Pen portrait:

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.

Name: Nigel Sellars

Appointed Governor: Foundation Governor; Finance Audit & Facilities

Appointment date: 09/03/2022

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

Pen portrait:

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 have previously held 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.