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.

    View profile
    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.

    Close profile

  • Jo Storey

    Vice Chair of Governors

    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.

    View profile
    Vice Chair of Governors

    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 Director of Independent School Solutions, which works with schools both within the maintained and independent sectors to ensure both compliance and the delivery of outstanding education for every child from EYFS to Sixth Form.
     
    She was formerly European Education Lead for the Global Schools Group and Principle of its flagship UK school, presiding over double-digit percentage growth in the student roll in 2019-20. She is a previous Headteacher of the Year nominee.

    Close profile

  • 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.

    View profile
    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.

    Close profile

  • 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.

    View profile
    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.

    Close profile

  • 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.

    View profile
    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.

    Close profile

  • Patrick Dunne

    Governor

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

    View profile
    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.

    Close profile

  • 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.

    View profile
    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.

    Close profile

  • 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.

    View profile
    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.

    Close profile

  • 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.

    View profile
    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.

    Close profile

  • 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.

    View profile
    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.

     

    Close profile

  • Joanna Cheffins

    Governor

    Joanna is the Bursar at Wolfson College, Cambridge. She has extensive experience in the legal and charity fields, as well as a deep knowledge of Cambridge as an alumna (Newnham), former Associate Fellow (Clare Hall and Newnham), and through holding a senior position in the University administration for 15 years.

     

    View profile
    Governor

    Joanna Cheffins

    She obtained a law degree at Newnham College and then, after a short stint at the European Commission in Brussels, qualified as a solicitor. She spent a few years in commercial private practice in the UK before moving to Vancouver, Canada, where she re-qualified as a Canadian lawyer and practised in the field of corporate finance.

    She returned to Cambridge in 1998 and began doing legal work for the University, setting up its first in-house group of lawyers. Later she ran the University’s Legal Services Office before acting as interim General Counsel for the Cambridge University Press and working with the University on various strategic projects.

    Close profile

  • Vincent Anandraj

    Governor

    Vincent is an internationally accomplished school leader with more than two decades of senior management experience in schools in the UK state and independent sectors, and in International Schools abroad.

    View profile
    Governor

    Vincent Anandraj

    With a life-long passion for ensuring that all children have equitable access to quality education, Vincent was intrinsically involved in the founding of two highly successful International Schools in the Far East, for whom he secured IB School authorisation and wrote the English Department's syllabus. Well-versed in teaching both the IB Diploma and A-Level curricula, Vincent was an IB and Edexcel examiner.

    He completed his MA at Queen Mary, University of London and runs his own advisory business which currently works with a College in Cambridge on their fundraising strategy. Serving as a NED for a couple of companies, Vincent advises on growth strategies and prepares companies for acquisition.

    Close profile

  • Sister Gemma Simmonds

    Governor

    Gemma Simmonds is a sister of the Congregation of Jesus. She is a Senior Research Fellow at the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology, Cambridge where she is director of the Religious Life Institute, teaching Christian spirituality and pastoral theology...

    View profile
    Governor

    Sister Gemma Simmonds

    Gemma Simmonds is a sister of the Congregation of Jesus. She is a Senior Research Fellow at the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology, Cambridge where she is director of the Religious Life Institute, teaching Christian spirituality and pastoral theology.

    An international speaker and lecturer, she is a simultaneous translator in four languages and an honorary fellow of Durham University, past president of the Catholic Theological Association of Great Britain and chair of trustees of the ecumenical Community of St. Anselm based at Lambeth Palace, London. She lectured in theology at Heythrop College, University of London from 2005 until its closure in 2018.

    Gemma has been a missionary in Brazil, a chaplain in the Universities of Cambridge and London and a chaplaincy volunteer in Holloway Prison for 25 years. She is a regular broadcaster on religious matters on the BBC, Radio Maria England and other radio and television networks.

    Her book, Dancing at the Still Point: Retreat Practices for Busy Lives was published by SPCK in July 2021.

    Close profile