About Us

Governance

Governance at Aylesbury Grammar School

The Governing Body

Governors are responsible for overseeing the management side of the School: strategy, policy, budgeting and staffing. They enable the School to run as effectively as possible, working alongside senior leaders and supporting teachers to provide excellent education to students.

Aylesbury Grammar School was founded as a ‘free school’ for local students. Our commitment to this foundation, and our promise to ‘nurture character’ of our students for them to flourish throughout their lives, drive our developments over the coming years. Our strong sense of history is combined with a dynamic and exciting future. Our vision is to make the School an international leader in learning and pastoral care, providing an unparalleled breadth of opportunity. Our community will flourish in all they do through excellence, humility and positive relationships, making a positive contribution to society. 

The Governors of AGS are enthusiastic and committed, supporting the School and its leadership, regularly monitoring and providing challenge. They meet termly as a Full Governing Body, and in committees. The four committees of the Governing Body are : Learning & Teaching, Community & Development, Resources including Finance, and Personnel & Pay.

The Aylesbury Grammar School Foundation Trust

In 1714 Henry Phillips left a sum of £5,000 in trust to be applied “for the purchase of lands of inheritance in fee simple in the county of Bucks, for the enlargement and further provision for the Free School in Aylesbury”. Ten trustees were appointed by the High Court in 1717. They were the first trustees of what is now the Aylesbury Grammar School Foundation. The Aylesbury Grammar School Foundation Trustees own all the property which is held in trust for the benefit of the School. 

Aylesbury Grammar School Academy Trust

The School became an Academy in 2011 with a strong governing body which governs the School and on which parents, staff, Foundation Trustees and others have representatives.

Members of the Aylesbury Grammar School Academy Trust

  • Mr Richard Williams (Chair of Governors), appointed 7 December 2018
  • Mr Kevin Hardern (Chair of the AGS Foundation and Signatory to the Memorandum of Association), appointed 11 March 2011
  • Mr John Cragg (Independent Member), appointed 12 October 2018
  • Sir Francis Habgood (Independent Member), 27 May 2022
  • Mr Narendra Laljani (Independent Member), appointed 27 May 2022, resigned 10 December 2024
  • Mr Jim Collins (Foundation Governor), appointed 7 August 2023
  • Ms Jo Durden Moore (Independent Member), appointed 7 August 2023
  • Ms Andrea Ward (Independent Member) appointed 10 December 2024

The Governors

Terms of office in brackets

The categories of Governors are as set out in the Articles of Association, except that where the Articles refer to Community Governors this shall be deemed to refer to Appointed Governors, who may be appointed by the Governing Body on the recommendation of the Chair of Governors, the Chair of the Foundation and the Head.  Co-opted Governors are appointed by a vote of the Governing Body (excluding votes of Co-opted Governors).  Parent Governors are appointed by the parents or guardians of registered students.  Staff Governors are appointed by the School staff.

  • Mr Richard Williams – Chair of Governors; Appointed Governor (6 Jul 2021 to 5 Jul 2025)
  • Mr Tom Batty – Appointed Governor (5 May 2023 to 2027)
  • Mr Paul Bown – Foundation Governor (17 Jan 2020 to 16 Jan 2028)
  • Mr Jim Collins – Foundation Governor (8 January 2021 to 7 January 2025)
  • Mr Doug Conely – Parent Governor (5 May 2023 to 2027)
  • Mr Adrian Fails – Co-Opted Governor  (7 May 2021 to 7 May 2029)
  • Mr Kevin Hardern – Foundation Governor (29 Jun 2021 to 28 Jun 2029)
  • Miss Mubbien Hayat – Appointed Governor (23 February 2023 to 22 February 2027)
  • Mr Paul Jennings – Co-Opted Governor  (7 May 2021 to 7 May 2029)
  • Mr Rahul Kedia – Co-Opted Governor (8 Dec 2023 to 7 Dec 2027)
  • Mr Dilshan Outschoorn – Parent Governor (5 May 2023 to 2027)
  • Mr Mark Sturgeon – Headmaster (1 Sept 2014)
  • Mr Edward Walter – Appointed Governor (22 Jan 2021 to 21 Jan 2029)
  • Mr Simon Winman – Co-Opted Governor (07 Dec 2021 to 07 Dec 2025)
  • Miss Sophie Price – Co-opted Governor (16 May 2025 to 15 May 2029)
  • Mrs Laura Lewis Williams – Co-Opted Governor (16 May 2025 to 15 May 2029)

