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Our Governors
Welcome to the Governors’ section of our website where you can find out about our school’s governors and the work of the Governing Body.
The Governing Body has a legal responsibility for the overall management of the school and governors are actively involved in school life in many ways . Governors set the school’s vision and strategic aims, monitor and evaluate performance and ensure the school is accountable to those it serves.
End of year statement for the Full Governing Body 2025-26
As we reach the end of another successful academic year, I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Governing Body, to thank our students, staff, families and wider community for their continued support of Marriotts School.
This year has been one of hard work, resilience and achievement. Our students have continued to demonstrate the values that make Marriotts such a special school – showing determination in their learning, supporting one another and making positive contributions both within school and in the wider community.
A particular highlight of the year was our highly successful Ofsted inspection in January. The inspection recognised many of the strengths that we see every day at Marriotts: a strong culture of ambition, positive relationships, effective leadership and a commitment to ensuring that all students are supported to achieve their very best. The outcome reflects the dedication of our staff, the hard work of our students and the support of our families. The Governing Body is immensely proud of what the whole school community has achieved and the positive endorsement this provides of the school's direction and values.
I would also like to pay tribute to our staff, whose professionalism, commitment and care make a real difference to the lives of our young people every day. Their work extends far beyond the classroom and helps create the inclusive, supportive and aspirational environment that our students value so highly.
Throughout the year, the Governing Body has continued to work closely with school leaders, providing both support and constructive challenge to ensure that the school remains focused on delivering excellent outcomes for all pupils. We have been pleased to see continued progress across a range of priorities, including academic achievement, attendance, student wellbeing and personal development.
To our parents and carers, thank you for the vital role you play in supporting your children and our school community. Strong partnerships between home and school are essential to young people's success, and we greatly value your engagement and feedback.
As Chair of Governors, I am particularly proud of the positive culture that exists across Marriotts. It is a school where young people are encouraged to be ambitious, to develop confidence and resilience, and to contribute positively to their community. Having been involved in school governance in Hertfordshire for more than 30 years, and as a parent of former Marriotts students, it remains a privilege to see the difference this school makes to the lives of young people and their families.
To our Year 11 and Sixth Form leavers, I wish you every success as you move on to the next stage of your education, training or employment. We are proud of all that you have achieved and look forward to hearing about your future successes.
Finally, I would like to thank my fellow governors for the time, expertise and dedication they give voluntarily to support the school. Their commitment helps ensure that Marriotts continues to thrive and improve.
I wish everyone a safe, restful and enjoyable summer break, and I look forward to another successful year at Marriotts School in September.
Melany Knowles
Chair of Governors
Marriotts School
The Curriculum and Achievement Committee end of year statement 2025-26
At Marriotts School, governors are committed to ensuring that every student benefits from a broad, ambitious and inclusive curriculum that enables them to achieve well, develop as confident individuals and prepare successfully for their future. Throughout 2025/26, the Curriculum and Attainment Committee has provided close oversight of curriculum quality, student outcomes and the impact of improvement strategies across the school, with detailed scrutiny of progress data and performance projections.
We are pleased to see continued progress in achievement. Several subjects improved on their previous outcomes, while A Level results improved across every key measure, reflecting the strength of the school's sixth-form provision. Outcomes in English and mathematics continue to improve, with clear plans in place to maintain this positive trajectory.
Governors have monitored the progress of Year 11 students carefully, supporting the school's use of targeted intervention strategies including Padlet and the four-step revision strategy, alongside revision programmes and booster sessions to help students achieve their best.
The curriculum remains a significant strength of the school. Governors have reviewed curriculum intent, implementation and impact across all key stages, maintaining a strong focus on ensuring appropriate challenge, high expectations and the reduction of attainment gaps, particularly for boys and disadvantaged students. Ofsted recognised Marriotts' broad and ambitious curriculum, designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed for their next steps in education, employment and training. Personal Development was identified as a particular strength, with a well-planned programme covering financial literacy, equality and diversity, careers education, relationships and sex education, character development and wellbeing. Students also benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities that broaden their experiences and aspirations.
