Governance

Elspeth Bruford - Chair

Originally from Scotland, Elspeth moved to Royston in 2007, and lives here with her two children. She completed a PhD in human genetics at Edinburgh University, and for over 15 years has managed a small team of researchers and developers, initially based at University College London and now at the Wellcome Genome Campus at Hinxton. Currently a Director of Research at the University of Cambridge, her group runs a database and website related to human and vertebrate genetics and science communication, and she is involved in projects investigating the use of genomics in healthcare.

Elspeth's interests in being a governor are based not only on the education and well-being of the children at the school, but also around the key role the school has within Royston, and how it can best work with, and fit within, the local community. She believes strongly that the families of pupils (present, past and future) are a key element of any successful school. Unsurprisingly, she also has a strong interest in the education of science, technology, engineering and medicine (STEM) and in efforts to bridge the gender gap within these subjects. 

Zoe Andrews - Head

Zoe has worked in secondary education for more than twenty years. She began her career as a chemistry teacher before becoming an Advanced Skills Teacher, supporting colleagues to develop high‑quality classroom practice across a range of subjects.

Her leadership experience spans several schools in the Royston area, including Meridian, Greneway, and Roysia. Zoe was also a key member of the senior team that led the merger of the three schools to form King James Academy Royston. KJAR is her second headship, and she brings significant strategic experience to the governing body.

Beyond her professional role, Zoe is an enthusiastic sports fan, regularly taking part in running and hockey. She also enjoys travelling, reading, and gardening.

James Tanton - Community Member

James has lived in Royston for most of his life and attended Greneway and Meridian Schools as they were then known during the 1990’s and his eldest son now attends King James Academy.

After leaving Meridian Sixth form, James attended Lancaster University to study history, specialising in the Russian Revolution and graduated in 2005, when he moved to Manchester to start a career in finance.

In 2008, James moved back to Royston to work in London for The Bank of New York Mellon in the client services department. In 2020, James joined wealth tech company Allfunds Bank as a relationship manager and is also a member of the volunteering committee.

In his spare time, James is head coach of the U10’s team at Royston Rugby Club, James also enjoys spending time with his family, walking the dog around Royston and watching sport.  

James McCreath (SEND governor) - Community Member

James lives in Royston with his wife, two young sons, and dog.  Originally from the Midlands, he is a graduate of Oxford University.  He works as barrister, specialising in property, pensions, and commercial disputes, and acts for a wide range of clients, from FTSE 100 companies to individuals. 

Coming from a family replete with teachers, he has a keen interest in education, and is keen to support the work of the Head and Staff in delivering the best possible education to the school's pupils.

Steven Sivyer - Community Member

Rachel Sharp - Community Member

Originally from the West Country Rachel moved to Cambridge in 1986 to complete her PGCE in French and Games at Homerton College, after completing a degree in French and German. Rachel has recently retired from teaching, having taught in many different settings, both at home and abroad, and having held a variety of roles, both academic and pastoral. Rachel is particularly interested in the pastoral care for and wellbeing of the School community, alongside the equality of education for all, and will take on the role of link Governor for SEND and Pupil Premium students.

Rachel is keen to support her local community and is also volunteering with a local charity for young children and parents facing challenging circumstances. She is keen to use her educational background and lived experiences to support the King James community. She believes strongly in and will be looking to support the relationship between home and school. Rachel's two grown-up children have flown the nest, leaving Rachel the time to commit to King James. She enjoys travelling to all parts of the world and spending time at the gym and with friends and family and is excited to embark on this new journey.

Andrew Xia - Parent Member

Andrew has lived in Royston for 14 years now and has three children attending King James Academy.  He studied Biochemistry and Economics at Northwestern University followed by an Executive MBA at the University of Cambridge's Judge Business School as an alumnus of Downing College.  Andrew has been in management consulting for nearly 20 years and currently has a strategy and economics consulting company servicing pharmaceutical and biotech companies across North America, Europe and Asia.  

Outside of work and family life, Andrew enjoys running (no longer than 5 km), weightlifting, reading, playing piano/guitar, and supporting his many sports teams from the various.

Hayley Mackenzie – Parent Member

Hayley has lived in Royston for 16 years and has 4 children currently studying at KJAR aged between 11 and 15.  She currently works as an Operations Manager for a Cambridge based construction company, her role requires her to have excellent organisational and communicational skills.   In Hayley's previous job role in early years education, she had daily dealings with safeguarding, Ofsted and curriculum.  This insight has placed her in a good position to support her children educationally. 

Hayley hopes that within the role of LGB for KJAR she will be able to contribute to the school in a positive way by supporting the staff and management in their aims, promoting the school in the local community and strengthening the links and clear communication between the school and parents. 

Tim Johnson – Staff Member

Retired Detective Inspector after 30 years with Hertfordshire Constabulary. A father of two young daughters, in addition to part-time work now at KJAR as a Teaching Assistant and Invigilator, Tim is a Liberal Democrat District and Town Councillor in his spare time, representing Royston Meridian ward at North Herts and Royston councils and has been a Governor at Icknield Walk First School since 2016 

Contact dlptclerk@diamondlearningtrust.com

For the structure of the Governing Body  please refer to the Scheme of Delegation document on this page https://diamondlearningtrust.com/statutory-publications/

For the Pecuniary interest  please refer to the Declarations of Business and Pecuniary Interests document on this page https://diamondlearningtrust.com/statutory-publications/