Tring Governing Body has a minimum of 12 members, one of whom is the Headteacher. The others represent various parties with an interest in the school’s success:
- Tring is a Church of England School, so 3 must be appointed by the Church: one of these is the current Rector of Tring
- 3 are parents elected by fellow parents
- 3 are appointed by the Governing Body itself to represent the wider community served by the school
- 2 are elected by the staff
Co-opted governors are appointed by the governing body. They are people who in the opinion of the governing body have the skills required to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school.
Contact email: governors@tringschool.org
Staff Governor Vacancies
Please click here for information about this position
The term of office for Governors is 4 years
Mr Kevin Rogers | Chair of Governors
Parent Governor | 02/11/2022 - 01/11/26
I am the Academic Registrar at Solent University, Southampton responsible for quality assurance, registry services, UKVI, examinations and graduation and complaints and appeals.
As an academic lawyer, I previously held the role of the Director of Solent Law School, have worked in senior roles at other university law schools and am an institutional reviewer for the Quality Assurance Agency. Elected as a parent governor in 2022, my eldest is a student at the school, while my younger children are at Dundale School. I have lived in Tring for over 35 years - and am a former Tring School student! I am also the Assistant Minister at Tring Baptist Church.
Mrs Penny Brash | Vice Chair of Governors
Co-opted Governor | 12/02/2024 - 11/02/2028
I am a Digital Marketing Consultant for a number of small businesses around the country.
I joined the Tring governing body in 2020 as a Parent Governor with a focus on SEN - I have a son in Year 11 and a daughter in Year 8. I have been involved in a number of associations working with children and have been closely involved with the running of First Little Gaddesden Cub Group for a number of years.
Mrs Sally Ambrose
Headteacher (ex officio)
Mrs Nicci Boddam-Whetham
Co-opted Governor | 06/10/2021 - 05/10/2025
I am a retired Headteacher who lived near by in Berkhamsted for 28 years. Whilst teaching I developed a particular interest in helping children, and their families , with Special Educational Needs. I also served as an Inspector and still work occasionally, representing clients at SEND tribunals.
More recently, I lived in Ducklington, West Oxfordshire, where my husband was parish Rector. We have returned to Hertfordshire in the last year and now live in Tring where we attend St Peter and St Paul. Being a foundation Governor allows me to combine Education and Church!
Mr Roger Cumming
Co-opted Governor | 23/11/2022 - 22/11/2026
I was born and grew up in Kent. After school I won a commission in the Royal Marines and served for 10 years at home and abroad from a base in Devon. Then, as a mature student I studied computer science at Exeter University and worked for a short while as a software engineer.
With my young family I moved from Exeter to our current home in Pitstone in the mid 80s when I joined the civil service. I worked in a variety of roles in central government until just after the London Olympics. After a few years working for a management consultancy, I set up my own company
specialising in infrastructure protection strategies.
I was a parent-governor at Brookmead School in Pitstone in the 90s. Now, with two young
grandchildren (and more on the way), I know the vital importance of education and I am keen to
support the school team in any way I can as they seek to help all students at Tring realise their full
potential. I am an enthusiastic, but not particularly talented, golfer.
Mrs Samantha Discombe
Parent Governor | 3/7/2024 - 2/7/2028
With 20+ years' experience, I am a strategic security advisor, operating across London. I specialise in risk management, vulnerability mitigation and organisational strategic direction.
Previously I have specialised in major event management in Central London. I have experience working with vulnerable children and adults. I have lived in and around Tring for over 19 years and my eldest child is now attending Tring School.
I bring passion and drive to the school community and lend my expertise to help make Tring School be the best for our children and our community.
Mrs Emma Donabie
Staff Governor | 01/09/2024 - 31/08/2028
After leaving the University of Manchester with a degree in Technical Theatre Arts, I have spent most of my career in roles within theatres across the country.
I joined the Design and Technology department at Tring School in 2020, mid pandemic and prior to the move into the new school building. I have thoroughly enjoyed establishing the Product Design classrooms in the new building; it is forever-changing and I enjoy keeping up with the demands of new technology.
Since having my daughter, who attends the school, I have settled in Tring and we get involved with a lot of the activities which take place in the Tring community. I feel now is a good time to take on the role of Staff Governor and increase my involvement with Tring school life.
Mr Stuart Greenhill
Co-opted Governor | 3/7/2024 - 2/7/2028
I have lived in Tring for the past 14 years and have two boys. My eldest son is in Tring school, about to embark upon his GCSE journey and my youngest in Grove Road Primary.
I'm a CIMA qualified accountant with an MBA and over 25 years' experience in the commercial sector, specifically with large retailers.
I'm a keen sports enthusiast, playing rugby, football and also enjoying mountain biking and climbing. I manage the fourth rugby team at Tring Rugby Club and also coach football and cricket for my boys' teams.
Tring has a fantastic community and I'm pleased to be able to get involved at the school to help support our young people to get the best possible start in life.
Mrs Christina James
Co-opted Governor | 15/11/2022 - 14/11/2026
I’m a partner at a leading real estate firm advising on strategic and operational matters within the People function. Prior to Real Estate I have supported law firms and outsourcing companies on their operational matters and people issues.
I’m a member of the CIPD and a qualified DISC/PPA professional. I also have an interest in children and mental health and currently educating myself further in this field in my spare time. I have also set up a horse riding school for young children.
In my role as a governor I support the assisting head and the HR function on various matters.
I currently have one son in the Sixth Form and another son in Year 7.
Mrs Louise Jeffs
Parent Governor | 12/05/2021 - 11/05/2025
I currently work in a secondary school leading teaching and learning, curriculum development, initial teacher training and learning technology. I also deliver leadership training to middle and aspiring senior school leaders in NW London.
I have experience of UK and International School leadership and prior to teaching had a career in pharmaceutical public relations. I joined the Tring Governing Body as a Parent Governor in 2020. I currently have a daughter in the school and a son who left in July 2022.
Mrs Melanie Miles
Parent Governor | 3/7/2024 - 2/7/2028
I am in Sales, I’m a member of the SLT for Volkswagen Financial Services; It's tough, fast paced and fun! I am active in the community and as a family we have benefited from the fabulous schools in both Goldfield and Bishop Wood.
I have always tried to 'support' the schools in Tring but I have never been involved in any formal capacity until now; I look forward to working with the team. I have a son in Year 7. Outside of work and school we have 4 dogs which keeps us busy and we volunteer for a number of animal charities from Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital to numerous dog rescue organisations.
Mrs Jo Pennington-Wright
Staff Governor | 10/09/2023 - 31/07/2027
With a rich background in Environmental Science from Newcastle University, I have been dedicated to the field of education since 2005.
My journey at Tring School began in 2012, where I have passionately contributed to the science department, and since 2016, I have been privileged to lead as the Head of Science. My role allows me to inspire and nurture young minds, guiding them through the wonders of scientific discovery.
Beyond the classroom, I embrace a hands-on approach to environmental stewardship. My family and I run a smallholding where we breed rare and native breeds. This endeavor not only complements my professional interests but also enriches my life with practical experiences in sustainability and biodiversity.
Mrs Jules Wake
Co-opted Governor | 12/05/2021 - 11/05/2025
I am a novel writer based in Tring, with over twenty published books under my belt, and previously worked as a School Business Manager at a Grove Junior School in Harpenden for eight years.
Before that I had a successful career in Public Relations and Marketing. My son left Tring school several years ago and I joined the governing body in May 2021, keen to continue to use my knowledge of the education sector.
I have seen both sides of governance from working with school governors in my role on the School Leadership Team and now working with the Senior Leadership Team at Tring as a governor.