Literacy continues to be a key priority. Governors have been encouraged by the impact of targeted reading interventions, including programmes that have helped some pupils make substantial gains in reading age over a single academic year. Ofsted also recognised the school's strong focus on reading and the support provided to students who need additional help to access the curriculum successfully.
Attendance and behaviour remain areas of close monitoring. Attendance improved to approximately 92% during the year, exceeding national improvement expectations, while persistent absence reduced. Suspension rates remained well below national levels and achievement points increased, reflecting the school's positive and supportive approach to behaviour. The successful implementation of Core Routines, alongside strengthened expectations around uniform and enhanced quality assurance of lessons, has contributed to these improvements. Governors recognise that further work is needed to improve attendance for some groups, including disadvantaged students, students with SEND and looked-after children.
The January 2026 Ofsted inspection confirmed that the school is providing an expected standard of education, with particular strengths in Personal Development and post-16 provision. Governors welcome this recognition, alongside the positive outcomes of the SEA visits conducted throughout the year, while remaining ambitious for further improvement. Our priorities for 2026/27 include continuing to raise GCSE outcomes, improving consistency across subjects, reducing persistent absence and ensuring that every student receives the highest quality educational experience possible. We will continue to support and challenge school leaders to ensure that all students at Marriotts School can aim high, work hard and achieve success.
The Resources Committee end of year statement 2025-26
The Resources Committee has responsibility for overseeing the strategic management of all school resources, including finance, staffing, and premises. The Committee plays a key role in ensuring the effective, efficient, and sustainable use of resources in support of the school's overall vision, priorities, and educational objectives.
During 2025/26, the Committee met once each term to review in depth the following key areas of business and operational management:
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The school's budget and strategic financial planning, including monitoring the three-year budget forecast, maintaining a balanced budget, reviewing financial performance against agreed plans, and identifying and managing any potential risks to the school's financial sustainability.
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Human resource management, including staff absence, wellbeing, recruitment, retention, staffing levels, professional development, and the regular review and updating of HR-related policies.
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Premises and site management, including health and safety compliance across the whole school site, statutory checks and inspections, maintenance, and the planning and implementation of building improvements aligned with the school's strategic priorities. During 2025/26, the Committee approved a number of significant building projects as part of the school's longer-term estates strategy. These projects have been informed by anticipated changes in the student cohort, emerging needs, and the school's strategic priorities for the coming years. The investment will ensure that the school is well positioned to adapt its facilities and learning environment to meet future demand, support the changing needs of students, and provide appropriate, inclusive, and fit-for-purpose spaces.
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Monitoring the use and impact of funding for SEND and disadvantaged pupils, ensuring that funding is used appropriately and provides value for money, while supporting positive outcomes for pupils.
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Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements across all business functions, with policies and procedures reviewed and updated as necessary to reflect current legislation, guidance, and best practice.
Detailed reports on each of these areas are presented at Resources Committee meetings, providing Governors with comprehensive oversight of the school's business and operational functions and enabling informed, strategic decision-making.
The Committee is pleased that the school continues to maintain a balanced three-year budget forecast despite the economic climate and remains confident that the available funding streams are being used appropriately and effectively. The Committee has continued to monitor staffing levels closely and is pleased with the school's ongoing focus on recruitment, retention, staff wellbeing, and ensuring that staffing meets the needs of pupils and the wider school community.
The Committee would like to thank the Headteacher and all staff for their continued commitment to ensuring that the school meets its statutory duties, maintains appropriate levels of compliance, and makes effective use of its resources.
A particular focus during 2025/26 has been the strategic development of the school building. The Committee has approved a number of significant building projects that represent an important investment in the school's future. These projects have been developed in response to projected changes in the student cohort and the needs anticipated over the coming years, ensuring that the school's building and facilities evolve alongside its educational provision. This forward-looking approach will provide greater flexibility and resilience, enabling the school to meet changing demands while continuing to provide a safe, inclusive, accessible, and high-quality environment in which all students can thrive.
