What is the role of the Governors?

The Governors are a body of people who are responsible for a huge array of duties ranging from managing the school budget, to employing staff, to overseeing the curriculum, and ensuring the upkeep of the building. Our Governors work very hard for the development of successful learning at Summerswood.

Who are our Governors?

Mrs Laura Burt:

Chair
Co-opted Governor(May 2026) - current office 13th May 2026- 12th May 2027

I’ve been a School Governor for over 9 years. Most recently, I’m a Chair of Governors for a federation in Stevenage and I have been on several governing bodies.

My background is in Human Resources, but I work in clinical trials project management now. 

As a mum to two SEND boys (one primary, one secondary), I have a real passion for SEND provision, but I am also hugely focussed on ensuring all children have access to high-quality education and thrive within the school setting. 

Pecuniary Interest – Chair of another School

Mrs Abbi Rozentals:

Vice Chair
Parent Governor (September 2023) - Current term of office: Sept 2023 - Oct 2027

I'm a parent of a child at Summerswood School. I volunteer within my community including in nursery kitchens, cooking for the NHS with You Donate We Deliver during Covid, and at Borehamwood Foodbank. I previously worked in school raising awareness about the effects of crime through workshops, and gave emotional and practical support to young victims and their parents. I have also been a Zumba teacher, am trained in teaching exercise to music, and am a trained gym instructor. I am currently studying nutrition online and have a small business making healthy meals.

Pecuniary Interest - Child in school

Miss Sarah Kneller:

Headteacher (September 2014)

I became Headteacher at Summerswood in September 2014 and am enjoying working alongside our governors. They are a supportive group of people who are committed to working alongside me to make Summerswood the very best it can be.

Pecuniary Interest - Headteacher

Miss Kathryn Mitchell:

Deputy Head Teacher (April 2025)

I have been a teacher since 2010 and am a qualified SENCO with a strong commitment to inclusive education. I joined Summerswood Primary in April 2025 and have been proud to contribute to the school’s journey of improvement. In my role as Deputy Headteacher, and currently as Co‑Acting Head, I am dedicated to ensuring that every child feels valued, challenged, and inspired to achieve their best.

Pecuniary Interest - Deputy Head teacher

Mrs Karen Simpson:

School Business Manager (July 2025)

I have worked at Summerswood Primary School since 2015 with a short break during 2024/2025. I started as an administrator and then Secretary to the School Business Manager. I have 3 children who all came to Summerswood Primary School and have been successful in their education. 

Pecuniary Interest – School Business Manager

Ms Paula Gregory:

Co-opted Governor (2002) Current term of office: Oct 2022 - Oct 2026

I have been a governor at Summerswood Primary since 2002 and have seen so many positive changes. I have two grown up children that came to this school and thoroughly enjoyed their time here. I am a Computing teacher at a local secondary school and a swimming teacher at Borehamwood Swimming Club.

I am the Vice Chair of the School Improvement Committee and responsible for safeguarding.

In my spare time I enjoy growing fruit and vegetables and love a good novel!

Pecuniary Interest - I am a local swimming teacher and committee member; Squirrels leader of the First Elstree & Borehamwood Scouts; my son is a Teaching Assistant.

 

Mrs Hayley Yendell:

Co-opted Governor(May 2026) - current office 13th May 2026- 12th May 2027

I am currently a Headteacher of a Hertfordshire Infant School and have worked in education for many years across a range of leadership roles. Alongside my school leadership experience, I have also worked as an Early Years Adviser for Herts for Learning, supporting schools to develop high-quality provision for young children and improve outcomes across the curriculum.

I am a trustee of a small Multi-Academy Trust and have experience serving on a number of governing bodies over the years. I am passionate about ensuring that all children receive the very best education and opportunities to thrive both academically and personally.

I look forward to working alongside the governors and school community to support the continued development and success of the school.

Pecuniary Interest: Headteacher of a maintained school,  Trustee of a Multi-Academy Trust.

 

Mrs Pamela Young:
Assistant Head Teacher (September 2026)

I have worked as a teacher since 2009 and joined Summerswood in 2014 as a class teacher. Since then, I have held a range of roles and am currently proud to serve as Assistant Headteacher.

In my role and as a co-opted governor, I am committed to supporting the children and families in our community and helping to ensure that our school provides the very best education and opportunities for all. 

Pecuniary Interest: Assistant Head Teacher

My Pham (Amy):

Parent Governor 2026 – current office 1st September 2026–31 August 2030

I am a parent of a child at Summerswood School. I recently completed an MSc in Human Resource Management at Birkbeck, University of London, with a particular interest in leadership, HR, organisational learning and development. My recent experience included a consultancy project with an established charity, focusing on cultural change and inclusive practice. As a governor, I hope to contribute my experience in research and project coordination while supporting the school and its wider community.

Pecuniary Interest – Child in school