Pen Portraits

Melany Knowles - Chair of Governors

I have been a governor for nearly 30 years in various schools in Stevenage. I have been involved with Marriotts for nearly 20 years and the Chair of Governors for over 10 years. I have had three children who have benefitted from the Marriotts experience and I’m so proud to be part of the Marriotts family.

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 a governor at a local primary school since September 2009 and parent governor at Marriott’s since September 2019. Most recently I become Chair of Governors at the primary school and enjoy the challenges that come from both of these different environments in providing the best education that they can. Professionally, I have worked in Further Education since since 2002, and currently work at North Hertfordshire College.

Anne Lloyd

It has been a pleasure, as a governor at Marriott for several years, to have been involved with the growth, development and improvement of the school.

I have experience as a teacher in Hertfordshire schools and as a manager in a London Education Authority. I am an accredited National Leader of Governance and, in this role, have provided support to governing bodies in a range of different schools.

I have a particular interest in special educational needs, having been Chair of Governors at a special school. I am delighted to see how well Marriotts caters for all children, whatever their needs, skills and abilities, including those who face challenges to their learning.

Jordan Lawrence

As Head of Maths at Marriotts, I have been passionate about teaching and education from a young age. I have previously worked as a Maths and English tutor for a private company for students ranging from the age of 5 to 18, volunteered for a Maths and Physics outreach program who ran extra-curricular activities in Schools in Brighton and I have co-founded a charity which teaches Drama and Dance to young people. I am extremely thankful for being given this opportunity when my colleagues elected me as Staff Governor. The thing I enjoy most about being a governor is having a different perspective and a new way to ensure that all the students at Marriotts have a positive environment to learn in and ensuring they all go on to achieve their best.

Jim Brown

I have been a Marriotts Governor for several years, 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.

Glen White

"Having been newly introduced as a School Governor, I look forward to the different challenges and interests that this role can fulfil. I have had the opportunities to fulfil teaching roles throughout my career in different capacities, allowing a better understanding of what is required for developing students. I currently work for an Airline having been used in the training department to help colleagues progress through their careers, which allows me to utilise those skills learnt within an academic environment."