What is a governor?
The role of the school governor is demanding but very rewarding and is a good way to give back to the local community.
School governing bodies are responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers good quality education for all students. Together with the Headteacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management, they set the school’s aims and policies.
Key roles of governors:
- To ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
- To hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
- To oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent.
- They also carry out a number of other important duties, which include:
- Determining how the school’s budget is spent.
- The appointing and dismissing of staff.
- Hearing appeals and grievances.
- Forming policy on the school’s curriculum.
- Setting standards for students behaviour.
- Making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe.
- Setting and monitoring the school’s aims and policies.
Who can be a school governor?
You don’t have to have children at the school to be a governor. However, you do have to be over 18, and pass a formal check for your suitability to be within a school. No specific qualifications are required but there are certain expectations. What’s really important is that you have energy, enthusiasm, time and a real desire to help provide children with the best possible education.
Governors come from all sections of the community, and all walks of life. They can be parents, staff at the school, residents in the locality or representatives of local churches or businesses. It is important that you can work as part of a team, and can give commitment to the school.
There are 10 people at Marriotts who make up the governing body. Advice, support and training for the role is given by Hertfordshire County Council. Some governors are elected by parents, some are appointed by the governing body itself and some by the staff of the school. This ensures governing bodies reflect the communities they serve.
Term of office and meetings
The term of office for a school governor is normally four years. There is usually a full governing body meeting once a term (for approximately 2 hours). Most governors find they usually attend meetings or visit a school three or four times each term. You may be invited to special occasions such as assemblies, sports days, plays and presentations.
Members and Terms of Office
Chair of Governors
Mrs Melany Knowles
Vice Chair
Mr Karl Newstead
Headteacher
Ms Bethany Honnor
Chair of Curriculum and Achievement Committee
Mr Karl Newstead
Chair of Resources Committee
Mrs Margaret Luchman
Nominated by Hertfordshire County Council (LA)
Mr Jim Brown
Co-Opted
Mrs Anne Evans (Associate)
Miss Sarah Muncey
Mr Stuart Dunlop
Mr Phil Golding
Elected Parent Governors
Mrs Donna Batten
Mr Salatin Malik
Elected Staff/Non Teacher Governor
Mrs Tanya Haskins
Clerk to Governors
Mrs Tracey Norris
Minutes of Full Governing Body meetings (once agreed) are available to view. If you would like a copy please email the Clerk to Governors, Mrs Tracey Norris, c/o Marriotts School via admin@marriotts.herts.sch.uk
The Chair of Governors and the Clerk to Governors may be written to c/o Marriotts School.
Terms of office:
| NAME | CURRENT TERM |
| Anne Evans (Associate) | 01/09/2023 - 31/05/2027 |
| Shelley Hughes | 01/09/2022 - 07/10/2026 |
| Teresa Killworth | 18/09/2021 - 22/10/2025 |
| Melany Knowles | 18/03/2023 - 17/03/2027 |
| Anne Lloyd | 16/03/2023 - 04/09/2023 |
| Margaret Luchman | 16/03/2023 - 15/03/2027 |
| Karl Newstead | 18/09/2025 - 17/09/2029 |
| Bethany Honnor | 01/09/2012 - |
| Jim Brown | 01/09/2026 - 31/08/2030 |
| Stuart Dunlop | 06/10/2023 – 05/10/2027 |
| Sarah Muncey | 24/11/2025 – 23/11/2029 |
| Tanya Haskins | 01/10/2023 - 01/10/2027 |
| Ben Pearce | 01/09/2019 - 31/08/2027 |
| Caitlin Macrae | 01/01/2022 - 31/08/2027 |
| Steve Basta | 04/11/2025 – 17/04/2026 |
| Mark Street | 12/10/2025 - 07/12/2025 |
Leavers:
| Teresa Killworth | Stepped down 22/10/2025 |
| Mark Street | Stepped down 07/12/2025 |
| Steve Basta | Stepped down 17/04/2026 |
Committees and Memberships
Full Governing Body Committee
