Governance and Academy Documents

John Stenhouse
Partnership Governor
Chair of Governors

One of the great things about being a parent is that you can continue to grow and learn with your children. Both my sons went to Hockerill, and I had the privilege of being a part of their journeys from years 7 to 13. I am continually impressed by the dedication and professionalism of all the staff, and how the experience of being a pupil at Hockerill creates aspiring, creative, global citizens that I am sure will pass on these values to their kids. When asked to be a Governor, it was a very simple decision. I believe in Hockerill and want to support and be part of the future development of this great school.

I have lived and worked in the US, Belgium, The Netherlands and the UK. My area of expertise are Information Technology, new business start-ups and M&A. I live in the village of Henham, and am a keen supporter of Bishops Stortford RFC as well as an appalling pianist.

Current Term of Office:

1st September 2021-31st August 2025

Stephen Beach
Partnership Governor
Vice Chair of Governors

I joined the Hockerill Governing Body as a Parent Governor in 2005 and in 2013 I became a Partnership Governor. Over the years I have been a member of the Student/Staff Committee, Health & Safety, Finance and Curriculum Committees and Acted as Chair of the former Premises Committee. After working in banking operations in places as diverse as the Cayman Islands and Stockholm, I transferred to the education sector , most recently (before retirement) as the Bursar at a large secondary school in East London. I have lived in Bishop's Stortford for over 35 years and am a member of the Bishop's Stortford Baptist Church. A keen allotment holder, I am on the committee of the Much Hadham Horticultural Society.

Current Term of Office:

28th February 2021 - 27th February 2025

Shamiela Davids
Staff Governor

I am a Staff Governor: at the College, I am Director of Innovation, responsible for the Leadership.

The role includes setting up partnerships with other educational institutions, overseeing educational projects and developing our work with UNESCO.

I was inspired to consider the role because of my interest in student development and organisational development.

I have worked in Europe and the Middle East and I am committed to using my experience to enrich the educational experience of the students.

Current Term of Office:

14th January 2019 - 13th January 2023

Jane Dewhurst
Staff Governor

I am a Staff Governor: at the College as well as the Examinations Officer, Boarding Tutor in Durham Boarding House & have recently joined the College's Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

My 3 children were students at the college, all successfully completing the IB. It was during their time at the college that I grew to understand the significance of the MYP and IB programmes and very much wanted to contribute to the continuing ethos of Hockerill.

In my spare time I look after my 4 dogs (challenging), attempt yoga classes and of course support West Ham !

Current Term of Office:

14th January 2019 - 13th January 2023

Christopher Dunne
Parent Governor

I am guardian and parent to four Hockerill day students ranging from Year 7 to Year 12.

Before taking early retirement in 2015, I was a Senior Foreign Exchange Sales Executive working at leading global Investment Banks, including JPMorgan & Morgan Stanley. 

Since retiring, I joined the board of governors at Howe Green House School and am currently Deputy Chair of the Finance & Premises Committee.

More recently, I worked as a script advisor/series consultant for Bad Wolf Productions on ‘Industry' an eight-part drama series commissioned by HBO about the world of Investment Banking. This was the first show HBO commissioned outside of North America for the North American audience. It premiered on BBC2 on 10 November 2020.

In my spare time, I enjoy skiing, gardening, American politics and fish & chips.

Current Term of Office:

1 February 2021 – 31 January 2025

Marie Roberts
Community Governor

I joined the Governing Body in March 2018 and am the link Governor for Maths, SEN, Pupil Premium and Looked After Children. I believe that education is the engine that drives social mobility and  want to help our wonderful school to continue to deliver the best  outcomes for all of our students. I have also served as a Governor at Little Hallingbury School and have worked in a number of local primaries, including as part of my PGCE, which I obtained in 2017. 

I have had a varied career, working as a Management Consultant for twelve years and a Financial Services Regulator for eleven. After over 10 years of working in education, I have recently returned to Regulation, working in consumer policy at the FCA. 

I was Chair of Hockerill Parents and Friends from 2017 to early 2019. 

In my spare time, I enjoy swimming, cooking and quiz nights. 

Current Term of Office:

17th March 2022 - 16th March 2026

Dr Robin Saunders
Parent Governor

I became a parent governor in 2019 and have two day student children at Hockerill.  I was previously a parent governor at Richard Whitington and Manor Fields primary schools.

Professionally, I am a co-founder of a Building Engineering and Sustainability consultancy in town where we measure our success by the improvements we make to the overall efficiency and sustainability of buildings. I gained a degree in Civil Engineering at Southampton University and then was awarded my PhD following my research on the interaction between flow and sediments around shipwrecks.

At home I specialise in the "Sunday Roast" and walking it off. I also enjoy an active involvement with Bishops Stortford Swimming Club as a parent of two competitive swimmers.