*Retired or resigned in the last 12 months

Historic attendance of Governors at Full Governing Body meetings can be seen in our Statement of Accounts.

Downloads

For further details of the AGS Governing Body, or for any queries, please contact the Clerk to the Governors at: ccobb@ags.bucks.sch.uk

The Governors

Mr. Richard Williams, Appointed Governor, Chair of Governors, Safeguarding Governor

Richard has been a Governor since 2013 and became Chair of Governors in 2018, having previously been Chair of the Resources & Finance Committee. Richard is also the Safeguarding Governor. A former restructuring partner at international law firm, Pinsent Masons in London, for 27 years, with a specialism in dealing with project risk issues, Richard has worked on many of the major UK projects of the last 30 years and globally on a range of infrastructure developments. Richard is now recently retired from a consultancy role there.  Both of Richard’s parents were involved in education for many years as a teacher and governor respectively and this has imbued a strong sense of belief in him of the huge importance of learning and education.  His role at the School enables him to contribute in respect of this belief which brings him much satisfaction. He is married to Helen who was previously on the PTA Committee at AGS, resides in Wendover and has 3 sons – one of whom attended AGS, graduating in 2015. Alongside his Governor role Richard enjoys walking (with his dog), sport (more watching than playing) and spending holiday time on the North Wales coast.

Mr. Mark Sturgeon, Headmaster, Vice-Chair UK & Europe of IBSC

Mark has been the Headmaster of the School since September 2014 having previously held roles as Geography teacher at Burnham Upper School (96-98), Head of Geography at AGS (98-2005) and Head of Year 13 at AGS (2000-2005).  He then went on to be Assistant Headteacher – Learning Development (2005-2009) and Deputy Headteacher (2009-2014) at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School. During his career, Mark has presented nationally and internationally on developments in learning, most notably for the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC) where he is Vice-Chair for UK & Europe.  Additionally, Mark is Chair of The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools, Co-Chair of the Buckinghamshire Association of Secondary Headteachers, Consultant Headteacher for The Prince’s Teaching Institute and Member of the Steering Committee for the Grammar School Heads Association. Football being a huge passion, Mark is the Chair of Buckinghamshire Schools’ Football Association and Honourable Secretary of the South East of England Football Association. A graduate of the University of Liverpool, he is a keen sportsman with a young family of three boys.

Mr. Kevin Hardern, Foundation Governor, Chair of AGS Foundation Trust, SEND Governor

Kevin has been a Governor since 1995.  He was initially a Parent Governor, then served as Chair of Governors for eight years, and is currently a Foundation Governor, Chair of AGS Foundation Trust and SEND governor.  Residing in Aylesbury since 1987, his two sons came through AGS in the 1990s. He worked in computers and project management in financial services up to 2004, after which he ran his own consulting company for 10 years. He is a Board member for Young Enterprise locally and responsible for property management and volunteers at Aylesbury Methodist Church and Centre. A passionate believer that everyone should do their best to ensure every child achieves their potential during their education, Kevin is also part of the Governing Body of Bearbrook Combined School as Vice-Chair and has helped it through its journey to become part of a Multi Academy Trust. In his spare time Kevin likes to keep fit – he has been a member of Aylesbury Squash club since 1987 – garden, go to the theatre and see as much as possible of his 14 grandchildren.