- Melany Knowles (Chair)
- Karl Newstead (Vice Chair)
- Beth Honnor (Headteacher)
- Ben Pearce (Associate Member)
- Caitlin Macrae (Associate Member)
- Mandy Bains (Associate Member)
- Kathryn White (Associate Member)
- Jim Brown
- Stuart Dunlop
- Anne Evans (Associate)
- Tanya Haskins
- Margaret Luchman
- Sarah Muncey
- Donna Batten
- Phil Golding
- Salatin Malik
Resources Committee
- Margaret Luchman (Chair)
- Jim Brown (Vice Chair)
- Beth Honnor
- Melany Knowles
- Karl Newstead
- Kathryn White
- Anne Evans
- Stuart Dunlop
- Phil Golding
Curriculum and Achievement Committee
- Beth Honnor
- Caitlin Macrae
- Ben Pearce
- Karl Newstead (Chair)
- Tanya Haskins
- Sarah Muncey
- Melany Knowles
- Donna Batten
Meeting Attendance
Relevant Business Interests
This document includes any other governor roles at other educational settings and any relationships between governors and members of the school staff (to include spouses, partners and relatives)
Pen Portraits
Melany Knowles - Chair of Governors & safeguarding Link Governor
I am proud to serve as the Chair of Governors at Marriotts School, where I also hold the role of Safeguarding Link Governor. With over 30 years of experience as a governor across various schools in Hertfordshire, I bring a deep commitment to supporting young people and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Professionally, I work as a senior leader within Children’s Services, which gives me valuable insight into the wider context of education and child development. My passion for governance stems from a desire to give a voice to those who may not always be heard in the education system.
As a parent to three grown-up sons who all attended Marriotts, I have a personal connection to the school and a strong belief in its values. I find great joy in seeing students supported to exceed their aspirations and become confident, capable individuals
Beth Honnor - Headteacher
I am delighted to be the Headteacher of Marriotts School and am honoured to be able to serve our students and our community. The last ten years of my headship here have been incredibly enjoyable and I am proud of the significant success we have achieved. I believe passionately in the transformative power of education to change students’ lives and our society and will continue to strive to ensure that Marriotts students have the best possible opportunities and leave us not only with the qualifications and knowledge, but also with the qualities and skills they need to lead happy and successful lives. My own education in Yorkshire, then at Cambridge University and the Institute of Education in London, enabled me to achieve my goal of becoming a Headteacher. As a member of the governing body it is my role to ensure that we lead Marriotts School forward so that all of our students can achieve their own dreams and goals.
Stuart Dunlop
I have been involved as a governor at Marriotts since 2019 and enjoy the challenges that come from providing the best education that the school is able to so, and work with a passionate team of professionals that are committed to all of their pupil's success and aspirations. All three of my children have attended Marriotts, and I am very proud to be associated with the school. Professionally, I have worked in Further Education since 2002 and currently work at North Hertfordshire College as a Deputy Head of Curriculum.
Jim Brown
I have been a Marriotts Governor since 1995, my first permanent job was as a science and games teacher in a comprehensive school. I moved to Stevenage in 1992 with more recent job experience in community development and as a policy manager. I was the Mayor of Stevenage during the difficult Covid period. Previously serving for nine years after a gap of one year in May 2022 I was re-elected to Stevenage Borough Council where I serve on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee; Economy and Environment Select Committee and Community Select Committee. I am an assistant coach with Fairlands Valley Spartans running club; a keen cyclist for fun and for transport; and concerned about climate change and the future for young people. Every school should be a good community school.
