Appointed on 29/11/2018, current term of office from 01/07/2024 to 30/06/2028.

Link Governor for Headteacher Well-Being and English 

Biddie had a career in education, and was a Head at a 11-18 school in the East Midlands from 2001-2010 and at a 4-18 school in Hertfordshire from 2010-2019. She has been a governor at several schools in both the maintained and independent sector. She volunteers for a number of local charities. She believes passionately in the power of education to equip children to live fulfilled, happy and productive lives in an ever changing and challenging world.

Appointed on 29/09/22, current term of office from 29/09/22 to 28/09/26

Link Governor for RE and Christian Ethos

Patrick is a priest in the Church of  England, and Rector of the Parish of Harpenden.  This follows a 35-year career in education which culminated with 10 years as Headteacher at JCoSS, the UK’s only pluralist Jewish Secondary School.  Previously he worked as a teacher of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, and then as a Senior Leader, in a range of North London and Hertfordshire schools, both in the independent and maintained sectors.

Alongside full time parish work, he also works as a consultant, helping to develop and build future educational leaders, and as Governor and Trustee of a number of schools and social action charities in the fields of religion and wellbeing.

He is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2’s Pause for Thought, a trained Spiritual Director and a Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire.

Appointed on 12/09/2015, current term of office from 01/09/23 to present

Lana Gillam qualified as a Primary Teacher in Cape Town, South Africa, then moved to work in the UK, where she obtained UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as well and obtaining an NPQH.  She has over 20 years of experience working in schools across a range of roles in North London and for the past eight years, within the Poppy Academy Trust. Most recently, she served as an Inclusion Leader for the Trust and is currently the Headteacher of St John’s Infant and Nursery School. Lana is committed to ensuring that all children reach their full potential, regardless of their individual starting points, while fostering a warm and inclusive school community

Foundation Diocesan Board Of Education 

First appointed on 9 Dec 2021, current term of office from 9 Dec 2025 to 8 Dec 2029

Appointed on 07/12/2023, current term of office from 07/12/2023 to 06/12/27

Link Governor for Curriculum 

I work for Herts for Learning (HfL) as a Business Management Consultant. I also work for the Department of Education as a School Resource Management Advisor. My role is to provide strategic business management support to clients to improve their business management and ensure best value. Prior to joining HFL I worked in schools for 23 years, firstly in a small Voluntary Aided primary school in the Diocese of Westminster and later to a large infant school in Slough where I worked as the School Business Manager for 16 years. I have also worked with a large MAT supporting the finance and HR in one of their academies. I gained the Certificate in School Business Management in 2009, became an Associate Member of CIPD in 2017 and I am a member of ISBL.

I have a keen interest in Special Educational Needs and work with a number of Special Schools across Hertfordshire. I live in Radlett and have been a governor at St Johns for the last two years.

Appointed on 07/07/2022, current term of office from 07/07/22 to 06/07/26

Link Governor for Safeguarding and Attendance 

Georgina is a psychotherapist and lecturer, living within the local community in Radlett. Her professional work centres on emotional wellbeing, with a focus on helping people feel safe, understood, and able to thrive. As a school governor, she brings a strong commitment to safeguarding and to creating an environment where every child feels secure, supported, and able to reach their potential. Georgina values working collaboratively with staff and fellow governors to support the school’s values and contribute to a positive, nurturing learning community.

Appointed on 23/03/2023, current term of office from 23/03/23 to 09/07/27

Link Governor for Health & Safety and Sustainability 

Appointed on 05/12/2024, current term of office from 05/12/2024 to 04/12/2028

Link Governor for Inclusion/PPG/LAC

I am Sophie, the mum of two St John’s alumni. I started my role as a Govenor whilst they attended the school, they have since moved on but the foundation they were given is what inspired me to become a governor.
With a lead for inclusion I am passionate about ensuring all children who attend St John’s are supported in the best possible way to achieve the potential.

Appointed on 07/12/2023, current term of office from 07/12/2023 to 06/12/27

Link Governor for Science and Maths

Richard has over 20 years’ experience within Pharmacy and the Pharmaceutical industry, is a father of 2, and a passionate advocate of STEM.

He has successfully launched and grown divisions within the Clinical Trial Supplies (CTS) space for multiple Global Pharma Service Providers.

Prior to this specialisation in CTS, Richard was a Pharmacist in NZ and worked in Strategy Consulting for Pharmaceutical Companies after his Executive MBA from Imperial College Business School.

Richard is a Member of the Global Clinical Supplies Group, where he has twice chaired the European Knowledge Forum and is currently the European Education Co-ordinator.

Appointed on 05/12/2024, current term of office from 05/12/2024 to 04/12/2026

Link Governor for Staff and Pupil Well-Being 

I have been part of the Poppy Academy Trust since 2019, beginning my career as a Newly Qualified Teacher in Upper KS2 at Fair Field. More recently, I transitioned to KS1 at St John’s Radlett where I am based now. Having attended both St John’s and Fair Field as a child, I feel a strong personal connection to the Trust. The happy memories I made there continue to inspire my teaching and commitment to creating a positive learning environment. I am particularly passionate about music and science and I strive to bring creativity, curiosity, and enthusiasm into the school environment.

Appointed on 20/03/25, current term of office from 20/03/25 to 19/03/29

Link Governor for EYFS 

I have had a career in Education from 1993 - 2023 when I took early retirement.

My experience includes primary and secondary teaching as well as working in Curriculum Achievement projects across Hertfordshire. My most recent role was in a local school as SENCo and Safeguarding Lead for 14 years. I am passionate about making a difference for every child and children feeling safe and happy. I continue to believe that every child needs a champion in school who believes in them and their success. My passion goes back to when my children attended St John's Infant and Nursery School in 2003 and I believe that they were given a wonderful foundation.

Appointed on 05/02/26, current term of office from 05/03/26 to 04/02/30

Link Governor for Safeguarding and Attendance 

As a member of Christ Church Radlett and an active volunteer in Children’s Church, I was encouraged by Ollie, the Vicar, to apply for a Governor position when an opportunity arose at The Poppy Trust Academy, St John’s Junior School. I am delighted to take on the role of Safeguarding Governor. I bring many years of experience in the Early Years Foundation Stage, having owned and managed a nursery focused on providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive. I am committed to ensuring robust safeguarding practices that promote the welfare, safety, and well-being of every child within the school community.