Our Governance
De Havilland Primary School is part of Danes Educational Trust. The Danes Educational Trust Board has responsibility for the operation of the Trust, but delegates some of the responsibilities to a local level. Therefore, schools within the Trust have a School Board, comprising local Governors. The School Board holds 4 meetings per year. In addition, each School Board has an Admissions Committee and a Senior Staff Pay and Remuneration Committee. De Havilland Primary School shares its School Board with Onslow St Audrey's Secondary School.
Further information about the Danes Educational Trust governance structure is available on the Trust website.
To contact the Governors of De Havilland Primary School, please email chair@dehavilland.herts.sch.uk
OUR SCHOOL BOARD
David Bostock - Headteacher | Joe Cresswell - Staff Governor | Francisca Fashesin-Souza Akala - Governor | David Hale - Governor | Dora Hotzi - Parent Governor | Jan Stevens - Chair of Governors | Jayne Watson - Governor | Daniel Webb - Parent Governor
Who we are
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David Bostock |
Headteacher Appointed on 01.09.24 |
David is the Headteacher of De Havilland Primary. He was previously Assistant Head and Year 6 class teacher and has extensive experience of teaching and learning across Key Stage Two. Prior to joining De Havilland, David was Assistant Head at an outstanding primary school in London but after relocating to Hertfordshire in the summer of 2020, joined the school just after it became part of Danes Educational Trust. He is so grateful to have been part of the school's journey over the last few years and it very much now feels like 'home'. |
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Joe Cresswell |
Elected Staff Governor Appointed on 22.11.21 |
Joe began his teaching career as a Teaching Assistant at De Havilland School. After realising his great potential he completed his PGCE and returned to De Havilland a year later a fully qualified teacher. He is now in his 4th year of teaching and enjoys co-leading computing where he puts his film making, TV and Video degree to great use. |
 Francisca Fashesin-Souza Akala |
Appointed Governor Appointed on 12.03.24 |
Francisca Fashesin-Souza Akala is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in Accounting, Finance, and Investment, dedicated to driving organisational excellence in administration and governance. Her passion lies in optimising operational efficiency and enhancing financial performance. In 2023, she earned a Master's degree in Finance and Investment Banking from the University of Hertfordshire, where she was honoured with the prestigious Dean’s Rising Star Award for achieving the best academic performance in her pathway, as well as the Gold Herts Award for her outstanding employability, enterprise skills, and commitment to social responsibility. With a strong focus on fostering sustainable growth, transparency, and accountability, Francisca currently serves as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees for North Hertfordshire and Stevenage CVS. Additionally, she is a Trustee of the North Hertfordshire Welfare and Distress Fund and holds various other voluntary roles, where she remains deeply committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others. |
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David Hale
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Appointed Governor Appointed on 23.05.24 |
David spent most of his career working as an IT Manager for various large Retail Companies. David gained a degree at Bristol Polytechnic and has 3 daughters who have all gone through further education. He retired a few years ago and now has the opportunity to dedicate some time to being a governor as well as more leisure time. |
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Dora Hotzi |
Parent Governor Appointed on 24.01.24 |
Dora is our parent governor with a daughter currently in year 6 at De Havilland Primary School. She completed most of her education in Hungary, including her first degree in Physiotherapy. She went onto completing a Masters degree in Osteopathy in London and has been practicing in private heath care for over 15 years. |
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Jan Stevens |
Chair of Governors Appointed on 01.09.21 |
Jan is the Chair of the school board and is the link governor for Safeguarding, attendance and for Children Looked After. Jan worked in education for over 30 years, starting work as a Biology teacher for the London Borough of Barnet. Before retiring in 2020, she was the Deputy Head at a large secondary school in south west Hertfordshire and also served for one term as an interim Headteacher. Currently she works as a part time Professional Partner for Hertfordshire Virtual School which oversees the education of children in care. |
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Jayne Watson |
Appointed Governor Appointed on 05.07.24 |
Jayne is a research impact manager at University College London, working to maximise the real-world impact of the research conducted by scientists there in the life and medical sciences fields. Prior to this, Jayne has worked in research and higher education institutes in similar roles to translate research into tangible benefits for society. By training, Jayne is a scientist herself with a PhD from Imperial College London in the field of microbiology and immunology. |
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Daniel Webb |
Parent Governor Appointed on 16.12.24 |
Dan is a serving police officer with over 15 years service in Hertfordshire Constabulary. He is an experienced detective and has previously worked in safeguarding and child protection units. He has a real passion for looking after the welfare of others, be they children, staff or parents. Dan is a Parent Governor and has a daughter in reception. He has a lot of fond memories of having attended the school himself as a child! |
