Governing Body

The trustees (governors) of Hockerill Anglo-European College have responsibility for raising school standards through their three key roles of setting strategic direction, ensuring accountability and acting as a critical friend.

The full governing body meets four times per year, and on further occasions if required.  Most committees of the governing body meet half termly to cover the following areas:

• Quality of Education
• Pastoral and Boarding
• Resources
• Audit & Risk

In addition there are committees for discipline, hearings and exclusions.  Membership of the discipline and hearing can be made up of any three governors (except in some cases staff governors) and membership of the admissions committee is agreed by governors annually. 

Contact: 

01279 658451Email us

 Chair of Governors, c/o Hockerill Anglo-European College, Dunmow Road, Bishop's Stortford, Herts CM23 5HX

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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

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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

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Christopher Dunne
Parent Governor

Chair of Staffing & Resources Committee

I serve as the guardian to two Hockerill day students, one in Year 10 and the other in Year 13. My two daughters were also students at Hockerill. My eldest is currently pursuing a degree in Geography at Durham University, while my youngest is studying Art at Long Road College, Cambridge.

Prior to my early retirement in 2015, I had a fulfilling career as a Senior Foreign Exchange Sales Executive at leading global Investment Banks, including JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley.

In my post-retirement years, I devoted four years to serving as a governor at Howe Green House School in Great Hallingbury.

I later transitioned into a pivotal role as a Series Consultant for Bad Wolf/HBO's critically acclaimed series, 'Industry.' This ground-breaking drama series unfolds in the competitive world of banking in the City of London and provides viewers with a glimpse into the journey of young Ivy League and Oxbridge graduates as they navigate the highs and lows of the finance industry.

Notably, 'Industry' is a significant achievement as it marks the first show commissioned by HBO for a North American audience that is based outside of North America. My contributions aimed to elevate the show's portrayal of the finance world, making it more relatable and informative for viewers.

In my leisure time, I have a passion for skiing, gardening, following North American politics, and indulging in a classic favourite – fish and chips.

Current Term of Office:

1 February 2021 – 31 January 2025

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Dr Robin Saunders
Parent Governor

I became a parent governor in 2019 and have a day student 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 Bishop's Stortford Swimming Club as a parent of two competitive swimmers.

 

Current Term of Office:

21st February 2023 - 20th February 2027

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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

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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. 

Current Term of Office:

1 February 2021 – 31 January 2025

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Anna Gray
Parent Governor

I have one daughter at Hockerill who is currently a Year 11 weekly boarder. 

I am passionate about education and strongly believe that every child has the right to achieve their full potential. I have worked as a primary school teacher, an early year’s 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. Prior to being a governor here I was the vice chair for a local primary school and have sat on other school and charity boards. 

I am fully committed to the journey of each student and seek to ensure they all have the opportunities to reach their aspirations and also to become excellent individuals that make up the local and global community.

In my spare time I am a teacher at a local dance and drama school and enjoy putting on productions, helping backstage with costumes, make-up and hair and supporting the children to put on a great show!

Positions and responsibilities:

Vice Chair of the Staffing and Resources Committee

Link Governor for Humanities

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

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Shamiela Davids

Partnership Governor

It has been one of the great privileges of my lift to have spent two decades of my career in education working at Hockerill. I have been a teacher, held various leadership positions and been a trustee in service of the College. I believe that much of my compatibility with Hockerill's mission and vision come from having lived and worked in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.  My passion always been in developing programmes and projects to promote world-class education.   

I try to be a life-long learner who combines academic expertise with practical experience. I am currently based in Cape Town where I teach up to second year university level; I am equally comfortable working online and face-to-face. I have been fortunate to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures and that has been a key factor in all the projects in which I've been involved. 

Current Term of Office:

24 Jun 2023 to 23 Jun 2027

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Imran Patel

Parent Governor  

With a rich background in senior leadership roles at global technology companies such as Adobe and Salesforce, I bring a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, business development, and innovation to my role as a Parent Governor. I am passionate about leveraging these skills to contribute to the school's growth and curriculum development, ensuring that Hockerill continues to provide an exceptional education for all students, fully embodying the school's cherished values.

My active participation as a business advisor in the Young Enterprise Scheme at the school has reinforced my dedication to supporting student growth and development. I am committed to nurturing the school’s values of critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning, ensuring that every student, including my daughter, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed academically and personally.

While my professional endeavors have shaped me, it is my personal passions that truly define me. My fervor for sports, adventure and travel has fueled my belief in the power of broadening one’s horizons and fostering a deep understanding and empathy for diverse cultures—an ethos that resonates deeply with the global awareness values upheld here at Hockerill.

As a newly elected Trustee, I am deeply committed to furthering Hockerill’s mission to provide an intellectually stimulating, culturally diverse, and globally focused educational environment, in line with the school's cherished values. I am eager to contribute to the ongoing success and advancement of the school, ensuring that Hockerill remains a place where every student's potential is realized, nurturing a community of respect, curiosity, and inclusivity.

 

 

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