Alex is Chair of the national Association of University Legal Practitioners (AULP) and legal adviser to University Alliance. As Chair of Governors at Beaumont, he was proud to play a leading role in a number of the school’s major projects, including the Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ outcome in 2014 and the completion of the ambitious FAB capital investment project in 2016. Alex was named Outstanding Governor of the Year in 2016 by the Hertfordshire Association of School Governors. Alex studied Modern History at Balliol College, Oxford, and law and legal practice at both Oxford and Oxford Brookes Universities. He lives in St Albans with his wife (a former Beaumont teacher) and son (hopefully shortly a Beaumont student). Louise now sits as a non-executive director on a number of FTSE250 engineering boards; alongside bringing up her twin daughters and undertaking voluntary work as a STEM ambassador and equality and inclusion champion. In 2018 Liz and her husband retired to a beautiful village in the middle of the Peak District where they keep very busy with walking, gardening, travelling and lots more. He is a runner, cyclist and hiker who continues to be fascinated by Maths and Science. On 10th March 2021, Her Majesty The Queen appointed Lionel to the position of High Sheriff of Hertfordshire for the year 2021-22. Lionel is married to Dawn and they have two sons.Who We Are
Meet the Members
Alex Hall
Alex Hall was a governor and trustee of Beaumont School from 2010 to 2022. He is recognised as a leading lawyer in the field of education law and legal practice, and has been Director of Legal & Compliance Services and University Solicitor at the University of Hertfordshire since 2017.Louise Hardy
Louise Hardy is a former Beaumont student. She is a Chartered Civil Engineer who is specialised in delivering nationally significant infrastructure projects. Louise’s most notable career role was as Infrastructure Director for the London 2012 Olympic Park construction, leading the successful completion of £2billion of civil engineering infrastructure, facilitating an amazing Games and regenerating a part of East London. She was named in the FT’s Top 100 Women in Engineering list, 2019.Elizabeth Hitch
Liz Hitch retired as Headteacher from Beaumont School in 2017 after 13 very enjoyable and demanding years, leading the school to an outstanding Ofsted inspection in 2014. Liz is a proud graduate of Aberystwyth University, gaining a BSc (Hons) in Geography followed by a PGCE. She taught in Cambridgeshire and Enfield, and then became Humanities Inspector in Barking and Dagenham. In 2001 she was delighted to be appointed deputy Headteacher at Beaumont School, taking up the role of Headteacher in 2004. She is also a former Ofsted Inspector and former National Leader of Education. John McAlister
John has a strong connection with Beaumont. His three children were all students at the school and he was a Parent Governor for eight years. He has lived locally since 1995 but grew up on Teesside before studying Physics at Durham and the University of British Columbia. After university, he took up a career in management consulting and worked across the oil, pharmaceutical, automotive and government sectors for over twenty-five years. He retired from his London firm in 2014.Lionel Wallace
Lionel is a very proud ex-pupil of Beaumont School, who later qualified as an Aeronautical Engineer, working in the Aviation Industry. He also later graduated in Law from the University of Hertfordshire. Lionel is currently Chief Quality Officer for Lilium. He is a minister, working particularly with Italian Churches in Europe. Lionel is involved in various charity and community organisations, including the Local Scrutiny and Involvement Panel of the Crown Prosecution Service. He is passionate about maximising opportunities for young people.
Having been born and raised in St Albans, Martin went on to study at Kings College London University (KQC) where he gained a 2:1 in Mathematics and went on to gain a PGCE. He trained at Beaumont School and also started his teaching career here. He went on to become Head of Year 7 before moving schools to become Head of Mathematics and then Assistant Headteacher at Sandringham School. Martin was delighted to return to Beaumont as Deputy Headteacher in April 2005 and was appointed Headteacher in September 2017. Martin recently gained the National Professional Qualification for Headship.Meet the Trustees
Martin Atkinson, Headteacher – Trustee (ex officio)
Ian has lived in St Albans for over 20 years and his daughter was a student at Beaumont until 2020. Ian runs his own Organisational Consulting business after a career in HR and Business Transformation across the Media, Banking, Telecomm’s, Technology, and Healthcare sectors. He has a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Occupational Psychology from the Queen’s University of Belfast. Ian is passionate about the opportunities afforded by a great education and is delighted to be able to support Beaumont as a Trustee. In his limited spare time Ian enjoys cooking and watching football (Liverpool) and rugby (Ulster).Ian Johnston – Appointed by the Members, term of office 8/12/21 – 7/12/25 – Chair of Trustees
David has lived most of his life in St Albans. He is married and his three children Joseph, Matthew and Charlotte have all attended Beaumont School. He attended Verulam School before studying Cell Biology at Aberystwyth University and obtaining a PhD at UCL. He is Professor of Cell and Tissue Engineering and Deputy Vice Principal for Research (Enterprise) at Queen Mary University of London. He has a keen interest in Medical Ethics and has served on University and NHS Ethics committees for over 15 years. David is a co-owner and Director of Ladybirds Nursery, based in Highfield Park, St Albans and he is also Director of a University spin-out company Nanoforce Technology Ltd. He is a keen cyclist and is a member of the St Albans Choral Society.David Lee – Appointed by the Members, term of office 12/10/22 – 11/10/26 – Vice-chair of Trustees
Taane, originally from New Zealand, has made St Albans his home for around a decade. He is a Professor of Genomics and Global Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, with academic qualifications in mathematics, computational biology and business. His research focuses on using genomics and AI tools to tackle infectious diseases, while also driving capacity-building initiatives through postgraduate training, international workshops, and science placements for secondary school students. Taane has two children, one of whom currently attends Beaumont School.Taane Clark – Elected by Parents, term of office 6/1/25 – 5/1/29
April was a primary school teacher for five years before returning to a career in communications after starting her family. She is still passionate about education and was a Chair of Governors of a local primary school. April is currently a Communications Manager working for the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors in the City of London and is involved in supporting and promoting philanthropy and education to its members. April has a keen interest in photography, history, and geography, and sings in a local choir.April Cowen – Elected by Parents, term of office 12/6/23 – 11/6/27
April was born in Norfolk and moved to London when she started university. She has lived in St Albans with her husband for the last 20 years, and they have two daughters in Beaumont.
