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 helper, midday supervisor and on the PTA, latterly as Chair. I was elected as Chair of Governors in October 2023. 

I have lived in Harpenden with my husband Jonathan 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 having previously served on the PCC, helped set up and run the Simply Worship children’s service, run Toddler Time and been involved in the 9.30 Creche and Sunday Club for many years. My background is in Marketing and PR and latterly I worked at the NSPCC before having children. As well enjoying other voluntary positions locally, 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 over seventeen 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.

Anna Cherniaeva, Staff Governor

I am the Pastoral Lead at St Nicholas and am delighted to serve as the Staff Governor, appointed in July 2023. I also enjoy teaching Sapphire class (Year4/5). I especially enjoy teaching Computing. I have two children in primary school. My interests include cooking and reading.    

Simon Caunce, St John's PCC Foundation Governor

I was delighted to be appointed Governor in January 2020. I hope my experience (HR, Finance & IT) and enthusiasm will mean I can make a valuable contribution to both the school and the wider community. Having done some wider general management roles, I have been running my own consultancy business since 2015, largely aimed at helping small and medium sized businesses improve their performance.

I’m a member of St John’s Church and outside work I play some golf and am Vice Chairman and a trustee of Harpenden Cricket Club where I still play regularly. I’m also a keen horse racing fan. Judie and I have lived in Harpenden since 1993. Most mornings and afternoons you’ll find us on the Common walking our Golden Labrador, Scamp.

Natalie Pepper, Parent 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.

Dr Catherine Harvey, Co-opted Governor

I was elected as a parent Governor in 2017. I work as a Doctor in a London hospital and have two children, the younger of whom is at the school. I am also the safeguarding lead governor. I was co-opted as a Governor in October 2021.

Henry Loweth, Diocesan Foundation Governor

I was appointed 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, St John's 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.

Charlotte McCrossin, PCC Foundation Governor

I was delighted to be appointed as a foundation governor in July 23. I have lived in Harpenden since 2014 and have two boys at the school. I have a business background as I run 2 small businesses locally in Hitchin.

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

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.

Revd. Dr. Dennis Stamps, Rector of St. Nicholas Parish, Harpenden  Ex Officio Governor

I became ex-officio governor on 20th November 2012 after having been instituted as Rector of the parish of St Nicholas Harpenden. Prior to coming to Harpenden, I was Director of Ministry for the diocese of St Albans and a residentiary Canon at the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban. I have been in ordained ministry for just over 20 years. I did serve as a governor for a CofE primary school in Birmingham in the 1990s. I have three children, two in university, one married. My wife is a lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire.

As Rector I have the privilege several times a month of leading the worship assembly for the school at St Nicholas church.