Governor's Biographies
Pauline Alleyne (Chair)
My family and I have lived in the village of Essendon for over 30 years and during this time I have been an active member the Church and community. I have helped run St Mary’s Sunday School for over 20 years and have got to know many of the local children and their families. In my role as Chair, I hope to make a positive contribution to our community and develop the links between the school, church and community.
Katie Bedi
I was part of the teaching team at Essendon for 15 years and part of the governing body for 9 of those years. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to see the school grow and change during the time that I have worked there, and to be part of a team who have a shared vision to give children a firm foundation in the skills, experiences and values that will be important to them as they grow up in an ever changing and challenging world. In July 2018, I left my teaching role but wanted to continue to support the school as a governor.
I have worked with all age groups in the school but I have been particularly involved in developing the early years provision and building links between home and school for all our families as they begin their school journey. As a Church of England school it is important to show the difference that the values of the Christian faith make to everything that we do. These principles also make our links with St. Mary’s Church and the local community important as we live and work together.
Jan Bedregeanu
In a fast changing and challenging world I believe our schools and children need more support than ever and if each of us contribute as little or as much as possible in our own way, we can achieve greater successes in our schools and communities.
We have moved to Essendon over 2 years ago and we chose the village because of the school. I think we are very lucky and me and my wife are trying to help as much as we can to contribute to the school’s success. Evie, our daughter is currently in year 3 and she absolutely loves coming to school! Lenny has just enrolled in nursery and he enjoys very much his morning sessions at Essendon Primary!
Although I have a degree in chemical engineering, later on I moved my line of work into finance, currently working as a mortgage broker and running my own business for the past 15 years. I am hoping in my new role as governor to be able to apply my skills to support the school achieve the best it can. Being a governor comes with responsibilities and challenges, but I enjoy a challenge and I find the role stimulating.
We are lucky to have such an amazing school, a great village community and the Church has been very inspiring.
“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” M Wright Edelman
Belinda Canham
I am the school's Deputy Head and Inclusion Manager and joined the school's Governing Board upon my appointment in September 2020. I also teach Warrenwood class on Thursdays and Fridays every week. Prior to this I have worked at a number of Hertfordshire schools as SENDCo and class teacher. I am mum to five grown-up children, and currently I live in St Albans with my husband.
Vicky Craig
I moved to Essendon in 2014, having lived in the local area all my life. I am married to Tom and we have two children, Ted and Harry, both of whom are pupils at the school. We feel very privileged to live in such a beautiful and welcoming village. We were married at St Mary’s Church in 2012 by Reverend Pauline and both children have also been christened there.
I became a governor as I am passionate about children’s education and want to support the school in being the best it can be and to help our children achieve their potential. I feel it is important to create a school environment whereby each child is valued and develops their own ideas, self-esteem and confidence, so they can excel both academically and creatively.
Revd. Theresa Musiwacho
I am the Rector of the Hartford Hundred Group of Parishes. I am a teacher by profession and have worked in Primary Schools abroad and in the United Kingdom. I seek to support the school on issues pertaining to education, family life and Christian ministry. I am called through the Holy Spirit to share my knowledge and experience as a way of assisting others.
I am married to Solomon and we have two children. I consider myself an approachable and conscientious person and a team player.
Tom Potter
I am the Head Teacher of Essendon School, where I have worked since my appointment in April 2020. I am very proud to lead this school with its wonderful community and fantastic pupils.
I am a lifelong Hertfordshire resident, and have been teaching in the county's primary schools since 2007, having undertaking Initial Teacher Training in Basildon, Essex. I obtained the National Professional Qualification for Headship from the Best Practice Network in 2019. I currently live in Hemel Hempstead with my wife Lizzi and our children Leo and Zac, who are identical twin boys.
Lucy Price
I was apponted to the Governing Board of Essendon School on 15th February 2019.
I work as a School Business Manager and aim to use my expertise to support the school in its financial decision making. I am also the Governor with responsibility for GDPR compliance.
Lesley Reith
I have lived in Essendon with my family for fourteen years and have now been a governor of Essendon School for nine years and was chair of governors for the last six years.
I studied engineering at university and worked in the engineering industry for the first four years of my career before taking those skills into The City where I worked for The Stock Exchange building their first generation trading systems and databases. When my children were growing up, I retrained as a teacher and have taught physics at different secondary schools across Hertfordshire since qualifying. I am now retired from teaching and devote my time to our family businesses, my role at Essendon School, village life and travelling.
I became a governor in the hope that some of my skills would be helpful in supporting the development of the school. I have not been disappointed and have found my role really stimulating. I am always learning and always striving to sustain our school as a wonderful asset for the village.
Rebecca Pittard
Awaiting biography and photograph.