Mr. James Collins, Foundation Governor, Health & Safety Governor

Jim has been a Governor since 2004 and was the Chair of Governors for six years until 2018. He is currently Chair of the L&T Committee and the Health & Safety Governor. After seven years as a student at AGS from 1969 to 1976, Jim went on to Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge to read Natural Sciences in 1977. He has recently retired after 40 years in the actuarial profession and is now looking forward to fulfilling all the interests that have had to take second place in that time. Jim re-joined the School community initially as a Parent Governor while his two sons were at AGS, becoming a Foundation Governor in 2009, keen to play a part in ensuring that it remains one of the finest schools in the country. On re-joining, he was impressed that the standards were as high as ever and the ethos just as strong. As an enthusiastic beneficiary of the grammar school system, Jim continues to support AGS wholeheartedly and believes the opportunities it offers are tremendous. Jim enjoys walking and cycling in and around the Vale of Aylesbury, and is a keen supporter and season ticket holder at Wycombe Wanderers.

Mr. Simon Winman, Co-opted Governor, Vice-Chair of Governors, Chair of Community & Development (C&D) Committee

Simon has been a Governor since 2017 and became Chair of the C&D Committee in 2018.  Simon previously taught at the School in the 80s/90s as PE teacher and then went on to work at the RFU for 21 years, leading the team developing people, facilities, and business across the game  He instituted senior volunteer leadership training, built the foundations of the facilities investment programme, and led the change programme for funding and governance arrangements for 37 county boards. Outside rugby Simon is a sought-after coach, enhancing cohesion and re-committing organisations to their purpose, values, and vision.  An accomplished speaker and presenter utilised by various bodies including World Rugby, he coached the ‘Blues’ at Oxford University RFC and is a member of Aylesbury RFC and the Buckinghamshire RFU. Simon resides in Aylesbury and can be seen on various golf courses, refereeing at clubs around Buckinghamshire and keeping fit by running (slowly) around the streets of Aylesbury.

Mr. Edward Walter, Appointed Governor, Chair of Learning and Teaching (L&T) Committee 

Ed has been an Appointed Governor since January 2021 and is Chair of the Learning and Teaching Committee. He is an experienced Senior Leader and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Ed is a serving Deputy Headteacher of a large all-through school for students aged 3-18. In his current role, Ed holds strategic oversight of the Co-Curricular provision as well as the Partnerships and Outreach programmes. Ed also line manages all aspects of the whole school’s daily operation, communications, and pupil voice as well as a number of academic departments. Prior to this, Ed spent 15 years teaching in Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools, most recently as Assistant Headteacher at Dr Challoner’s High School in Little Chalfont. Ed also spent 10 years at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School in Amersham where he was Head of Spanish and Head of the Modern Languages Faculty. Ed also held responsibility for the Astra Teaching School’s Appropriate Body and Induction for Early Career Teachers.

Ed has been Organist of Northwood Methodist Church for over 20 years and enjoys singing Choral Music in Cathedrals across the country.

Mr. Paul Bown, Foundation Governor

Paul has been a Governor since 1998 and became a Foundation Governor and Trustee in 2007. He attended AGS from 1962 to 1969 and went on to Manchester University for a degree in Economics. Paul’s business career has largely been involved in the property industry spending 27 years with Connells Estate Agents, with his last 10 years (up to 2000) as Chairman.  Paul currently owns and runs Waterside Investments, Chearsley Developments, and Chain-Movers, all of which deal with various aspects of property investment and development. Over the last 15 years, there have also been non-executive/part time assignments, largely on behalf of Venture Capitalists, including Executive Chairman of Bennetts Insurance Brokers, Director of Luxury Productions, and Chairman & part owner of P & A Music Productions. Outside interests include Lions Club International (Past President of the Bicester club), skiing, golf, classical music, theatre, foreign travel and global stock markets. Paul resides with his wife Elaine in Chearsley, his 2 children Jeremy (who attended AGS – 1995 to 2001) and Lucy having now flown the nest.

