The SSC Handbook
A Guide explaining the role, responsibilities, and expectations of the SSC and the wider governance structure of the Avanti Schools Trust is available to view via the link below.
The Guide also provides details of the skills and attributes required of an SSC Member. The overriding requirement is a genuine interest and commitment to the wellbeing and educational development of young people.
We welcome expressions of interest from all eligible parents/carers and from others in the community.
Rebecca Newton – Community Member and Vice Chair
I have been a primary school headteacher in inner London and I am currently a junior school headteacher in Sawbridgeworth. I am passionate about education and understand the difference this can make, supporting students reach their full potential.
I hope that knowledge of children’s starting points before they embark on Year 7 and leadership experience in schools will support Avanti Grange in becoming even stronger.
Bukola Efunshile – Community Member
I joined the SSC as a community member in March 2023. As the SSC lead for curriculum, I am committed to working with the Senior Leadership Team and teaching staff to support the pupils in achieving their full potential.
I am currently a policy manager in the Civil Service and have over 18 years of experience working in government policy and litigation. I believe the skills I have acquired will be beneficial to my role on the SSC.
As volunteering is very important to me, I sit on the Hertfordshire Community Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel, supporting the Police and Crime Commissioner in discharging his statutory duties and providing feedback to Hertfordshire Police.
Andy Loader – Support Staff Member
I joined the Avanti Trust in September 2021 having served for 30 years in the Metropolitan Police. I was initially the Premises Officer at Avanti Meadows and in September 2023 I was happy to accept the role as Area Site Manager, which means that I now have oversight of the three Avanti Schools in Bishops Stortford, Grange, Meadows and Brook. It was also an honour to accept the invitation to join the Grange SSC. My work role is incredibly fulfilling and it has been a real pleasure to be part of the team that has now opened 3 new schools in Bishops Stortford.
I have lived in the town for 27 years and have seen many changes. The emergence of the Avanti Trust and all that it brings to the local community has been both eye opening and enlightening and it is truly a privilege to be part of a team that is bringing so much to the town and surrounding area.
Madeleine Roy – Teaching Staff Member
I have been a teacher for seven years, working across a number of schools in Hertfordshire.
Growing up in Bishop’s Stortford, I was always aware of the proposal for a new secondary school in the town. It is a privilege to be a member of the SSC, serving the interests of the staff body at Avanti and the community which has been such an integral part of my upbringing.
My journey at Avanti Grange started in September 2022, as one of the founder members of staff. In our inaugural year, I took up the position of Head of Year 7, building on my previous experience in this role. As of September 2023, I am currently Subject Lead for MFL and am looking forward to leading the development of this department as the school grows.
Andrew Pringle – Parent Member
Andrew is a proud father of a blended family of 3, 2 of whom are original founders in 2022. Andrew’s professional experience is in SaaS software and he has managed global teams for Venture Capitalist and Private Equity backed companies.
Andrew is also co-chair of the Avanti PTA where you will find him at most of their events. Andrew is a devoted family man, lover of music (though he can’t play) and cars (though he can’t fix them).
“'It's an incredibly rewarding experience to be involved in the school stakeholder committee.
The information, discussion and visits help me to understand my child's education and allows me to give back to both the school and the wider community.'"
Emma Goodings, SSC Chair
avantI GRANGE
governance
The School Stakeholder Committee (SSC) members work together to support the Principal and senior leadership team in achieving what is best for the school community. Each member brings with them a depth of knowledge from their own professional and personal lives which contributes to the growth of the school.
To view further information about the purpose of the SSC and the governance framework please click here. If you are interested in becoming an SSC member please contact the school office.
Dr Molly Warrington – Trust appointed member
Dr Warrington is a director of the Avanti Trust and was formally a lecturer in the Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge and Director of Studies in Geography at Kings and Homerton Colleges. She has undertaken research into homelessness and the geographies of domestic violence, though the main focus of her work lay along the intersections of human geography and education, with a key emphasis on gender.
At Avanti, Molly has initiated an action research project with yoga teachers in several Avanti schools, producing a report showing the value of the sustained practice of yoga in school. Through her time as a member of the Trust Board, she has chaired several committees and is currently Chair of the People and Governance Committee.
Help to shape the long-term direction and vision of the school, ensuring it aligns with the needs of students, staff, and the wider community.
Work closely with the Principal to maintain and raise the school’s standards, fostering a culture of excellence in education.
Provide valuable insights by representing the perspectives of various stakeholder groups, including parents, staff, and the local community. Promote partnerships with local businesses, organisations, and community groups to enhance opportunities and resources for students.
Make a real difference to our school community
Current SSC Members
Emma Goodings – Parent Governor and Chair
I am proud to be one of your parent representatives on the SCC, my daughter being part of the first year to join Avanti Grange, and I am the current chair and training lead.
I have a passion for ensuring that all children have access to the highest quality of education, and was lucky enough to benefit from a programme when I was young which allowed me to attend the University of Cambridge, where I achieved a masters degree in Geography with Education Studies.
I have spent 8 years as the governor of a single academy trust, including a spell as the chair and bring that experience to the SSC board. I also bring the experience from my career in local government, where I am currently a Director with responsibilities for growth and development of two authorities in South Essex.
Rhys Jones – Ex-Officio
Ben Martin - Staff
Judith Braeckman - Member (Trustee Appointed)
Anya Diaz-Cebreiro - Member (Trustee Appointed)