Sim Bains (Headteacher)

I have been proud to be part of the Knebworth School community for over 15 years, and during that time I have had the privilege of taking on a range of leadership roles and responsibilities. In September 2024, I was honoured to become Headteacher of this truly inspirational school.

Knebworth School holds a very special place in my heart. Every day I am inspired by our wonderful children, our dedicated staff, and the supportive community that surrounds us. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child feels safe, valued and encouraged to achieve their very best.

As Headteacher, I work closely with the governing body to ensure we have a strong and ambitious vision for the future. Together, we are committed to nurturing curiosity, confidence and a love of learning, while continuing to build on the many strengths that make Knebworth School such a special place.

I feel incredibly excited and optimistic about the journey ahead and look forward to leading Knebworth School into its next exciting and magical chapter.

Mark Green (Chair of Governors) 

I am delighted to be part of the governing board for Knebworth School to help deliver on the school’s values of deep roots and high aspirations.

I have been a governor for about 12 years at both primary and secondary schools in North Hertfordshire, with experience of several Ofsted visits, teacher and governor recruitment, financial audits and reports, teaching and learning, safeguarding, data protection (as a schools data protection officer), and governance leadership.

I have been working for Hertfordshire County Council for 13 years in various roles within Childrens Services, from Standards and Schools Effectiveness, Herts for Learning and Hertfordshire Music Service to my current role is as a School Planning Manager (Operations) – working closely with schools, academies and multi-academy trusts across the county.

 I have two children, both with autism and one with ADHD as well, so I have a vested interest in the progression of SEND provision and advocate for the SEND community. I am a SEND expert by experience, and have recently completed my second qualification in Special Education Needs and Disabilities; I am also a qualified professional leadership coach.

I am pleased to be part of the Knebworth School community and am looking forward to helping the school.

Ben Shostak (Staff Governor)

I am delighted to join the governing body for Knebworth school.  I have worked at the school for around 15 years and have loved working with the children and helping them to achieve their goals.  During my time at Knebworth I have had many roles, including leading upper key stage 2, supporting staff wellbeing and leading a range of subjects including history, computing and maths, of which I am currently co-lead.   I have also been part of the Knebworth community for almost 20 years and am delighted to send my child here to this wonderful school. 

Robert Staples (Co-opted Governor)

I have worked in Hertfordshire since 1996, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that all children achieve the best possible outcomes, whatever their starting points or the social and economic barriers they may face.

For the last 20 years, I have served as the Headteacher of Fairlands Primary School, a three-form entry primary school in Stevenage Old Town. The school was a founding member of a local multi-academy trust, The Claxton Trust, and in my role as CEO and Accounting Officer, I bring extensive expertise in school finance and a clear understanding of the specific challenges facing the sector.

I am also experienced at supporting school improvement beyond my own setting. Over the years, I have worked alongside a wide range of Hertfordshire schools, offering coaching, strategic guidance and leadership support to help strengthen outcomes for children across the county. My collaborative approach and practical understanding of school leadership has enabled me to make a sustained contribution to the wider educational landscape.

In my spare time, I enjoy live music, cycling and maintaining my allotment. 

Juliet Whitehead (Vice Chair of Governors)

I currently work for Hertfordshire County Council within the Education Leadership Team as the HFL Education Relationship Manager, with specific responsibility for overseeing the School Improvement Contract commissioned by the local authority. This role gives me a strong strategic understanding of how schools are supported, challenged, and enabled to improve, as well as a detailed knowledge of the wider education landscape in Hertfordshire.

As a parent of two boys attending Hertfordshire schools, and as a former primary school teacher in the county, I bring both professional and personal insight into the needs of pupils, staff, and families. I understand the day to day realities of school life as well as the broader pressures and opportunities facing school leaders.

I have served as a governor since 2018 across four Hertfordshire schools, including experience as both Chair and ViceChair. This has given me a deep understanding of effective governance, the importance of constructive challenge, and the value of strong relationships between governors, leaders, and the wider community.

Together, these experiences mean I can offer strategic insight, practical understanding, and a genuine commitment to supporting Knebworth School.