Sarah Muncey
I have been involved with Marriotts since 2015, having two sons who have now completed their Marriotts journey and a daughter who is still enjoying her education here. I decided to become a governor because I believe that every child is entitled to an exemplary education and their voice should be heard. Upon being appointed in November 2021, I have learned an incredible amount about the running of the school, the commitment from the staff and the passion of our Headteacher. I am enjoying monitoring behaviour and attendance, among my other roles and hope that I can help contribute to keeping the high standards that everyone at Marriotts currently has.
Margaret Lunchman
I am very proud to be a governor at Marriotts school to support all facets of student learning.
I have been a teacher for many years in inner city, London secondary schools, and currently, I am working in Initial Teacher Training with the Department of Education. I am passionate about and committed to enhancing expectations and raising levels of achievement for all learners. I have an inclusive approach to education that emphasises equality of access, achievement and attainment very highly, and celebrates the rich diversity of our society.
I have developed sustainable International partnerships with schools in Hungary and Grenada with the British Council. I am also a governor in a primary school.
Tanya Haskins
I have worked at Marriotts School as a teacher for a total of 18 years and I am proud to serve also as a staff governor. In my role as a staff governor, I represent the views of colleagues and help to ensure staff voice contributes to decision making. I am passionate about student voice, supporting opportunities for students to share their ideas and shape their school experience. I also recognise the importance of parent voice and work on strengthening the link between home and school, ensuring families feel listened to and involved. Through this, along with my teaching and learning responsibilities in school, I work to strengthen the partnership between staff, students and parents, helping Marriotts continue to grow and thrive as a supportive, inclusive and ambitious community.
Donna Batten
I’m extremely proud and excited to embark on my journey as a parent school governor at Marriotts school. I bring passion, determination and innovation to this governor role. I look forward to working with the team at Marriotts, and play a meaningful part in shaping the educational experience of young people.
I currently have a son who attends Marriotts school in year 11, studying GCSE’s.
As a parent and a professional with extensive experience and knowledge supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), I am passionate about contributing to the continued success and strategic development of the school, while ensuring all students are supported to achieve their full potential.
I have both a personal and practical understanding of the challenges families can face navigating education systems, as well as the importance of early intervention, effective communication, and inclusive environments. I would bring this informed parental perspective to governing board discussions in a constructive and balanced way.
I value teamwork, transparency, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, and I am committed to making a positive contribution.
Salatin Malik
I am a board-level IT executive with over 20 years of experience in strategic technology leadership, business transformation, and organisational change. As an accomplished IT Director, I have led large-scale digital transformation programmes, developed long-term technology strategies, and worked closely with executive teams and boards to deliver sustainable organisational improvements.
Throughout my career, I have built a reputation for fostering collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing environments where people work together towards shared goals. I am committed to bringing this same approach to my role as a Parent Governor, supporting the school's leadership team, contributing to effective governance, and helping shape the school's strategic direction for the benefit of every student.
As someone of South Asian heritage, I am fluent in English, Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu. I hope these language skills and my cultural understanding will enable me to engage with and represent the diverse families within our school community, ensuring that a wide range of voices are heard and valued.
Most importantly, I am a proud parent who is passionate about education and committed to helping every child reach their full potential. I look forward to using my professional expertise in strategy, leadership, governance, and stakeholder engagement to support the continued success and development of the school for the benefit of all pupils, staff, and families.
Phil Golding
I joined the governing body because I am passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or individual circumstances.
Professionally, I have over 20 years' experience in finance, business operations, and corporate governance, working with senior leadership teams to improve performance, manage risk, and support organisational development. I bring these skills to my governor role to help provide effective challenge and support to school leaders.
I have a particular interest in SEND and inclusion. As both a governor and a parent of children with additional needs, I understand how important it is that schools create environments where every pupil feels supported, valued, and able to achieve their full potential.
I live locally with my wife and children and care deeply about the role schools play within our communities. Being a governor is a rewarding opportunity to give something back, support educational excellence, and help ensure the school continues to provide outstanding opportunities for all pupils.
Downloads
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| Marriotts Governor attendance record for website 2025 26 |