Mr Adrian Fails, Parent Governor, Chair of Resources incl. Finance (RiF) Committee

Adrian joined the Governing Body in 2021. He did so after witnessing the school’s excellent approach to educating and developing its students. His eldest son is directly benefitting, as a Year 10 student at the school. Adrian grew up in Belfast and relocated to England shortly after leaving university. He moved to Buckinghamshire with his wife about 15 years ago and they have four children. A particular joy was sharing the work of home educating two of the children for most of their primary years. A mathematician, by inclination and by training, Adrian has worked for many years as an analyst in transport safety risk, from researching what causes road traffic collisions to developing a mathematical model of the risk of train accidents. He later focused on strategic business planning and performance management, whilst in the rail industry, and is now using that expertise in the banking sector. His perspective is always to seek the big picture, focus on long-term outcomes, and find a good path to making them happen. Adrian is a keen off-road runner who, with his friends from Tring Running Club, enjoys exploring the hills and trails around the local area.

Mr Paul Jennings, Parent Governor, Chair of Personnel and Pay (P&P) Committee

Paul became a Parent Governor in May 2021.  Living in the local area for four decades, he is a former Aylesburian, proud to have his two sons at the School in Years 8 and 10.  Having discovered a love of Economics as a pupil at AGS, Paul went on to a degree in Economics at Cambridge University.  He has subsequently worked in the City for over thirty years, focused mostly on credit risk management.  After spells at The Bank of England and a large Japanese bank, amongst others, at present Paul, manages a team of credit analysts at The European Bank for Reconstruction & Development, a Supranational organisation, where the staff represent about seventy shareholder countries.  Paul has long experience of working in an extremely international and multi-cultural environment.  His job has taken him around the world meeting senior bankers and government officials.  Having trained many adults in his professional life, Paul wants to give something back to the school system.  He is particularly interested in the provision of SEND to bright children who sometimes struggle to over-come the issues which life throws at them.  He is also interested in how those boys who do not wish to take to the sporting field can broaden and deepen their non-academic achievements.

Mr Rahul Kedia, Co-Opted Governor

Rahul joined the Governing Body in Dec 2023. Rahul, whose 2 sons currently study at AGS, is deeply invested in the school’s success. He is eager to leverage his professional skills to support the school’s governance and contribute to the overall development and success of its students.  With a focus on using his expertise to enhance educational outcomes and ensure the school’s continued excellence, Rahul is committed to working collaboratively with the AGS team to benefit the wider school community.  Rahul works as a Regional Director for IPS Group, UK and his expertise in negotiating business deals, fostering customer relationships, and driving value through effective & strategic partnerships positions him to contribute meaningfully to the school’s governance. Having pursued his MBA in Marketing from Oxford Brookes University with a distinction in Global Marketing, Rahul brings with him a wealth of experience in business management, commercial acumen and building relationships. Rahul is married, lives in Aylesbury and his weekends are mostly spent running a ‘free taxi service’ for his children’s sporting commitments. Rahul is also an ECB Level 1 accredited cricket coach and is actively involved in coaching the U15s (boys) at Wendover Cricket Club.

Miss Mubbien Hayat, Appointed Governor

Mubbien has been an Appointed Governor since February 2023. Mubbien is a Chartered Investment Manager with over 9 years experience in new client acquisition, investment portfolio construction and asset allocation. Born and raised in West London, Mubbien received the Lord Benson Award from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) an academic Scholarship to complete her Undergraduate and then Post-Graduate studies at the London School of Economics achieving an MSc in Policy and Planning, with Merit. 

Since graduating Mubbien has worked in financial services and for wealth management firms and in 2019 was nominated for Rising Star Award at Tilney Investment Management in the Women in Finance Awards. Over the years, Mubbien has taken part in various volunteering initiatives including mentoring pupils from inner London schools in year 11 and 12 in core subjects to rectify low educational attainment and help them cope with the demands of higher education. Part of this role involved exploring next steps after leaving schools such as going to university or researching more vocational routes to higher education. 

