Ben Hodson (Chair of Governors)
Having lived all his life in the region, he worked as a teacher in schools in Welwyn Garden City and then Stevenage, where later he became a Deputy Head of a primary school. Having had a successful career up to this point, he took a Headship in a school which OFSTED had put into Special Measures. After 2 years the school moved straight to GOOD in all areas and less than 18 months later the school achieved EXCELLENT in its church school inspection (SIAMS). He is highly passionate about ensuring that all children achieve well at school to enable them to thrive and experience life in all its fullness. For him, the primary phase of a child’s education is most important in laying down secure foundation stones for a successful and fulfilling future. With his extensive experience, he wishes to support the strategic direction of St. Mary’s Infants; leading the Governing Body and providing support and challenge to both senior and middle leaders in school.
Louise Rigby
Louise has been a Parent Governor since April 2019. Louise lives in Baldock with her husband and daughter, who attends St Mary’s Infants School. Louise has an English Language and Communications degree from Cardiff University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Careers Guidance from the University of East London. Louise has worked for number of different Local Government children’s services for the past fourteen years. She currently works for Hertfordshire County Council supporting schools to achieve a Quality Standard in their careers education, information, and advice and guidance provision. In her spare time Louise enjoys keeping fit.
Marian Cowdrey
Originally trained as a Middle School teacher with a qualification in teaching children with SEN in mainstream schools, Marian has taught modern foreign languages for over 25 years. She has also taught French to children at Key Stages 1 and 2 as a link teacher to local feeder schools. Marian is an active member of the congregation of St Mary’s Parish Church, Baldock and her grandchildren have gained a great deal from their attendance at St Mary’s Infants School. As a governor she hopes to help other families enjoy the same positive experience.
Laura Higgins
Laura lives in Baldock and works as a part-time school teacher with a specialism in Spanish and French in a nearby secondary school. Before training as a teacher, Laura worked in the management and administration of education and health projects in Africa and Asia, but wanted to have a family and therefore came back to the UK. Laura is now on the resources committee at St Mary’s Infant School, but being a languages teacher, she also takes an interest in the school’s phonics program! She is also a member of St Mary’s Baldock congregation and helps with the fun stuff: Junior & Messy Church and the church’s bee garden!
Kayleigh McGrath
Kayleigh has been a part of the St. Mary’s Senior Leadership Team since September 2023 as Assistant Headteacher. Originally from London with a proud Irish heritage, Kayleigh has recently returned from teaching abroad having taught and led in British curriculum schools in both Spain and Dubai where she lived with her two sons. She has experience teaching across the primary phase, but her passion lies with developing lifelong learners in EYFS and KS1. She brings high energy, positivity, and places focus upon building strong relationships with all within the community to ensure EVERY child has the best possible opportunity to flourish. Acting and dancing have always been a passion of hers- this has influenced her pedagogical approach being that of active learning and high engagement lessons with a bucket load of fun! She has high expectations for all especially that of herself and is always seeking out ways to improve standards for the children.
Aileen Barry
Aileen Barry has always felt that the education of children is vital for all our futures. She was a volunteer in the scouting movement for over 30 years. She retired from the tax/accountancy profession 10 years ago and moved to Baldock from London, to be close to her son and growing family.
Michael Day
I have been a Parent Governor since December 2022. I grew up in North Herts and then moved away for a few years. I am married with 3 children and am a stay at home Dad. I became a governor, so I can actively be involved in helping and supporting the school in which on of my children goes to.