Governor Biographies

Head Teacher: Helen Avey

I have been Headteacher at Highbury since January 2006. Before that I was Deputy and Acting Head at Mary Exton School, Hitchin. I was there for 16 years. I originally began teaching in Enfield and always knew that was what I wanted to do. My particular interest is in the Early Years and so Highbury is my perfect school.

My other educational roles include, member of the Hitchin Partnership of schools and its’ curriculum committee, Professional Partner for New Heads.

Parent Governor (Chair): Tony Side

I have lived in Hitchin since 1987 & all 3 of my children have attended Highbury at some time. I was elected a Parent Governor in 2019.

I originally studied & practiced Architecture, & subsequently worked in environmental psychology research, the development & support of architectural CAD systems & the design of interactive media.

I have 23 years experience as a University tutor, course leader & Director of Programmes in Design, with responsibilities including staffing, budgets, curriculum development, teaching & learning strategy, research supervision, academic quality standards, & overseas collaborations.

Having retired in 2017 I now have more time & opportunity to contribute to sustaining & supporting the success of our excellent school.

Co-opted Governor (Vice-Chair): Steven Foster

I am amazed at the hard work and dedication all the staff at Highbury School demonstrate from watching my son's journey through the school and my daughter's so far. I am therefore delighted to continue as a member of the governing body where I hope I will be able to play a small part in continuing all their excellent work for future children. I started my studies in the arts however I decided to enter the exciting (!) world of accountancy instead. I trained in small accountancy practices before moving to KPMG in 2005 where I now work in tax. I spend my free time running, cycling and eating Italian food to compensate.

Co-opted Governor: Victoria Hellyer

I have been a governor at Highbury since 2008. I have three sons who have all attended Highbury.

Since my eldest son started in the Nursery here, I have enjoyed helping within the school in many different classrooms. I am employed within the school as a Teaching Assistant.

I am very grateful that my children have attended such a wonderful school and I am proud to be part of the school community.

Co-opted Governor: Sue Rainbow

I have been a governor at Highbury Infants since 2012. Prior to this I had been a member of Highbury staff, teaching Year 2. I started my teaching career in a large primary school in  Luton in 1975. Following a short break to have my own children, I worked in a number of Hitchin schools until my retirement. In my spare time I have many hobbies, mainly sewing based but I also enjoy reading, baking and travelling.

Staff Governor: Amanda Horsnell

I am a mother of two children who both attended Highbury Infant School. I have two daughters at university. I qualified as a Nursery Nurse in 1986 and was a nanny both in London and America.

I later worked in a Nursery class in Letchworth before having my girls. Once my youngest daughter was school age, I came to work at Highbury as a Nursery Nurse in one of the Reception classes.

LA Governor: Jackie Wilcockson

I have lived in Hitchin for over 30 years and am married with 2 sons. Since qualifying as a teacher I worked in a wide variety of primary schools. This included Somerset, the Forces schools in Germany, St Albans, Stevenage, Preston and Hitchin teaching in both Key Stage 1 and 2. In 1997 I was appointed as Senco at Whitehill Junior School , which widened into being Senco at Highbury as well in 2003. During my time as Senco I took further specialised training.

I enjoyed my time teaching and since fully retiring I have continued with my interest in children by helping voluntarily once a week at Highbury. Since retirement my time has been enjoyably spent with numerous holidays, catching up with friends, gardening, reading and hillwalking.

Co-opted Governor: Steven Miller

I have lived in Hitchin for the last 14 years and both of my boys attended Highbury. I have worked in international education for the last 25 years in Turkey, China and the UK and currently for Cambridge Assessment – the exam board of the University of Cambridge. My professional background includes school management, designing and producing assessments for both children and adults and delivering education reform projects in countries around the world.

Co-opted Governor: Fotini Tsiatoma

I am a full-time working parent, with experience in the financial and, more recently, in the pharmaceutical industry, as an Information, Cyber and Risk manager. Since having my children, I have been actively involved in their educational journey. I have been a member of the Parent Partnership committee whilst my sons were attending nursery and I am currently chairperson of Hitchin Fun Club's committee.

I have seen my eldest son flourish through his years at Highbury. He is now at Whitehill, whilst my youngest son is at Highbury. Joining the Governing Body as a co-opted governor gives me the opportunity to shape, contribute and support Highbury in offering an excellent educational journey to our children.

Parent Governor: Edward Hawker

I started as a parent governor in 2019. My son is now in Whitehill while my daughter started in nursery in 2021. I am pleased to be able to make a contribution to help the school remain an excellent place for our children to develop and learn.

I am a civil servant, currently working for HM Treasury.

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time running around after my children but also find time for running an amateur cricket team and following the mixed fortunes of Ipswich Town Football Club.

Clerk to the Governors: Antoinette Flavin

I had been in an educational setting in London for over 20 years. I started working at Highbury Infant School in September 2012 and now feel part of the furniture. I enjoy the many challenges that working in a school brings.