Having recently moved to Aylesbury in the last year or so Mubbien is looking forward to being part of the AGS community and hopes to bring forward new insights and experiences. In her spare time Mubbien enjoys travelling, cooking and nature walks.

Mr Tom Batty, Appointed Governor

Educated in the UK, after a flirtation with financial services, Tom headed south to start a teaching career, firstly in New Zealand, at Thames High School and, commencing in boys’ education, at St Patrick’s College, Wellington, and then Australia above the Bondi waves at Waverley College.

Returning to the UK, Tom taught mathematics and was a House Master at Eton College, before being appointed, in 2008, as the ninth Principal of Scotch College, Melbourne, Australia.

While at Eton, Tom was introduced to the work of the IBSC through former Headmaster of Roxbury Latin School, Tony Jarvis. Tom attended his first IBSC Annual Conference at Lindisfarne College, New Zealand in 2009. Scotch College hosted the 2012 Annual Conference, after which Tom joined the Board of Trustees; Tom chaired the Board from 2018 to 2021.

Of Tom’s 35 years in education, 32 have been spent in boys’ schools. Across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, as teacher and most recently principal, and through courses, conferences, trips, tours and friendships in the US, South Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, Tom has observed different cultural and systemic approaches to the common thread of growing good men.

Tom believes education is a relational craft and that it is by nurturing passions and honing mastery that being interested and desiring accomplishment become habits for life that enable young men to take control of their lives and contribute to the social good of all.

Tom is interested in the relationship between the micro and the macro, the judgement that rests between awareness and action, the interface between social and economic enterprise and parallels to mathematical pattern in the social world. Tom is married to Lee and they have two daughters Poppy and Anna, both of whom, to differing degree, share Tom’s lifelong passion for Brentford Football Club.

Dilshan Outschoorn, Parent Governor

Dilshan was appointed a Parent Governor at AGS in May 2023. He is a Chartered Management Accountant and holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology and Management. A dedicated parent of two boys (one currently studying at the school and the other soon to join).

Originally from Sri Lanka, Dilshan spent his formative years living and studying in the Maldives before making the UK his home in 2003 and now lives in Aylesbury with his wife and two boys.

In his professional capacity, Dilshan works as an IT Consultant and has worked for organisations both public and private sector, implementing financial systems. Dilshan used to play volleyball, badminton and table tennis and has recently discovered the joys of saltwater angling.

Dilshan is deeply committed to the well-being and success of all students at AGS. He firmly believes in fostering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment which is vital for students to thrive and pursue their aspirations.

Doug Conely, Parent Governor

 

Doug joined the Governing Body in May 2023 as an opportunity to play a part in the ongoing development and excellence of AGS for both current boys, including his three sons, and future students.

Having attended a comprehensive school in Oxfordshire, Doug studied Electronic Engineering at Cambridge University. His 20-year career in the technology sector has moved from roles in consulting and banking back to his love of product management and software engineering. Doug has been Chief Product and Technology Officer at Peach, a London-based software as a service company solving for advertising creative workflow and automation, since 2017.

As an engineer by training and an employer in the technology sector, Doug brings enthusiasm for STEM education. While his own enjoyment of sport and music at school, and that of his boys now, makes him appreciate the importance of a rounded school experience to help young people find their passions.

Doug is married to a local GP and has lived near Princes Risborough since 2010.

Resources

AGS Learner

Our vision is to provide an exceptional education, rich in learning opportunities

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PTA website

The PTA is a group of parents, who organise and run events, with the support of the school.

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School Bookings

Now you can make bookings for Parents Evenings and school events that suit you.

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ParentPay

Pay online for school uniforms and sports clothing, school dinners, trips and more.

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