Dorothy Abel Smith MBE

Dorothy is a long-serving governor.  She is interested in the early years of education, writing a short history 'Abel Smith School' in 1998.  She has always lived near Hertford and seen many changes in the town's schools and educational systems.  She supported retaining the original c19th building as an integral part of the School and the formation of Churchfields Children Centre and more recently the Pre-School.  She strongly believes that every child should have the opportunity to receive a broad education from an early age.

Louis is a School Manager at Cambridge University. Having started his career at Abel Smith in 2010, Louis went on to teach internationally for 8 years, during which time he worked as a lead teacher and school development manager across Key Stages 1 & 2. Now located back in the UK, Louis was keen to reconnect with the school that gave him his start in the field of education and seeks to support Abel Smith in continuing its development. His experience in curriculum mapping and design underpins his role as Curriculum Link Governor, where he supports curriculum changes across the school, ensuring they are coherent, progressive and tailored to the needs of all learners. He works closely with teaching staff to review and refine schemes of work, monitor the implementation of new initiatives and help embed best practice across all year groups.

Anna Cockley

Anna is a Staff Governor and therefore represents the staff body on the governing board. Anna is the deputy head and in addition to this Anna teaches in year 6. Anna supports the headteacher in many elements of the management of the school, such as safeguarding, looked after children and mentoring of new teachers and student teachers. In addition to her role as deputy, Anna works as a mastery specialist for the NCETM. 

Bob Deering

Bob is a commercial solicitor by profession and the Hertfordshire County Councillor for the Division in which Abel Smith school is located. Bob had a great start at his own primary school and wants to help Abel Smith deliver the best opportunities possible to the children of Hertford.

Louise Gibbons

Louise has been working in primary and secondary schools, as well as alternative provisions, for the past 8 years.  Louise’s depth and breadth of experience allows her to provide support with challenge, offer new ideas for the future and offer advice when needed.  Louise is employed by a Local Authority and works with the most challenging children who are missing a large portion of their education.  Louise believes that regardless of background, race, wealth or special needs you can achieve in our own unique way in life from the knowledge you have been taught in school.  She really enjoys seeing how education make a difference to children’s lives.

Nicola Law

Nicola is an Ex-Officio member of the governing body. Her role as Headteacher gives her the right to sit as a serving governor. In addition to her role as Headteacher, Nicola is also the Early Years Leader.  Nicola has experience teaching across the primary phase and has previously led a range of different subjects. She was the SENCO for 4 years prior to taking on the Early Years leadership. She is passionate about ensuring our youngest children have the very best start to their education. 

Alison Mahoney

Philippa is a chartered surveyor with both private and public sector experience. She also has a policy background researching the delivery of public services. She is a long-time resident of Hertford and wants to support her local community by being an Abel Smith school governor.

Maddie Waller

Maddie has been a school governor for many years and has been involved in school improvement and resources across all year groups.  She believes that every child should have access to the highest quality education, combined with a clear commitment to wellbeing, and that good schools make a big difference to a lifetime of learning.   Both of her children attended Abel Smith and benefitted hugely from their time at the school.  Maddie is also a Trustee at Presdales School.  Her background is in event management where she spent over 25 years working in the pharmaceutical industry.    

Emily White

Emily is a Chartered Surveyor currently working for a London council but had a number of years’ experience managing the Hertfordshire County Council property estate.  She is a Hertford resident with 2 sons who attended Bengeo Primary and Simon Balle Secondary School.  She is committed to supporting the wider community and helping Abel Smith offer children outstanding support and a great start to their lifelong learning.