Our governors

The Governing Body of St Mary’s School, Cambridge is responsible for determining the aims and overall conduct of the school. 

In conjunction with our Senior Leadership team, the Governing Body sets and reviews the policies, plans and procedures which are designed to ensure the best possible education for present and future pupils of the school.

The Governing Body is responsible for ensuring the proper control of the school’s finances. It is also responsible for ensuring compliance with regulation, with the guidance of the Charity Commission, and with the law, including the Companies Act 2006. As trustees, the Governing Body is also the guardian of the school’s assets.

Our Governing Body comprises volunteers from education, industry and faith organisations.

Mr Stuart Westley serves as Chair of the Governing Body. He can be contacted via Mrs Katy Dix, St Mary's School, Cambridge, Bateman Street, Cambridge, CB2 1LY.

  • Stuart Westley

    Chair of Governors

    After attending Lancaster Royal Grammar School, Stuart read Law at Corpus Christi College, University of Oxford, representing the University at rugby and cricket and achieving a degree.

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    Chair of Governors

    Stuart Westley

    After attending Lancaster Royal Grammar School, Stuart read Law at Corpus Christi College, University of Oxford, representing the University at rugby and cricket and achieving a degree.

    Following a brief spell as a professional cricketer, he taught Mathematics at Framlingham College from 1973 to 1984 where he was also a Housemaster and Director of Studies. He subsequently held the role of Deputy Head at Bristol Cathedral School, Principal at King William's College, Isle of Man, and Master of Haileybury.

    He succeeded Shane Rutter-Jerome as General Secretary of The Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools (AGBIS) in September 2009, before retiring in 2016. He has been a governor of nine schools and is currently Chairman of Governors of a preparatory school in Hertfordshire.

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  • Sister Frances Orchard

    Governor

    Sister Frances is a member of the Congregation of Jesus, Mary Ward’s Foundation, and has been associated with the congregation for most of her life.

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    Governor

    Sister Frances Orchard

    Sister Frances is a member of the Congregation of Jesus, Mary Ward’s Foundation, and has been associated with the congregation for most of her life.

    She attended the University of London and holds an honours degree in History, and a PGCE in History and Religion, teaching both subjects at St Mary’s School, Cambridge for a brief period.

    After serving as Headmistress of St Mary’s Ascot she went on to become General Secretary of the Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference before being elected onto the CJ General Council as Vicar General. During this time she achieved an MA in Catholic School Leadership and took on five school governorships at various times. Sister Frances is currently the Provincial Superior of the CJ in England.

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  • Judy Clements OBE

    Governor

    Judy is the Independent Adjudicator and Chief Executive of the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA).

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    Governor

    Judy Clements OBE

    Judy is the Independent Adjudicator and Chief Executive of the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA).

    The OIA is the independent student complaints ombudsman for higher education in England and Wales. Judy has over 25 years' experience in the public sector, having served as The Adjudicator for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, the Valuation Office Agency and The Insolvency Service; as a Director at the Independent Police Complaints Commission; and as Head of Diversity and Equality at HM Prison Service.

    Judy is a member of the Senior Women in Public Policy network. She is also an independent adviser to Victim Support’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and a governor at two independent schools.

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  • Jeremy Pyne

    Governor

    Jeremy’s career in advertising has dealt with a variety of household brands from consumer goods to those in the automotive industry.

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    Governor

    Jeremy Pyne

    Jeremy’s career in advertising has dealt with a variety of household brands from consumer goods to those in the automotive industry.

    Currently, he is responsible for maintaining effective working relationships with all of his firm’s existing global clients and with a large client service team. He leads on career development and the overall management of talent within the agency.

    A father of two daughters, who have both attended St Mary’s, Jeremy resides with his family in Cambridge and enjoys playing tennis and swimming.

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  • Jo Storey

    Governor

    After graduating from Loughborough University, Jo was initially employed as a Risk Analyst in industry, before becoming a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics and Statistics. Her passion for the wellbeing of young people then drew her to the role of Principal Researcher, working for the National Health Service on a major project, researching drug and alcohol abuse in young people.

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    Governor

    Jo Storey

    After graduating from Loughborough University, Jo was initially employed as a Risk Analyst in industry, before becoming a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics and Statistics. Her passion for the wellbeing of young people then drew her to the role of Principal Researcher, working for the National Health Service on a major project, researching drug and alcohol abuse in young people.

    Jo then became Statistical Advisor to the Royal College of Optometrists and, whilst working at the University of Cambridge, became involved in the development of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for the students. She was accredited with 'Fellowship' status by the Higher Education Academy (HEA) for teaching and learning in 2007 and subsequently returned to full time teaching in secondary education.