Current Term of Office:

21st February 2023 - 20th February 2027

Ms Dineke Spackman
Community Governor

Four years ago, I was the Vice Principal at Hockerill Anglo-European College and, having recently returned to the area, I am looking forward to renewing my links with this fabulous school. 

I started teaching at The Leventhorpe School and then moved to Moulsham High School. I then became a freelance educational consultant, before being employed as the Mathematics Adviser to the Secondary Schools in Barking and Dagenham. I also worked as a National Strategy Consultant. Following this, I served as the Deputy Head of Bentfield Primary School before joining Hockerill Anglo-European College. Most recently, I was the Head of Secondary at British School Jakarta, Indonesia.

I live in Saffron Walden, on a smallholding, with my family and other animals.

Current Term of Office:

26 May 2021 - 25 May 2025

Chris Wall
Partnership Governor

My two children both attended Hockerill as day students. During their time at the College, I was one of the founder Members of the Hockerill Parents and Friends (HPF) Committee. I was delighted to become a Community Governor recently and have the opportunity to ‘give back’ to the College, for the wonderful education and experiences my children received as pupils. 

I have lived in Bishop’s Stortford for 20 years and my work background is comprised of many years in the Financial markets, in varying roles at differing sized companies. I am currently a Head of Market Surveillance. 

I look forward to becoming an active Governor, supporter and contributor to the ongoing development of the College. 

In my spare time I have a passion for sport, the Outdoors and hold a TESOL qualification. 

Current Term of Office:

9th September 2019 – 8^th September 2023

Jonathan Williams
Partnership Governor

Hockerill College played a huge role in the life of our family over the twelve years that our son (now a pilot in the RAF) and daughter (now working for an equine veterinary professional body) were students. Thereafter I maintained my involvement with the College through the Hockerill Parents and Friends, assisting at Open Days and other activities and before deciding to take a step further and become a Community Governor.

I am a chartered shipbroker and have spent my entire working life in the maritime sector. I now run an international membership organisation covering 63 countries and more than 30 languages, so in many ways it is just like Hockerill - only bigger! I have been fortunate to have spent many years in the international, multi-lingual and multicultural industry that is world shipping and this convinced me many years ago of the importance of the outwardly focussed global mindset that is so deeply embodied in Hockerill’s core ethos. I enjoy contributing to the work of the Governing Body and by so doing ensuring that the College maintains its excellent and well-deserved reputation for academic, pastoral and boarding excellence.

Positions & Committee Membership:

Member of Curriculum Committee
Vice Chair of Pastoral & Boarding Committee

Member of Curriculum Committee Member of Steering Committee
Link Governor for Boarding

Current Term of Office:

2nd October 2021 - 1st October 2025

Dr Debra Williams-Gualandi
Parent Governor

I have just recently joined the Hockerill Board as Parent Governor and am looking forward to contributing to the College and to the Hockerill community. I have a daughter who is currently a boarder in Year 13. 

I am a lecturer and researcher at NHL Stenden University in The Netherlands, in the area of international education and teacher development. Before that, I worked for many years as Director and Principal of the International School of Florence. 

I also produce organic wine and olive oil on our small family farm in Tuscany. 

Positions & Committee Membership:

to be confirmed shortly
 

Current Term of Office:
1 February 2021 – 31 January 2025

David Woods
Principal

The Principal is de facto a governor of the College, sitting on the Board of Governors (Trustees) and all committees.

Erika Payne
Parent Governor

I have recently joined as a parent governor. I have two sons at Hockerill, in Year 8 and in Year 11. Both are day students. 

I am an educational psychologist with a particular interest in the intersection of health and education services. I have a focus on evidence-based practice, drawing on 20 years of teaching in international schools prior to training as an educational psychologist. I am a strong supporter of the IB programme and chose Hockerill for my children specifically for this reason. As a European parent living in the UK in these turbulent times, it is of utmost importance to me to maintain the European spirit of the College. 

In my freetime, I run, ski and I am an avid reader. I have been a member of the Hockerill Parent Reading Group for over four years. 

Current Term of Office:
10th December 2021 - 9th December 2025

Anna Gray
Parent Governor

I have a daughter who is a weekly boarder. I am passionate about education and strongly believe that every child has the right to be the best they can be and achieve their full potential. I have worked as a primary school teacher, an early years consultant, a speech and language project manager and now have a position in the Special Educational Needs Department of Thurrock Council. This experience of working with children from varying backgrounds has given me an insight into the challenges faced by families and schools in trying to meet their needs. I am fully committed to the journey of each student and seek to ensure they all have the best possible all round education at Hockerill to become excellent individuals that make up the local and global community.

Current Term of Office:
10th December 2021 - 9th December 2025