Michele was born and brought up in St Albans. She started her research career in higher education in 1994 and gained her PhD in equality discourses in initial teacher education at the University of Chichester in 1999. Interested in multi-disciplinary work and social justice issues she has researched and published across the fields of education, health and social work. Her research interests include multi-agency working, safeguarding, multimedia communication, and policy analysis. She is married to Nick and they have four sons, all of whom attend or attended Beaumont School.Michele Lloyd – Appointed by the Members, term of office 12/10/22 – 11/10/26
Sahida, born and raised in St Albans, is married, a mother of two secondary school children and an experienced Business Analyst within corporate banking, retail fashion, customer service, education, and IT industries. She has a MSc in Business with Computing from the University of Westminster. Sahida has strong links within the ethnic minority community within St. Albans and is currently working for a global Fintech company that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and equality. She strongly believes that school is a place for developing young minds, enabling both educational and personal growth no matter what background or ethnicity they are from. She is keen to support Beaumont, both students and dedicated staff, in maintaining its high reputation for success and making it an inclusive environment for those from all backgrounds and abilities, encouraging empathy, equality, and highlighting the value of listening to thoseSahida Malik – Co-opted by the Trustees, term of office 18/10/22 – 17/10/26
marginalised.
Matt Maltz is a father of three secondary school children and a partner at a large global accountancy firm advising on real estate investment in the UK and Europe. Matt is a chartered management accountant and chartered tax adviser and studied Economics at Warwick University. He is very appreciative of the education he received in Hertfordshire and is keen to contribute to supporting as a Trustee the current and future generations of pupils at Beaumont. Matt is currently enjoying spending time with kids before they fly the nest and is wondering what the best alternative distraction will be from the travails of being an Arsenal fan when they fly the nest.Matt Maltz – Appointed by the Members, term of office 12/10/22 – 11/10/26
Originally from Birmingham, Dominic has lived in St Albans with his wife for 13 years, and together they have a son in Beaumont and a daughter they look forward to joining the school in years to come. Dominic has a BA in Linguistics from Cambridge University and an MA in International Relations from Warwick University. However, since graduating, he has spent his career in law as a qualified solicitor, specialising in corporate and commercial law. Dominic now heads up his organisation’s legal knowledge function and is responsible for legal education, knowledge dissemination and specialist legal advice. He also sits on the Company Law Committee of the Law Society of England and Wales, as well as the Training Committee of the City of London Law Society, furthering the educational needs of solicitors and working to promote good legislation and practice and the rule of law for both the legal profession and the public. Dominic also sits on his organisation’s disability and wellness network, bringing his experience of living with Crohn’s disease to help colleagues and their friends and family with leading effective and fulfilling lives and careers in the face of long-term health conditions. He is a strong proponent of providing assistance to those enduring chronic conditions and enabling them to achieve their goals. Dominic speaks seven languages to varying degrees of proficiency and has a black belt in taekwondo. He is a strong supporter of music, playing piano and saxophone to grade 8 standard. In his spare time, he also enjoys cycling, skiing, horse-riding, gardening and salsa, as well as following the somewhat variable fortunes of his football team, Aston Villa.Dominic Sedghi – Co-opted by the Trustees, term of office 2/11/23 – 1/11/27
Gillian strongly believes in a broad and rich curriculum for all students and has expertise in special educational needs. She is also involved in the 16th St Albans Scout group and in her limited spare time enjoys reading, catching up with friends and tap dancing.Gillian Shearsby-Fox – Elected by Parents, term of office 18/5/22 – 17/5/26
Gillian has lived in St Albans for the last 10 years but is originally from Stockport, near Manchester. Her son is a student at Beaumont and her daughter will be joining the school soon. Since graduating from Exeter University with a degree in Primary Education specialising in Art with QTS, she has always worked within the education profession. She has taught a range of schools in Cheshire and across North London and in her final teaching post was Deputy Headteacher of a large junior school. She now works as a Primary Maths Adviser for Herts for Learning, a non-for-profit organisation. Most of Gillian’s time is spent in schools working directly with teachers and students, supporting teacher professional development and helping to improve standards and outcomes for students.
