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Staff and Governors
We are proud to have a team of talented, experienced and enthusiastic staff who inspire Berkhampstead children to achieve remarkable things. With a balanced mix of male and female teachers, we provide a strong and supportive environment that benefits both boys’ and girls’ education.
Our subject specialists draw on a strong knowledge base to teach creatively. Teaching assistants support and bring their diverse talents to make learning memorable and fun.
Effective teaching methods are used to engage pupils’ interest, motivating them to apply themselves well to tasks that are set.
— ISI Report, November 2023
About Our Staff
Parents’ Comments
“The teachers are Berky’s greatest asset.”
“Berkhampstead and the incredibly supportive staff have changed the way my daughter views herself!”
“I am extremely pleased we chose Berky - the change in Jess has been nothing short of monumental.”
I am able to work in a caring and supportive environment where everyone enjoys coming to school every day. It is a job where you capture the ‘light bulb’ moments and encourage each child’s enthusiasm to continue.
— Year 2 teacher
Governors
Our Governing Body is active, engaged, and brings a wealth of expertise in education, business, finance and child development. Their invaluable input shapes strategic planning and provides a positive guiding force for the school.
More than this, they are deeply involved in school life. Our governors know the staff and pupils well, attend events, and join in activities such as singing in choirs, making them an integral part of the Berkhampstead community.
The effective working relationship between governors and leaders supports the school and day nursery to meets its aims.
— ISI Report, November 2023
Staff and Governors
Richard Cross BSc (Hons), PGCE
Executive Director
exechead@berkhampsteadschool.co.uk
Michelle Bareham BA (Hons), PGCE
Head of School
headofschool@berkhampsteadschool.co.uk
Tom Denmead ACA, BSc (Hons)
Bursar
bursar@berkhampsteadschool.co.uk
Zöe Meredith-Smyth Postgraduate Early Years, BA (Hons), PGCE
Head of Early Years & Reception teacher
z.meredith-smyth@berkhampsteadschool.co.uk
Jo Shoukry BSc (Hons), PGCE
Head of Learning Support
learningsupport@berkhampsteadschool.co.uk
Aimee Stephenson BEd (Hons)
Head of Pre-Prep, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Pre-Prep Co-Ordinator & Year 1 teacher
a.stephenson@berkhampsteadschool.co.uk
Laurence Jennings BA (Hons) PGCE
Head of Pastoral Care & Year 4 Form Teacher
l.jennings@berkhampsteadschool.co.uk
Stephen Ackland
Chair of governors
I was born and raised in Plymouth, Devon where I attended Devonport High School. On leaving school I joined the Merchant Navy and rose through the ranks as a Navigating Officer. After 12 years at sea a career change saw me join the Gloucestershire Constabulary where I served until 2010, finishing as an Assistant Chief Constable with responsibility for Specialist Uniformed Operations and Counter Terrorism. I then became a ‘stay at home dad’ to my young son whilst my wife returned to her career. I have a Masters Degree in Management in Public Service and a broad range of experience in budgetary control, operational & strategic planning and Health & Safety. Berky has been part of my life since 2014 as both a parent and as chair of the PTA and I am delighted now to be able to contribute to the future development of this great school as a member of the governing body.
Gill Agg
Safeguarding Governor
I came late to the teaching profession, joining Berkhampstead as an NQT at the ripe old age of 39; 26 years later, I retired but became a Governor in order to support the school I love. Although my degree was in Music, I have wide interests including history, writing and reading, and have been devoted to encouraging the many pupils who have passed through my hands to feel equally interested. For many years, I was a Year 2 class teacher, becoming the Head of Pre-Prep and, later, Head of Pastoral Care and DSL. Latterly, I became Deputy Head; once in this role, I mainly taught Year 3 English. Throughout my time at Berky, I was fully involved with the PTA, starring at Christmas as Santa’s elf! Berkhampstead embodies the ethos in which I believe; it offers a holistic and creative approach to education. It values and includes all pupils and builds their confidence and self-esteem. It is a happy and friendly place to be. I have three grown up children, all of whom benefitted from a Berkhampstead education, and four grandchildren.
James Walton
Education Governor
I was educated at Warwick School and studied Business at the University of Sheffield. After working at Heligan Gardens in Cornwall as Director of Education, a career in teaching beckoned. Having taught at Clifton High School, Cheltenham College and Elizabeth College, Guernsey, I was appointed to the role of Headmaster of Clifton College Preparatory School in 2018. I sit on the IAPS Education Committee and fulfil the role of Boarding Representative for the IAPS Area 4 group. My wife Melanie and I have 2 boys who attend Clifton College.
Diane Cox
Finance Governor
I was born in Cheltenham, attended Pate’s Grammar School and obtained a degree in Molecular Sciences from the University of Warwick. I joined Eagle Star as a Graduate Insurance Trainee whilst also studying for the Institute of Personnel exams. I then returned to Cheltenham to take up a post in Eagle Star HR department where I worked until I had my two children. A few years later, my husband and I set up our own Insurance Broking business which we ran successfully for over twenty years.
Joey Bowden
Governor
I have worked in higher education, at the University of Gloucestershire for over 18 years, in student support and have a post graduate in coaching & mentoring. I have also worked for the last three years for MAPPA, Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements, working alongside many organisations, including the police, social services, probation and prison service, adult social care and others. I have been involved with Berkhampstead since 2014 as a parent, Chair of the PTA for five years, and now as a Governor. My family and I live in Cheltenham and our son, having left Berkhampstead, is now at The King’s School, Gloucester. We enjoy long walks in the beautiful countryside we are blessed with in Gloucestershire, and I am a volunteer at our local archery club, where my son is an active member.
Allan Roberts
Legal Governor
I was born in Southampton and obtained a Law degree before being called to the Bar in 2004. I am an independent Barrister, specialising in employment, discrimination and commercial law. I have developed a successful practice and am ranked in Tier 1 by Legal 500. I am especially passionate about volunteer work and was recently appointed as the South West Regional Representative for ELIPS (a pro bono legal services charity). Before my degree, I was an IT/Business Consultant for Honeywell. My career has given me a wide range of legal, commercial and practical skills which I hope to bring to the Governor’s role. My wife and I moved to Cheltenham in 2007. We enjoy adventures with our two young children, both of whom attend Berkhampstead (currently in Year 2 and 4).
Kate France
Governor
I was born in Lancashire and obtained my teaching degree in Art and Education from the University of Sussex. For the past 20 years, I have worked in the independent sector, and have been actively involved in leadership and management. I am particularly passionate about Early Years education, through my role as a Reception class teacher and Head of a Pre-Prep department from 2011-2022. To experience different settings and gain inspiration, I have travelled to various schools and nurseries both within the UK, Sweden, and Finland. A few years ago, I qualified as a Forest School leader, and enjoyed sharing the wonders of the outdoors with Pre-Prep children. I have only been part of Berky for a short time, but already feel part of this wonderful family!