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28/03/24

Easter Break - wishing our students, staff and SJL community a very relaxing Easter break. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday 16 April 2024 – school is closed to students on Monday 15 April due to staff INSET day. pic.twitter.com/e8kleFCzSB

28/03/24

House Points - we like to take every opportunity to recognise and celebrate the effort and achievement of students at SJL. As a result of Merit Marks, ACE Cards, Faculty Commendations and Head’s Commendations awarded throughout term, the House Points tally to date is... pic.twitter.com/WpR8tdpO9q

28/03/24

Well done to everyone taking part in our Big Challenge - Ryder are in the lead, closely followed by Newton. King have some catching up to do, so make sure to keep reading over Easter!6 of our incredible students have also achieved 💎 Diamond Award 💎 (more than 52 books!) pic.twitter.com/lfyWABG9xn

28/03/24

Well done to our trio of year 13 A level Drama students who excelled in their text exam on World Theatre Day!#theatrematters#seizetheday pic.twitter.com/bcLn9QrKyF

27/03/24

Fabulous to see our ‘Have you met…?’ event so busy today, with students displaying their interests and hobbies to staff and peers and engaging in great discussion. Well done to all those who took part. pic.twitter.com/BoEULOWtqJ

27/03/24

Some of our Sixth Form students interested in studying medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry listened to the expertise of Devki Shah, a MedSoc consultant, who talked to students about how best to navigate the demanding application process. pic.twitter.com/U5rWv7cpJO

27/03/24

A throwback to Careers Day last week, when over 70 businesses gave employer talks and filled our sports hall to capacity for the Careers Fair. A huge thank you to everyone who took part!https://t.co/xmRh3N1FlM pic.twitter.com/RwaqwWWlZa

27/03/24

A throwback to Careers Day last week, when we welcomed over 70 businesses across the day giving employer talks and filling our sports hall to capacity for the Careers Fair. Thank you to everyone who took part!Careers Day 2024 - News - Sir John Lawes (https://t.co/DpyxjfXNBX) pic.twitter.com/tu1Nmhw8FQ

27/03/24

Day 3 in Valencia, exploring the beautiful Albufera, trying to spot cocodrilos! pic.twitter.com/UU8SG2mQQj

27/03/24

Well done to our Year 12 Enterprise team, Force 10, who raised £2400 for through a series of fundraising events. They won the most money raised and the best presentation. pic.twitter.com/1bBywleZem

26/03/24

Day 2 in Valencia visiting La ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and the biggest aquarium in Europe pic.twitter.com/m8mxrCi2t0

26/03/24

Day 1 in Valencia. We did a Paella cooking competition, team read were the winners! pic.twitter.com/AHWcMRwjM5

26/03/24

Congratulations to Kate, Ruhani and Tsun who have been awarded Head’s Commendations for passing their Cambridge Latin Course Stage 4 Attainment test with flying colours! pic.twitter.com/KgSgpYRJgk

26/03/24

Such a brilliant evening of debating last night. Big thanks to , and St George's School for joining us and to all the students for their fantastic performances. pic.twitter.com/dHfD3NIHg9

25/03/24

Good luck to all students in our debating teams from Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 who are taking part in an inter-school debating competition later today! pic.twitter.com/gVFDqhOjD2

25/03/24

Wishing our Year 12 art students and our Year 9 and Year 10 Spanish students a safe and memorable trip in Valencia. Have a great time! pic.twitter.com/w61y8dNCJw

25/03/24

Don't forget our School Uniform Sale after school today - 3.30pm-5.30pm in the school hall. pic.twitter.com/pRWVklZXQD

23/03/24

Last Saturday morning of the year ⚽️ 4 wins vs. Simon Balle 7s W 4-18s W 4-1 9s W 6-010s W 9-2 Thank you to all the students and parents for a brilliant football season. pic.twitter.com/IVWONzbLJ4

23/03/24

Perfect morning for Football. Thanks to all the staff who give up their free time to provide these opportunities. pic.twitter.com/zoj7NKNYQA

22/03/24

It looks like Year 7 had a fantastic day at Warwick Castle! https://t.co/NJEVG5onon

22/03/24

Some of our Year 11 German students enjoyed conversations with the Friends of Alzey who kindly came to visit to assist our students with further speaking practise ahead of their GCSE’s. pic.twitter.com/bNcN2NpEj9

22/03/24

The Second-Hand School Uniform Sale will take place on Monday 25 March from 3.30pm-5.00pm in the School Hall. All the uniform in stock has been freshly laundered and folded. Please note, card payments are preferred. pic.twitter.com/FWOYZP6pea

22/03/24

Zoo de Lunaret pic.twitter.com/zjgMRA1WSd

21/03/24

Yesterday we welcomed author Anna Mazzola who talked about becoming a writer, her creative process and publishing journey. We’re really grateful for the inspirational insights and encouragement Anna gave our students and for the copy of 'Book of Secrets'! pic.twitter.com/gf6AWccWYL

21/03/24

Year 10 drama students are studying the play 1984. To support their understanding of director and designer roles, they created model set boxes of key scenes and then used torches and coloured film gels to explore possible lighting design decisions. Brilliant creativity! pic.twitter.com/eRYBJyDUrY

Governor Profiles

A list of the relevant business and pecuniary interests for our Governing Body can be found here

Katy Wilmshurst

Katy Wilmshurst - Chair of Governors

I have been a governor at SJL since 2014, and was previously Vice Chair, safeguarding-linked governor and a member of the SET Admissions Committee. Before that, I was a governor at Manland Primary School, including five years as Chair.