    Jo became Head of Mathematics at King Edward VII and Queen Mary school, prior to being employed at New Hall school, a day and boarding school as first Vice Principal (Academic) and subsequently Deputy Principal. In September 2015 she was honoured to be appointed as Head of Thornton College, a day and boarding school. In her first year as Head, Jo helped introduce a Sixth Form, and the College now caters for students from 2.5 to 18 years. Through her various roles, Jo has considerable experience of ‘growing a School’ and is devoted to offering a holistic education, which will equip young people for the challenges of an ever-changing world.

    In 2016 Jo qualified as an ISI inspector. Her understanding of compliance and regulation ensures that no stone is left unturned in her quest to provide for the global needs of every single child. She is currently a Director of Education at Cognita on the UK Executive board, where she is working to improve and inspire the education within schools spanning eight different countries.

    Jo is married to Darryl. They have one daughter, Sinéad, and two dogs; a Bernease Mountain dog and a Bischon Frise, both of which complement their love of the outdoors and all it has to offer

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  • Lucy Johnstone

    Governor

    Lucy is currently Philanthropy Lead for the Royal Society of Chemistry, where she oversees philanthropic giving from the Society’s Members and Fellows.

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    Governor

    Lucy Johnstone

    Lucy is currently Philanthropy Lead for the Royal Society of Chemistry, where she oversees philanthropic giving from the Society’s Members and Fellows.

    With extensive experience in the philanthropy sector, she has worked for organisations spanning the education, research and health fields. Prior to her appointment at the Royal Society of Chemistry, Lucy raised extensive funds for Cambridge Judge Business School from the alumni community for new teaching and lecture spaces.

    Recently she completed an M. St Degree in Social Innovation at Cambridge Judge Business School. Her thesis explored fundraising practices in the Cambridge colleges and the central University, as well as wider themes alluding to organisational identity, culture, heritage and change. She also holds an M. Phil Degree in Social Anthropology from the University of Cambridge and a BA Degree in Geography from the University of Durham.

    An alumna of St Mary’s (1999-2004), Lucy is President of the Pastonian Association and contributes to the Pastonian Magazine. In addition, she is fundraising Trustee for the Red Balloon Learner Centre in Cambridge and also supports fundraising for the Cambridge Samaritans. In her spare time, she enjoys ceilidh dancing, travelling and walking in the countryside.

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  • Michael Ledzion

    Governor

    Born in Switzerland, Michael Ledzion came to school in the UK aged 11 and later moved to Cambridge to study Manufacturing Engineering at Christ’s College.

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    Governor

    Michael Ledzion

    Born in Switzerland, Michael Ledzion came to school in the UK aged 11 and later moved to Cambridge to study Manufacturing Engineering at Christ’s College.

    Throughout his career he has enjoyed a variety of roles in different industries, spanning strategy consulting, online retailing to semi-conductors and technology. He founded/co-founded and led five successful companies which enabled him to work around the world.

    On his return to England he took over Sports for Schools, a social enterprise that inspires kids to be physically active by exposing them to the country’s top Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

    Michael's daughter attended St Mary's School, Cambridge, and his principal contributions to the board of governors are an entrepreneurial business mind and a focus on the physical health of students through sports.

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  • Patrick Dunne

    Governor

    Patrick is a CPA accountant and seasoned CEO with over twenty years’ experience across several industries, including financial services and construction.

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    Governor

    Patrick Dunne

    Patrick is a CPA accountant and seasoned CEO with over twenty years’ experience across several industries, including financial services and construction. He first moved to Newnham, Cambridge from Cork, Ireland in 2008 to run a subsidiary Environmental Services company which he subsequently bought out in 2010.  After several successful years of trading demonstrating leading industry revenue growth, he then sold the business to a FTSE 100 company. Building on this success, Patrick led several business turnaround ventures through strategic investments. Patrick specialises in establishing tailored optimal business models with a focus on applying lean processes, innovative technologies and embedding key strategic partnerships. 

    Patrick lives in Cambridge with his wife Lillian, also an accountant, and four children, including his daughter who has been attending St. Mary’s for over a decade. Patrick enjoys playing football with the Cambridge University Assessment team, visiting National Trust sites and is a keen gardener.

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  • Raymond Burch

    Governor

    Raymond has over 30 years’ experience as a construction cost consultant with extensive experience of both public and private sector schemes with particular emphasis on education, housing, retail, leisure and commercial projects.

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    Governor

    Raymond Burch

    Raymond has over 30 years’ experience as a construction cost consultant with extensive experience of both public and private sector schemes with particular emphasis on education, housing, retail, leisure and commercial projects.

    With the exception of two years spent overseas Raymond has worked in the Cambridge area throughout his career, and he has been at Marstan BDB since 1995 and an equity partner for the past 11 years.

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  • Ronald Haynes

    Governor

    Ronald is a University Computer Officer, at the University of Cambridge, who has had experience within academic Information Communication and Technology in both the US and UK.

