Governors Who's Who

Mrs Victoria Horsnall - Chair of Governors

I have been the Chair of Governors since September 2021.  My involvement with Markyate Village School was as a parent when my children attended up until July 2020.

My responsibilities within the Governing Body include working on the Finance Committee that has an overview of the school's budget, the plans for the school premises and for personnel. I also have a particular focus on Early Years, so I work with the Nursery and Reception Team to help develop the Early Years provision in the school.

Mrs Rosie Hudson - School Governor

I have been working at Markyate Village School as a HLTA for three years, and have spent the majority of this time working with the Year 6 children, and providing cover for teachers across the school. I am currently training to be a qualified teacher, due to complete my training in 2025. My previous work was as a dancer and dance teacher and I have always loved working with children; so once I had had my own two children, I decided to complete my teacher training. I feel very passionately about the well-being of children and therefore very much look forward to continuing to support the ethos of Markyate Village School by being a part of the governing body.

Mrs Terry Willis - Co-opted Governor

My name is Terry Willis. I was a teacher in Hertfordshire for 25 years, three of those as a Deputy Head and seventeen as a Head Teacher, at four different schools. As a Deputy and Head I took part in six OFSTED inspections. I am now retired but continue to do part time consultancy work in schools through the local authority and as a Tutor for the University of Hertfordshire.

I believe passionately that all children are entitled to the very best education possible and that the school they attend should endeavour to ensure they achieve their potential and beyond.

My career provided me with a great sense of fulfilment and I hope, as a governor, to give something back. I have a grandson who attended Markyate Village School but who has now moved to secondary school. My granddaughter is currently in the Nursery.

Gwanwyn Mason - Co-opted Governor

Gwanwyn and her family moved to neighbouring Kensworth in 2019 and her oldest son joined reception in Markyate in September 2020. Gwanwyn loves being part of the Markyate community and organised the Salvation Army toy collection at Christmas and is working with the school to develop a ‘Twinning’ programme with a thriving school for low-income families in Delhi. 

Professionally Gwanwyn works for the Mayor of London delivering social justice programmes aimed at finding new ways to amplify the voices of under-represented communities in policing. In her spare time Gwanwyn is also a trustee of an NGO supporting Somali communities in London and around the world, and enjoys running around the beautiful local countryside with the family’s slightly un-hinged chocolate Labrador!

Gwanwyn joined Markyate Village School's Governing Body as a co-opted governor in May 2021.

Andrew Gilbert  - Parent Governor

 I have two children in the school who have very much enjoyed their time so far at MVS. I have lived in the local area all my life and moved to Markyate in 2016, just before my eldest began Reception. I qualified as a financial advisor in 2002 and have worked in financial services for the past 20 years on both a personal and corporate level. My responsibilities within the governing body are primarily within the finance committee and health and safety. In my spare time I enjoy playing golf and the occasional game of cricket.

Jacqualyn Rumsey - Parent Governor                                                                          I have two children at Markyate School and have worked in education for over 20 years. I have taught from Nursery to Year Six, worked as a deputy head, safeguarding lead and as a qualified SENDCo.   I have recently qualified as a Level 5 SPLD (Specific Learning Difficulties) teacher. I have a passion for inclusion and ensuring that children have the best possible experience at school.  I currently work for the Speech Language Communication and Autism Team for County. You may also have seen me at FOMS fund raising events. When I have any spare time I love walking, running (or rather trotting along!) and reading. 

Rebecca Wells - Co-opted Governor                                                                           

My name is Rebecca Wells (Becky). I moved to Markyate in 2014 and my daughter attended the school from September 2015 until July 2022, we both loved our experience of the school. I was also part of the parent council before my daughter left.

Professionally I work for Hertfordshire County Council in the department of Adult Care Services, where I have been for the last 25 years. My expertise is working with and supporting adults with disabilities including learning disabilities, autism, and people with a mental health diagnosis. I am passionate about positive behaviour support and bringing out the best in people, enabling them to achieve their goals, aspirations, improving self-esteem and overall wellbeing.

When I get some free time I like to travel to the South Coast, take walks by the sea and have quality time with family.

I joined the Governing Board in February of 2023 as a co-opted Governor

Mr Allan Maher - Associate Governor

Mrs Jo Bifolco - Parent Governor

Mrs Julie Raybould Clerk to the Governors