I followed a music degree at Manchester University with a performance diploma at the Royal Northern College of Music and then started my career as a violinist and teacher in a variety of orchestras and settings. I have lived in Harpenden with my family since 2001 and currently work for the Hertfordshire Music Service as a violin teacher in a number of local schools as well as being head of Baldock Music Centre. I also freelance as a violinist.

Having had two children educated at SJL, I’ve seen close-up the outstanding teaching and opportunities on offer to its students and as Chair of the Governing Body I look forward to supporting the school’s future growth and development.

Libby Montgomery Jan2019

Libby Montgomery - Vice Chair of Governors

Having studied Medieval Italian and French at University and lived for a while in Italy, my professional background is in Marketing and Communications and I have worked in a wide range of industries from sports marketing to real estate investment management.  

I have previously held several positions on school Governing Bodies, having been Chair of Governors at Batford Nursery School for 9 years and an additional Governor at schools in St Albans.  I am currently also Chair of Governors at Manland Primary School.  I served as a Strategic Leader of Governance for Herts for Learning, assisting other Governing Bodies to carry out self evaluation and work on strategies for improvement.  I find being in schools interesting and stimulating and am proud to be part of the Governor community at SJL. Both of my children are currently at SJL and I have been involved with the school since they joined. 

Outside of work, I assist a local scout group with organising camps and taking care of all the equipment.  I am a keen squash player and regularly play for local and County teams, with varying degrees of success and now take longer to recover after a match than I ever did before!

Christopher
Christopher Armitage

I have been involved with SJL for over forty five years as a Head of PE, Assistant Headteacher and now as a Governor. Both my children attended SJL and they are both teachers, so teaching runs in the blood.

I am Chair of the Trust’s Admission Committee and enjoy being actively involved with the school whether it is interviewing new members of staff, meeting the Site Manager or as compere of one of our superb music concerts.

I feel very proud that I can play a small part in the continuing success of Sir John Lawes School. Long may that continue.

S austin

Sarah Austin

I have lived in Harpenden for much of my life, having grown up in the town and moving back to live here when my second child was born. I am fortunate to have attended SJL myself as a pupil all the way from year 7 to year 13 and had a fantastic experience at the school. I am now a parent of two boys at SJL who are thriving and benefitting hugely from all aspects of school life. I am a trained Speech and Language Therapist having qualified from Sheffield university over 20 years ago. Having worked in the NHS for 10 years, I now work independently around Harpenden and the local area with children of various ages with a range of Speech and Language difficulties. I am also a Makaton tutor and regularly run training for nurseries, schools and day centres to help them support communication at their settings. During the covid pandemic, I worked at SJL as a Literacy support tutor for two years providing 1:1 support to pupils who had fallen behind; one of the ways in which the school used the Governments ‘covid catch up fund’. I also previously worked for several years as a Registered Intermediary, supporting children and vulnerable witnesses with communication as they went through challenging police interview and court processes. 

In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis, running and singing in a community choir, and I am a Sunday school leader at our local church. I am delighted to be part the governing body of SJL. Being in the fortunate position of ex-pupil and parent, it’s a privilege to serve as a parent governor at this progressive and inclusive school. 

L Gillot

Lyndsay Gillot

I have been Head of Music at Sir John Lawes School since September 2014 and am in my tenth year of teaching.  I am hugely committed to the school, its students, and its staff.  Through initiatives such as the staff music challenge and staff choir, and involvement in the wellbeing group, I have made a sustained commitment to the school community. 

I am passionate about my work, hard-working, enthusiastic and always willing to go above and beyond - with a smile!

Leila Guerra

Leila Guerra

I have worked in higher education for over 20 years and am currently Vice Dean (Education) at Imperial College Business School. I'm passionate about the power of achieving positive impact through education, empathy and global awareness. I'm also part of international educational Advisory Boards. I hope my experience in education can be of use to support SJL with their inspiring mission and was delighted to be appointed as a parent governor. 

I have 2 children, and my oldest has just started at SJL. Harpenden is our home, although I do have quite an international background having lived in 8 countries. Outside of work and school I love to travel and also being outdoors with the family. 

D hassall 1
David Hassall

I am currently a co-opted governor at Sir John Lawes School having originally joined the governing body as a parent governor not long after my first son started at the school. Since then, my remaining 2 other sons have also attended SJL, before going on to university.

