Our Governors

The Governors on the Local Academy Council (LAC) at St Alban & St Stephen Catholic Primary School & Nursery play a vital role in supporting the mission and strategic direction of the Catholic Multi Academy Trust (CMAT) at a local level. Rooted in the values and teachings of the Catholic Church, the LAC serves as a key link between the individual academy, its parish community, and the wider Trust. The primary responsibilities of the LAC include:

• Faithful Stewardship and Ethos: Uphold and promote the Catholic identity, values, and mission of the academy, ensuring Gospel principles guide all aspects of school life.
• Advocacy and Ambassadorship: Act as advocates of the Trust’s vision and strategy while serving as ambassadors for the local academy within the Trust, parish and wider community to build partnerships.
• Impact and Accountability: Provide local support and challenge to school leaders by monitoring standards, inclusion, safeguarding, and ensuring effective implementation of Trust policies.

The LAC operates within the governance framework established by All Saints Catholic Academy Trust, with delegated responsibilities defined by the Trust LAC. Through Collaboration, faith, and service, the LAC contributes to the flourishing of each academy as a place of excellence, faith formation, and holistic development.

Our Scheme of Delegation can be found here: http://nationalcollege.com/all-saints-catholic-academy-trust-2/policies/019b934d-7b75-7209-8f67-f531bb0442be

Petty  Lai (Chair of Governors)

Foundation Governor 

Petty joined the Governing Board in 2023.  She lives in the parish of St Albans and St Stephen, and serves as a Minister of the Word and in the parish choir.  Petty has over 20 years of experience in the public sector.

Current Term of office: 1st November 2023 to 31st August 2027
Register of Business Interests:   None to declare
Responsibilities:  Equality

Amanda Mcdonald (Vice Chair of Governors)

Local Authority Governor

Amanda is the Local Authority Governor after serving as a Parent Governor. She has lived in the parish of Ss Alban and St. Stephen since 2013. Amanda has one child who is currently a SSAS pupil. Amanda works for Tesco, in the central food buying teams.

Current Term of office:   20th October 2023 to 19th October 2027
Register of Business Interests:   None to declare
Responsibilities: SEND, Pupil Premium, Staff Wellbeing, School Marketing

Paul Bradley

Foundation Governor

Paul is a parent at our school and has lived in St Albans since 2021. Professionally Paul is a Product Manager with over 15 year’s experience leading technology teams in various industries including banking and travel. Outside work, Paul helps lead a local Beavers group.

Current Term of office: 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2028
Register of Business Interests: None to declare
Responsibilities: Cybersecurity, Mathematics, Health & Safety

Nicola Clancy

Parent Governor

Nicki has 1 child in our school. Professionally, she is a HR Director with over 20 years of HR experience. Nicki enjoys spending time with her family, especially theatre and cinema trips and is a keen reader.

Current Term of office: 27th November 2023 to 26th November 2027
Register of Business Interests: None to declare
Responsibilities: Governor Development, English

Gerry Dolan

Foundation Governor

Gerry was appointed a Foundation Governor in March 2019 by the Westminster Diocese and was formerly the  Chair of Governors. He lives in the parish of St Alban and St. Stephen of which he has been a member since 2018. Gerry is a retired civil servant.  

Current Term of office: 6th November 2025-5th November 2029
Register of Business Interests: None to declare
Responsibilities: Attendance, Risk Register

Elizabeth Earl

Staff Governor

Liz is Staff Governor and also a Teaching Assistant currently working in Year 6. Liz has been a staff member at the school for nearly twenty years.

Current Term of office: 31st January 2024 to 30th January 2028
Register of Business Interests: None to declare

Cecilia Fenech Brincat

Foundation Governor

Cecilia has 2 children in our school and has lived in St Albans for over 10 years. Professionally Cecilia is a Research Manager, leading teams in Universities with responsibilities for research governance, evaluation, facilities and funding. 

Current Term of office: 25th February 2025 to 24th February 2029
Register of Business Interests: None to declare
Responsibilities: Catholic Life, Computing and Science, School website /  Governor Hub compliance 

Tess Hackett

Head of School

Tess is Head of School at St. Alban & St. Stephen Catholic Primary School. She is a highly experienced school leader and teacher working in the education sector for a number of years across London and Hertfordshire. Tess lives with her family in St Albans and enjoys being at the heart of the community through her work in school and in her local church.

Current Term of office: 1st September 2023 onwards
Register of Business Interests: None to declare

Emma Lad

Clerk

Sandra Lavelle-Murphy

Executive Head teacher

Sandra was appointed Executive Head teacher of the school in 2025. She is Head teacher of St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, which is also part of ASCAT.

Current Term of office: 13th June 2025 onwards
Register of Business Interests: None to declare
Committees: Teaching, Learning and Community; Resources

Wilma Mendoca

Foundation Governor

Wilma was appointed as Associate Governor in 2023. She lives in the parish of St Alban and St Stephen and is a Special Education Needs professional who actively participates in Church and other Charity activities, whilst pursuing her passion of Choral singing.

Richard Mills

Foundation Governor

Richard was appointed a Co-opted Governor in October 2019. He lives in the parish of St Alban and St Stephen and has children at the school. He is an actuary by profession. 

Mark Yeadon

Parent Governor

Mark was appointed as a Parent-Governor in 2025. He has one child still at the school while his eldest left year 6 in July 2025. Mark is a business owner and social researcher, working with the public and charitable sectors. 

Governor Meeting Attendance

 Governor Meeting Attendance