Meet the members of our Local School Committee:

Sarah Merrigan (Chair)

I am a senior leader in a local community secondary school and have enjoyed working alongside Springmead in the secondary school transition process. I was keen to enhance the relationship with Springmead and support them in communicating Springmead successes. 

Karen Cayford (Headteacher)

I joined Springmead in September 2018 and have overseen a fundamental change in the school since then.  I was born and have lived in Hertfordshire for most of my life and still have children who go to school within the county.  I am privileged to lead such as diverse and interesting school and can see our vision and aims in action every day.

I love the variety that the children and families bring to Springmead and the importance that we place on developing the whole child whilst not taking our focus away from continually striving to raise standards. It is a happy environment to be in for everyone who learns and works here and every day presents a new and exciting challenge.  

I am also Executive Headteacher - Compliance and Operations for the Spiral Partnership Trust.

Hannah Clarke (Head of School) 

I joined Springmead at the same time as Karen in September 2018 as a class teacher. In my time at Springmead, I have been led multiple different subjects, been Key Stage 2 phase lead, lead behaviour across the school, been Assistant Head and am now delighted to be Head of School. Before working here, I worked at another local primary school. I was part of the Senior Leadership Team when Springmead achieved it's 'good' Ofsted and I have really enjoyed seeing the changes that have taken place whilst I have worked here. I am proud to be able to lead such a wonderful staff who all always put the children at the heart of all they do.

Chris Gearing (Staff Governor)

Dirk Werling (Parent)

I am Professor of Molecular Immunology at the Royal Veterinary College and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.  Thus, whereas I may not have a deep insight into Primary School Teaching, I have a good understanding of what contributes to a successful learning environment.  I have experience in curriculum setting and delivery, and in managing large projects in groups with a diverse background. 

I have two daughters who currently attend Springmead.  I was elected as a parent governor at Springmead in autumn 2016, taking up office in early 2017.  I am a qualified Vet, and enjoy spending my time with animals and in the outdoors with activities such as rock climbing, skiing and cycling.

Adnan Mir (Parent)

Laura Downer (Co-opted)

I have lived in Welwyn Garden City with my family all my life and have two children one of which attends Springmead and the other was a former pupil and is now at secondary school. 

I became a co-opted member of the local school committee in January 2019 and have had the privilege to see first hand how the school has developed over the past 6 years and to achieve its Good ofsted rating. I have a background in Human Resources and have worked within both the public and private sector for the past 22 years. 

I am excited for having the opportunity to continue to support the school in its continual improvement plans and to maintain its high standard of teaching and learning.  In my spare time, I am an avid women’s rugby supporter and enjoy walking and spending time with my family.

Aaron Wanford (Associate)

Aaron is a Director of Education within Danes Educational Trust, based in Hertfordshire which comprises both primary and secondary schools, as well as a performing arts academy.  As part of this role, he oversees the quality of education over the six primary schools and works cross-phase with the secondary schools on all-through school improvement and curriculum.  Prior to this, he was an Executive Headteacher working as part of a national Multi-Academy Trust, REAch2, the largest primary-only trust in the country with over 60 schools.  With over 16 years’ experience he has provided other schools with school improvement and leadership support, both within REAch2 and externally.  Aaron opened a brand new free school in Buckinghamshire successfully and led schools as Executive Headteacher to good and outstanding.  Aaron has completed his National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership and has experience and leadership of MAT growth and acquisition from this.  He has also been a Chair of Governors for an academy as part of a MAT in Hertfordshire and led a variety of schools including those Church of England, academy and maintained, and has been part of the leadership in bringing new schools into a trust.  He is also an elected parent governor within REAch2. 

Our Clerk is Patrick Aikman.

Current Governors

Previous Governors

Dates of meetings for 2025-26 are:

Wednesday 24th September 2025 at 6.00pm

Wednesday 3rd December 2025 at 8:30am

Wednesday 18th March 2026 at 8:30am

Wednesday 24th June 2026 at 6:00pm

All meetings are attended by LSC members and invited guests only.

To contact any of our LSC members please email admin@springmead.herts.sch.uk and your enquiry will be passed on.