My career has been in medical research, having undertaken my first degree in human biology before studying for a PhD in Biochemistry at the Royal Free Hospital in London. I then joined the pharmaceutical industry in Cardiovascular and respiratory medicines research, ultimately working for GSK. I also lectured at schools and universities on aspects of my work, becoming a STEM ambassador. In 2012 I was fortunate enough to run anti-doping stations in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

In the time I have been a school governor I have helped the school develop many initiatives and seen the important role that SJL has played in the growth of the Scholar’s Education Trust. I have always been impressed by the dedication and hard work of all the staff and the ethos to support every child in their endeavours. Long may it continue.

Danielle heley
Danielle Heley

I thoroughly enjoy being part of the Sir John Lawes community and I'm privileged to have held the post of staff governor since 2017. I was appointed as assistant headteacher in 2022 having commenced my teacher training at Sir John Lawes twenty years previously as an English teacher. Since then I have also been a Literacy Co-ordinator and Head of Year.

Two of my three children, now attend Sir John Lawes. I am very proud of the school and am dedicated to its continued success in delivering the best possible outcomes for our students.

JRO governor

James Robertson

I was very pleased to be elected as a parent governor for SJL in 2021. I have two children at the school and have lived in Harpenden since 2014.

Professionally I have been a civil servant nearly my whole career, working in a variety of government departments in Whitehall and overseas. I currently work on youth policy - overseeing the government's support for teenagers outside of school, working closely with organisations such as Scouts, Girlguiding, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, UK Youth and the National Youth Agency. Our work is all about giving young people access to opportunities to develop themselves outside of school and to get them engaged in the issues that affect them.

I also have a particular interest in adolescent mental health issues and am involved with a Mexican charity that aims to break the inter-generational cycle of violence towards children.

I hope to bring these perspectives to bear in my role as a governor, and in particular to help strengthen the links between SJL and the wider community in Harpenden.

Mstevens
Mike Stevens

I have lived in Harpenden for nearly 40 years and have brought up my 6 children here. I was first involved in school Governance when I was elected as a parent governor at the local primary school my children attended. I was subsequently appointed as an LEA Governor at Wood End Primary School and was Chair of Governors there for a period. I was fortunate to be elected as a Parent Governor at Sir John Lawes and subsequently, after they left for university, was appointed as a Co-opted Governor.

I was invited to become a Governor at Harpenden Academy when it joined the Scholars Educational Trust in 2016 and was Chair of Governors there from 2020 to 2022. I recently left Harpenden Academy in order to take up a role as Governor at Buntingford First school when it opens in September 2023, an exciting new development for the Trust.

I am retired from the public sector where I was engaged throughout my career within various Law Enforcement organisations. Latterly, I was involved in developing Government Policy on Justice and Home affairs and the strategic planning of multi-agency engagement.

What little “me time” I have, after my family, is spent involved in the local branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists motorcycle section. I am a keen biker- it is great for blowing away the cobwebs!


Ellie Butterworth - Head of School

I am beyond excited to be representing Sir John Lawes as Head of School this year, and I feel honoured to have been given this opportunity. I look forward to working with the Governors, students and staff to give back to a community that has made my school experience so enjoyable.

I am studying Maths, Biology and History at A-level and I hope to study Biology at university.

Growing up in SJL has been unforgettable due to the extensive extra-curricular activities that the school offers. I have taken part in every theatre production – a highlight being my role as stage manager in our performance of ‘Oliver’. SJL has allowed me to continuously challenge myself to develop both my confidence and leadership skills, including taking part in the ‘Youth Speaks’ competitions, running ‘History Mystery club’ as well as many campaigning activities.

Outside of school, I am an avid member of a local drama group and go to the theatre as often as I can. I am interested in politics, the environment and how we can bring about positive change.

I look forward to using my platform to raise awareness, represent the voices of all students and to the best of my ability continue to bring excellence to SJL. 


Harrison Whiting - Head of School

I am extremely proud to have been appointed as a Head of School at Sir John Lawes for the upcoming year. This has gifted me the opportunity to give back to such a talented and supportive school community, whilst working in tandem with governors, staff and students alike. Such a prospect extremely excites me and I can’t wait to see what we are able to achieve alongside the prefect team as a whole.

Currently I am studying English, Media and Politics at A-Level.  I hope to study Criminology at university.  As one of my subjects is taught at St Georges, I also have the role of politics consortium ambassador. Within school I have contributed extensively to the house system, acting as a Britten form rep on numerous occasions as well as House captain in year 12.

Outside of school I am actively involved in numerous sporting teams including cricket, as well as captaining a football team for several years. This coupled with my SJL experiences has developed my personal leadership skills.

Over the course of the next year, I look forward to using my platform to develop student voice in the SJL community and assist in developing the outstanding opportunities that SJL is able to offer.

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