Local Governance Committee

Sally Divall (Co-Chair of Governors)

I have been fortunate to live in Bath for 35 years and my children grew up here and were educated at Ralph Allen School.  I studied Natural Sciences at university and worked in business and in research before becoming a science teacher.  I then worked for over 20 years as a science teacher and recently retired as a headteacher. I want all young people to be able to develop a deep love of thinking and learning while honing their skills for adult life and am excited to be part of the Ralph Allen community.  In my spare time, I enjoy reading, mountain walking and various outdoor pursuits.

Nathan Jenkins (Headteacher)

Jonathan Knee (Trustee Appointed Governor) 

My day-to-day work is in financial services, I own a financial consultancy business which is also based in Bath. I have worked all over the world in various roles, including at Board level, across multiple sectors which I hope will benefit my governor meetings.

I'm keen to help contribute to our school, its executive team, teaching staff and pupils, providing consistent guidance towards our mutual goal of continuous improvement in what we do and how we do it. I’m also very excited to be the new Award Verifier for DofE at Ralph Allen School! 

I am passionate about working within the community, volunteering for the NHS, Ralph Allen School as a Trust Governor and SETsquared, a business innovation centre and part of Bath University.

Rod Davies (Community Governor)

As a relatively new recruit to the Local Governance Committee I hope my experience as a Headteacher and educational consultant in the field of Special Educational Needs will add to the already extensive skills set of the team. I have particular interests in all aspects of additional learning needs, behaviour management, and staff and student wellbeing.

I have a long-established link with France and would be keen to explore how this might possibly benefit staff and students at Ralph Allen School.

Sarah Thompson (Staff Governor)

I have worked at Ralph Allen School since 2008 (in the role of School Business Manager for the past 2 years). I have 21 years’ experience of working in schools mostly at secondary level and have completed the Diploma in School Business Management through the National College for School Leadership.

I am passionate about the students and staff in our school having good facilities and the right environment to encourage learning. I have been a governor at Ralph Allen school for 9 years and seen many changes at the school during that time. I have Governor responsibility for Health & Safety, Campus, Parent Liaison and Staff Liaison. 

 Helena Thomas (Parent Governor)

I am a Ralph Allen parent as well as an English teacher with over 20 years of experience, currently completing a PhD in Education.  I am passionate about improving outcomes for all pupils and am delighted to be working with a dedicated team of governors and teachers to this end.  I have particular responsibility for teaching and learning in the school. It is a privilege to contribute to the Ralph Allen community.

Rachel Burns (Parent Governor)

As a member of the local governance committee, I will contribute to the work of the governing body in ensuring effective and high standards of achievement for all children and young people attending Ralph Allen School.

First and foremost I come as a parent, my children attend Ralph Allen school.  I, like many of us have first-hand experience of navigating and supporting teenage children through growing up and school life as it exists today.

As a parent and professionally as a Specialist Safeguarding Social Worker I am strongly committed to ensuring there are high aspirations for all children and that best possible outcomes for all pupils are central to the ethos and values of the school.

Claire Mock Munoz de Luna (Parent Governor) 

James Gallie (Community Governor) 

I am a parent at the school and a recently appointed community governor. I’ve been in Bath for 11 years and run an Architectural practice, as well as teaching Architecture at Bath University, and sometimes assisting my wife with a global environmental campaigning and advocacy operation. I grew up in Churchill, near Weston Super Mare. Dad was a teacher and head at Churchill, Mum was a social worker in Weston Super Mare. I went to the local school, so I grew up appreciating the value of a non-exclusive, socially diverse school at the heart of the community. I went on to Cambridge University to study Architecture, and lived and worked in London until 2014. I’m passionate about comprehensive education and the impact of great teachers, diverse friendships, encouragement, and a great sense of place. Ralph Allen has all these things and more.