governors

julian bernstein - chair of governors

I have been the Chairman of the Board of Les Quennevais School since 1991. In that time I have supported 3 Head Teachers achieve results that have improved year on year. I believe that the children are our future and I am proud to work with a well-balanced board to offer assistance and guidance to the Head Teacher and the fantastic team. I am especially anxious to make sure that the new school is now built as quickly as possible and offers our young people the best in education facilities in Jersey.

julia lydford - Deputy chair of governors

I have been extremely fortunate to have had 42 successful years in education. My career as a teacher started in London and my first Headship was in Cambridgeshire. As my professional skills progressed I became Headteacher of a larger primary school and went on to undertake Ofsted training. Over the last 12 years I have worked for a local authority in England and then for the Education Department in Jersey.

It is always a privilege to go into schools and see the amazing work that goes on. Children and young people only have one opportunity to achieve at school. Good teaching is paramount in enabling all pupils to develop life skills for their future. Since retiring I still feel I have many skills that can be used and I was thrilled to be asked to become a governor of Les Quennevais School. I hope to contribute and support the school in becoming an outstanding learning environment where all pupils achieve their very best.

nigel smith - invited governor

Nigel was educated at Berkhamsted School and at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst where he was commissioned, straight from school, into the Infantry as a junior officer in the British Army. He then saw service around the world for 32 years spending much time training and leading soldiers in many varied environments, from many different cultures and now speaks colloquial Arabic (badly), a smattering of Swahili and a little American.

Following years of uniform and travel he eventually settled in Jersey in 2014. Nigel is CEO of Ora Charitable Trust and Chairs the Jersey Community Partnership. In his spare-time he sits on the committees of the local Royal British Legion and The Soldiers’ Charity.

His interests are varied and include a number of sports and activities including: golf, rugby, cricket, boxing, offshore sailing and skiing and in recent years he has completed the Marathon des Sables, visited Base Camp Everest, staggered to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and hopes to add the Round the Island walk to this list this summer.

Nigel has experience of leading a large educational/training environment which included preparing the establishment for an Ofsted inspection. Nigel hopes to bring to the Board of Governors a diverse approach and believes that the only stupid question is the question unasked. When preparing civilians to be soldiers his training philosophy was ‘to make hoodies goodies’ and he sought to inspire from trainers - empathy, energy and humour. He looks forward to listening and learning and offering opinion if sought.

tracy mourant - invited governor

One of the highlights of my career has been the successful campaign to find a site for the new Les Quennevais School so I am delighted to be joining the team again as a Governor. My work as a journalist and communications professional has taken me from London to Hong Kong and back to Jersey, my home. I have worked with three previous Education Ministers and have also served as a Governor of a Jersey primary school so I bring a range of previous experience to the role. I have also served as the Honorary Secretary of Guide Dogs Jersey for 16 years and have a range of other interests. My two children are coming to the end of their education, which means I have recent experience as a secondary school parent. I am proud to be supporting the Les Quennevais community at such an important and exciting time in its history.

Alexander richardson - staff governor

I am the Business and Facilities Manager at Les Quennevais School and have been on the Board of Governors since March 2018.  I absolutely love working at Les Quennevais and am immensely proud to be a part of such an outstanding school.  I joined the Board of Governors to further immerse myself in the workings of the school and to try and further contribute to the nurturing and development of the fantastic young people we have in our Island.

Jonathan baines - invited governor

NIGEL GODEFRY - PARENT governor

TIM DE GRUCHY - PARENT governor