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    Governor

    Ronald Haynes

    Ronald is a University Computer Officer, at the University of Cambridge, who has had experience within academic Information Communication and Technology in both the US and UK.

    He currently acts as Relationship Manager for the university’s colleges, as well as having a wider responsibility for the University Information Technology Community as Development Manager. Fundamentally his role involves liaison, strategic and practical consultancy, course development and provision, as well as professional and community development.

    Formerly he had been Head of Theology at St Augustine High School (Texas, US), as well as a computer consultant and journalist with technical writing and editing experience in London and Pittsburgh (US), developing and publishing on the interworking of the main micro systems. He is a Trustee of and presenter for the Eckhart Society, and holds BCS, ACM, Computer Society and IEEE membership.

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  • Sarah Dixon

    Governor

    Sarah is the Safeguarding Governor, having been a Headmistress at two Girls’ Schools Association schools, and a Non-Executive Director in two NHS Trusts.

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    Governor

    Sarah Dixon

    Sarah is the Safeguarding Governor, having been a Headmistress at two Girls’ Schools Association schools, and a Non-Executive Director in two NHS Trusts.

    Sarah's career in the teaching profession included twelve years at Bedford School, culminating in the post of Head of Pastoral Care.

    In 1999 she was appointed Head of Peterborough High School, a girls’ school within the Woodard Corporation. She moved from there to be Head of Northampton High School within the Girls’ Day School Trust in 2007; she retired in August 2015.

    Sarah remains a director of TES Prime and was until recently a non-executive director of two health care trusts. Sarah is married and lives locally, with two adult daughters who live in London. Sarah sits on both our Governance and Education Committees bringing much experience of pastoral care and wellbeing, safe-guarding and boarding to the school’s governance.

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  • Victoria Espley

    Governor

    Victoria is Bursar at Hughes Hall in the University of Cambridge with responsibility for all operational and financial matters within the College (Buildings Maintenance, Accommodation, Catering, Finance, IT and Human Resources).

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    Governor

    Victoria Espley

    Victoria is Bursar at Hughes Hall in the University of Cambridge with responsibility for all operational and financial matters within the College (Buildings Maintenance, Accommodation, Catering, Finance, IT and Human Resources).

    Prior to her career as a Bursar, Victoria was a senior manager for a number of City-based organisations including Swiss Re and GE Capital. Victoria has been a trustee of a number of educational charities including the Church Schools of Cambridge (where she was Treasurer), ACE Nursery School (where she was Chair of Trustees) and St Luke’s Primary School (where she was Chair of Governors).

    She is a graduate in Economics and in Law and holds an Advanced Diploma in Insurance and a Certificate in School Business Management. Victoria has been a St Mary’s parent since 2012 and was previously Chair of St Mary’s Junior School PTA. She is the daughter and granddaughter of St Mary's girls and is proud to be supporting the Mary Ward values.

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  • Robert Meakin

    Governor

    Robert Meakin has over 25 years' experience of advising charities.

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    Governor

    Robert Meakin

    Robert Meakin has over 25 years' experience of advising charities. He was a lawyer at the Charity Commission for five years before entering private practice. He holds a PhD in charity law and an LLM in Canon Law and is the author of “The Law of Charitable Status: Maintenance and Removal” which was referred to in Parliamentary debates and “Charity in the NHS: Policy and Practice”. He has contributed to other books on charity law and frequently contributes to “The Charity Law and Practice Review” and “Law and Justice.”

    Robert has extensive experience in charity law and social enterprises. He has recently been appointed Stone King’s lead partner for Catholic schools.

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  • Jo MacKenzie

    Governor

    Recently retired, Jo has over 30 years working in the education sector, mostly within girls’ schools. In her last headship, Jo was asked to merge the two largest girls’ school in Bedford to form Bedford Girls’ School.

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    Governor

    Jo MacKenzie

    Recently retired, Jo has over 30 years working in the education sector, beginning her career in the Girls’ Day School Trust. Most of her experience has been in teaching in girls’ schools, but she was also one of the first female Heads of Department at Alleyn’s School, Dulwich. In her last headship, Jo was asked to merge the two largest girls’ school in Bedford to form Bedford Girls’ School, now one of the largest and most successful girls’ schools in East Anglia.

    Jo was educated in Australia and has extensive experience of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and introduced the IB’s Primary Years Programme to Bedford Girls School whilst she was Head. She was Chair of the GSA Sports Committee for five years, an ISI inspector, and has recently become a member of the London and East Regional Advisory Board of the ECB to support women and girls’ cricket. Jo also works as an advisory Head for RSAcademics, a company that offers specialist services for the search and selection, coaching and development of school leaders and senior staff.

    Jo has a Masters in Education and Leadership (Dist) and has been asked to mentor many Heads as they start their careers in these senior positions.

     

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