Ekaterina Sjostrand is a member of the Bar specialising in corporate and commercial law, both disputes and transactions. In international arbitration, she acts both as counsel and arbitrator. She is the author of numerous publications in her professional field. In addition to her day job, she takes an active part in her daughter’s education and was a class representative at the Parent Forum at her primary school. Ekaterina believes in importance of education and equal opportunity for all members of community. She is keen to support Beaumont School in its mission. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the piano, attending art exhibitions and concerts, and readingEkaterina Sjostrand – Appointed by the Members, term of office 12/10/22 – 11/10/26
Liz Spooner is a Business Psychologist and Executive Coach and has lived in St Albans for 18 years. Her sons attended Beaumont – one having just left sixth form in the summer of 2022 and the other attending sixth form the same year. She has run her own consultancy, Liz Margree & Associates Limited, for 19 years, helping leaders in organisations, nationally and internationally, build high performing teams, navigate complexity and change and develop resilience under pressure. She has a Bsc and Masters in Occupational Psychology, is a member of the British Psychological Society, Association of Coaching, International Society of Coaching Psychology and an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She also runs Growing Minds – a well being programme for young people to nurture healthy thinking habits. Liz is a passionate advocate for the arts and also enjoys running and yoga.Liz Spooner – Elected by Parents, term of office 18/5/22 – 17/5/26
Ian grew up in Derbyshire and relocated to Hertfordshire in later life. He has a degree in Industrial Economics from the University of Nottingham and an MBA from the University of Sheffield. He has two grown up children and two grandsons. In his spare time, Ian follows his home town football team, Chesterfield, walking his spaniel and spending time with family.Ian Winter – Appointed by the Members, term of office 12/10/22 – 11/10/26
Rachel Stringer – Clerk to the Trustees
She has a BA in History from Bristol University and a MPhil in International Relations from Cambridge University. She was Chair of Governors of a primary school for several years and in 2023 received an award for Outstanding Service from the Hertfordshire Association of School Governors. She is also an Educational Consultant with the Schools Team of the Diocese of St Albans.
Rachel is married and has two daughters.
| Name | Category | To |
|---|---|---|
| Carolyn Morris | Community | 17 July 2015 |
| Chris Aikman | Staff | 17 July 2015 |
| Morag McCrorie | Staff | 31 August 2015 |
| Josephine Chu | Community | 14 November 2014 |
| Steve Jump | Staff | 31 August 2015 |
| Kevin Doyle | Parent | 21 November 2014 |
| Natasha Armstrong | Parent | 15 March 2016 |
| Khalid Mirza | Community | 17 March 2016 |
| Natalie Moody | Staff | 11 September 2016 |
| Karen Trounson | Parent | 29 November 2016 |
| Rena Prindiville | Community | 21 July 2017 |
| Elizabeth Hitch | Staff | 31 August 2017 |
| Hannah Henry | Community | 11 September 2017 |
| Catherine Hopkin | Staff | 11 September 2017 |
| Alison Curran | Parent | 11 December 2017 |
| John McAlister | Parent | 16 October 2018 |
| Catherine Davies | Staff | 10 September 2019 |
| Torie Stewart | Staff | 10 September 2019 |
| Brenda Austin | Staff | 12 September 2020 |
| Tim Pugh | Parent | 5 October 2020 |
| Lisanne Sherwood | Community Governor | 9 November 2020 |
| Anna Battaglia-Geymonat | Parent | 29 November 2020 |
| Stephen Edbury | Staff | 25 February 2021 |
| Andrew Gray | Staff | 25 February 2021 |
| Catherine Hopkin | Staff | 25 February 2021 |
| Jonathan Mountstevens | Staff | 25 February 2021 |
| Yvonne Powdrell | Staff | 25 February 2021 |
| Alison Wallis | Trustee | 21 July 2021 |
| Simone Kilka Green | Trustee | 6 September 2021 |
| Gary Kellett | Trustee | 15 February 2022 |
| Ronnie Davidson | Trustee | 12 June 2022 |
| Alex Hall | Chair of Trustees | 31 August 2022 |
| Mike Cameron | Trustee | 31 August 2022 |
| Peter Mayne | Trustee | 25 January 2024 |
