Daniel Mace - Chair of Governors

I joined the school as a Community Governor in 2012. I joined as a governor of Haydon Abbey to ensure I could share my expertise in the town I grew up in and still live in, with my wife and young children. Since 2012 I have worked on the Resources Committee and chaired the Teaching and Learning Committee to build up my knowledge of Haydon Abbey which, where possible, I try to widen by coming into the school. As a secondary teacher myself, this can be tricky to arrange! I am an Assistant Headteacher of a large secondary selective school in Slough. My particular background is in Geography, provision for more able students and developing the role of technology across the school. I also work as a Senior Examiner and Trainer for A-level. Driving all of this is my belief that school should be a powerful means for all children to thrive and succeed, regardless of background or ability.

Hannah Jones - Deputy Headteacher

I joined Haydon Abbey School in 2013 having previously worked in a primary school in Oxfordshire gaining teaching experience in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. During my time at Haydon Abbey I have held a number of different posts including class teacher, SENDco and Assistant Headteacher. I took up my current role as Deputy Headteacher in September 2022. At this time, I also made the decision to join the school’s governing body as a staff governor. My personal areas of interest and specialism are special educational needs and inclusion, behaviour support and teaching and learning. Through being a member of the school’s governing body, I hope to support the development of the school and improve the outcomes for all children who attend Haydon Abbey School and their families.

Zhenya Price – Vice Chair Safeguarding
I joined Haydon Abbey’s governing board soon after my daughter started school here in September 2015. I was elected as a Parent Governor in June 2016 and appointed as a Co-opted Governor in September 2016. I have also undertaken various Induction Training courses to ensure I fulfil my role as a Governor to the best of my potential. I am also a member of the Teaching and Learning Committee. I believe that my professional skills as coordinator of projects as well as parent who is hugely interested in school’s day-to-day life can contribute to the school’s development. Haydon Abbey School is a great place for community cohesion amongst parents, teachers and other interested parties that make it a great educational place. I am very proud to be part of it and looking forward to watching it grow from strength to strength.

Tom Elliott

I joined Haydon Abbey as a School Governor in 2021, I have two children currently enrolled at Haydon Abbey and two more still to join, so I have a long-invested interest in this school’s performance and development. I currently work at Heathrow Airport as a project manager for the Employment, Education and Skills team, my work involves me creating educational and curriculum-based activities and work experience placements for schools and colleges. I also assist with the recruitment for the many companies that work at Heathrow. During my time as a School Governor, I will undertake training and use my work-based knowledge to help the development and success of Haydon Abbey School.

Ghanashyam Dahal

I joined Haydon Abbey’s governing board in December 2024. As a parent governor, I have two children currently enrolled at Haydon Abbey, so I have a long-invested interest in the school’s performance and development.  Currently, I am working as an accounts and audit manager in one of the accounting practices in London. I believe my experience working in the sector for the past 20 years would contribute adding value in achieving the school’s strategic and financial objectives. I’ve always wanted to give back to society therefore, this would be a pleasure to help the development and success of this school.    

Patricia Hague

I joined the governing body at the beginning of 2025 and am deeply committed to the school’s future as a parent of HA. My background is in project management and service development, where I primarily oversee the mobilisation and delivery of programs, grants, and tenders aimed at fostering community engagement and addressing loneliness and isolation. In my role, I also lead my organisation’s communication team and play a vital part in the safeguarding team.

What I enjoy most about my job is enhancing practices and processes, identifying opportunities for growth and collaboration, and empowering my teams to demonstrate tangible change and impact in our clients’ lives through outcome tracking and storytelling. Prior to becoming a parent, I worked as a creative director and therefore have a passion for photography and curation, I also enjoy watching documentaries, reading, and attending concerts. Although I am new to the governor role, I am looking forward to collaborating with, and learning from, the rest of the governing body to support the school’s growth and development. 

Sunil Maharjan

I am a local parent and scientist with three children at Haydon Abbey, past and present. Living just across the road, I feel closely connected to the school. I bring expertise from various biomedical science research institutes, where I have led scientific projects and supported strategic planning. I also volunteer in STEM activities and regularly help at Aylesbury Junior Park Run, encouraging children to stay active and confident. Since joining the governing board in December 2024, I have been committed to supporting the school’s vision and strategic objectives, helping every child grow to their full potential.

Kate Newton

I joined Haydon Abbey’s governing board in December 2021. I currently have two children attending the school. I have over 20 years’ experience working in finance and more recently in in the social care sector. I believe that I will be able to use these skills to benefit the wider school community. I am very pleased to be part of Haydon Abbey and I am excited to see how the school progresses

Laura Taylor

I joined Haydon Abbey’s governing board in December 2021 as a Parent Governor. I believe my experience working in the finance environment for the past fourteen years (including nine years in Local Government Finance) has provided me with the knowledge and skills to understand, support and challenge finance and other processes within the school. As a parent, I am keen to contribute towards the school’s strategic objectives and understand how they support pupil progression, engagement, and the overall school environment. I look forward to learning from the existing governors and developing myself in the position to be able to support the growth of this brilliant school.