Lucy Parr, PCC Foundation Governor, Chair of Governors
I was delighted to be appointed Governor in February 2020, having previously been involved for 12 years at the school as a parent, volunteer and on the PTA, latterly as Chair. I was elected as Chair of Governors in October 2023. 

We have lived in Harpenden since 2000 and our three children all enjoyed their years at St Nicholas. I have always been involved in the life of St Nicholas Church, previously serving on the PCC, and helping run the Simply Worship children’s service, Toddler Time and the 9.30 Crèche and Sunday Club. My background is in Marketing and PR and I worked at the NSPCC before having children. As well enjoying other local voluntary roles, I love playing tennis and walking our Cockerpoo, Holly. 

 

Hannah Draeger, Local Authority Governor, Vice Chair of Governors
I was elected as a parent Governor in October 2019 and moved to becoming the Local Authority appointed Governor in October 2023 to give the opportunity for a new parent governor to join the Governing Body. I am a former pupil and my three boys are or have been pupils at the school. I live locally and am a Doctor by profession. 

 

Rizelle Crouch, Headteacher Governor
I was appointed as the Headteacher of St. Nicholas Primary School in 2016, having previously been the deputy Headteacher for 5 years. During my teaching career of many years in primary education, I have gained a very broad range of primary teaching experience ranging from Nursery to Year 6. 

The work of the governing body is crucial to the management and organisation of the school. I am fortunate to have a team of committed governors, who represent the church, diocese, local authority, parents and staff. I believe that Governors play a vital role in supporting and challenging the school in order to achieve the best outcomes for all members of the school community.

 

Natalie Pepper, Co-opted Governor
I was elected as a Parent Governor in 2021. My husband and I moved to Harpenden in 2015 with our two children, the younger of whom is at the school. My professional background is in Marketing.

 

Henry Loweth, Diocesan Foundation Governor
I was appointed as a Governor in April 2015. My wife and I have lived in Harpenden since 1986 and have attended St Nicholas Church during that time. We have two adult children, who both went to schools in Harpenden and St Albans.

I am a member of the Governing Body and the Resources Committee, and I chair the Admissions Committee.

 

Mary Jean Pritchard, PCC Foundation Governor
I was pleased to have been appointed a Governor of St Nicholas School in November 2022. 

I moved to Harpenden in 1996 with my husband and two children, both of whom attended primary and secondary schools in Harpenden and are now grown up. I originally trained as a teacher and worked in a small Church of England primary school for a few years before changing course and beginning a career in publishing.  I worked for several voluntary organisations and a small publishing house until I retired in 2019 and also trained as an executive coach. Since retiring, I look after my grandchildren for part of the week.

I am a member of St John’s Church, Harpenden and have served in the choir, on the PCC and as a churchwarden.

 

Marie Price, PCC Foundation Governor
I became a Governor at St Nicholas in October 2023, representing the Parish Church Council.  I am Director of Music for the Parish of Harpenden and a Primary School Teacher (Head of Music at St Hilda’s Harpenden) having been a class teacher in years 3-6, Subject lead for Music, IT, Science and Special Needs at different times.   I have three grown up children who are all musicians and have all taught music – two of them currently teach as their main job – and the eldest is also married to a music teacher. 

I have taught in church schools and my children attended the Abbey Primary in St Albans where I also taught for 12 years and where my husband, Tony, was a foundation governor.  He is a Business Analyst who also sings in St Albans Cathedral Choir.  I am looking forward to building links between the school and church and helping in any way I can.  

 

Austin Finnegan, Parent Governor
In October 2023 I joined the school's Board of Governors to actively contribute to the school's ongoing success and the well-being of its students. Our daughter, whose experience has been excellent to date, is currently in Year One. My professional background is in financial risk management.

 

Sara Longden, Diocesan Foundation Governor
I am a Foundation Governor, appointed in January 2025 and assigned to the Resources Committee. I have lived in Harpenden since 2006, and two of my sons attended St Nicholas School. I was actively involved with the school PTA and elected Chair in my final year as a parent of the school until July 2024. 

I have volunteered at St Nicholas Church since 2011, including leading the Sunday Club and teaching primary school children at the 9.30 service for many years. 

I am a criminal defence lawyer by profession and currently a practising solicitor in London. Whilst raising young children for seven years, I was the Parish Administrator and PCC Secretary for the Parish of Harpenden. 

 

Rebecca Paradine, Parent Governor
I was pleased to be appointed as a Governor in 2025 and hope to use my experience in communications, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning to make a positive contribution to the school. I run a strategic communications consultancy in the City, supporting organisations with clear messaging, reputation management and good governance.

As a parent of two boys, one of whom joined the school in 2025, I am passionate about ensuring that every child feels confident, supported and encouraged to achieve their best. When not busy with the boys or at work, I am a keen runner and can often be found in the parks of Harpenden trying to keep up with our Cavapoo, Poppy.

 

Barbara Rodel, PCC Foundation Governor
I became a Foundation Governor in February 2026, having retired as a primary school headteacher and moved to Harpenden in July 2024 with my husband, a Church of England priest. He now works for the Diocese of St Albans and as an Associate in the Parish of Harpenden, where I now attend church.

We have three grown-up children, all of whom attended Church of England primary schools and benefited from a wonderful church school education. I have worked as a teacher in various roles in primary schools across the country over the last 35 years and bring experience of governance from a variety of educational settings.

As a committed Christian, I am passionate about church school education and how the school's Vision & Values permeate through everything undertaken in school. I am therefore looking forward to being the link governor for RE & Collective Worship and serving on the School Effectiveness Committee. I have missed school life since retiring and am enjoying the opportunity to serve as a governor at St Nicholas School.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, singing, entertaining, theatre and films.

 

Patrick Moriarty, Rector of Parish of Harpenden (St Nicholas), Ex Officio Foundation Governor
I have been the Rector of Harpenden since March 2025, after a 35-year career in education. For 12 years I was Headteacher at JCoSS, the UK's only pluralist Jewish Secondary School. Previously I worked as a teacher of Religion & Philosophy, and then as a Senior Leader in a range of schools in North London and Hertfordshire. I also work as a consultant, helping develop schools and build future leaders.

As a seasoned Governor in both primary and secondary sectors, including stints as Chair and Vice-Chair, I am committed to excellence and inclusion in education. I have experience in the leadership of SEND, university entrance and employment-focused education, and am keen to show that these areas are not mutually exclusive! I am also a Trustee of a small multi-Academy Trust in Hertfordshire.

I have particular knowledge of faith-based schools which embrace the whole community, and am drawn to all schools which combine respect for different values with strong values of their own.

 

Anna Cherniaeva, Staff Governor
I am pleased to be appointed as Staff Governor at St Nicholas School, a role I first took on in 2023. I am a Year 4-5 class teacher and the Pastoral Lead, overseeing whole-school behaviour as well as student and staff wellbeing. I am also a post-doctoral researcher at Lancaster University, with research interests in cognitive science and linguistics. My current work focuses on developing a cognitive-linguistic approach to teaching grammar in primary schools. I am a keen runner and enjoy travelling and exploring world cuisines and cultures.