Local School Committee (LSC)

The Local School Committee (LSC) provides strategic oversight, support and challenge to the school’s senior leadership team to ensure high standards of education and the best possible outcomes for pupils. It works within the vision, ethos and policies of the Trust and ensures that statutory responsibilities are met, including those set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children.

The LSC is made up of the Headteacher, elected staff and parent members and co-opted community members who are appointed for their skills and experience and meets 4 times a year alongside a programme of LSC member visits to the school.

The LSC has delegated responsibility to work with senior leaders on the following:

• Standards
• Stakeholder engagement
• Safeguarding
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

The LSC is a committee of the Spiral Partnership Trust which is legally responsible for overseeing the operations of the Trust’s schools.  Our decisions are monitored by, and may be influenced by, the Board of Directors who are ultimately responsible for all the actions of the Trust’s schools.

The LSC supports the work of the Trust and Board of Directors, acts as a questioning friend to the school, monitoring decision making and its impact on pupil progress, achievement and attainment and ensures that the Trust’s vision, ethos and strategy is adopted and applied by school leaders.

If you would like to contact the Local School Committee or find out more about how it works, please contact the school office by telephone or email at admin@forres.herts.sch.uk

LSC members do not deal with individual pupil matters or specific complaints and parents and carers should first raise concerns with their child’s class teacher and then with the Headteacher or Head of School where necessary.

Chair of LSC: Raj Sagoo

Vice-Chair of LSC: Dave Stoten

Clerk to the LSC: Patrick Aikman

 The Local School Committee (LSC) meets at least once a term. The dates for this academic year (2026-2027) are: 

*Wednesday 16th September 2026

*Wednesday 2nd December 2026 

*Wednesday 10th March 2027 

*Wednesday 23rd June 2027

Register of Interests 2026

 LSC Members 

 Members who have resigned in the last 12 months 

Meet the LSC Members 

Raj Sagoo

Category: Chair of LSC

Terms of office: 01.02.2023 – 31.01.2027

With over 20 years of experience in IT, I currently serve as Head of IT for a branding agency. As Chair of the Local School Committee, I'm committed to supporting Forres Primary Academy in providing the best possible education for all our pupils.

My connection to Forres runs deep. I'm a former pupil myself, and my children attend the school. This personal investment means I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities our families face. Through my role on the LSC, I work to ensure strong governance, strategic oversight, and accountability, always keeping our children's wellbeing and educational outcomes at the heart of every decision.

I bring practical problem-solving skills from my IT background, alongside a passion for creating environments where every child can thrive. Outside of work and school commitments, I enjoy sports and DIY projects.

Dave Stoten

Category: Vice chair of LSC

Terms of office: 07.07.2021 – 06.07.2029

I recently retired after a 47-year career in the postal service industry having acquired a substantial skill set in a range of retail, operational, commercial, HR, safety, security and transformational change roles. I worked at every level in the organisation and for the last 26 years led teams in senior and directorate positions.  I was a secondary school governor for around 6 years in early 2000 carrying out roles such as Vice Chair of the Governing Body, Discipline Chair and led the premises sub-group.   My passion, throughout my career and in my personal life centres on supporting and mentoring others to grow and succeed. As a “returning” governor, I relish the opportunity to help children achieve academic success develop life skills. I am particularly proud that my wife of 43 years and I have raised two children who mirror the values, enthusiasm, and life positivity that we hold dear.

Rebecca Fitts

Category: Headteacher

Terms of office started: 01.09.2026

I believe that strong relationships, high expectations, and a nurturing environment are key to helping children thrive both academically and personally. I am committed to working closely with pupils, staff, parents, and the wider community to create a school where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is encouraged to reach their full potential.

Tess Payne

Category: Staff Governor

Terms of office: 13.03.2019 - 02.01.2029

After having a successful career in the Media industry, I gave up working in London once my first child arrived. After having a couple of years as a stay-at-home mum, I launched my own local business franchise and put all my efforts into developing that. What started as a hobby soon turned into a successful business which I won several awards for, including a Love Hoddesdon Business Award. When the Covid crisis hit, and we were all forced to home school, I found that I had a love and passion for helping and supporting children to learn. I made the decision to enrol with a university and I worked hard to achieve several qualifications including my Higher-Level Teaching Assistant qualification and I am proud to be putting it to good use by working at Forres. I am proud to be a Forres Primary School parent, employee and governor.

Sarah Garry

Category: Co-opted Governor

Terms of office: 16.10.2026-15.10.2030

Sarah has been Chief Executive of the Property Care Association (PCA) since November 2023. The PCA is the UK’s leading representative organisation for the protection of buildings and operates across domestic, commercial and civil sectors in the structural repair, structural waterproofing, timber preservation, damp protection, flood remediation, residential dwelling ventilation and invasive weed control industries.

Sarah has spent 20 years working with membership and trade associations; including for construction trade bodies and in the international medical sector. 

Prior to PCA, Sarah led the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) where she was Company Secretary and responsible for the day-to-day management of its activities including delivering the annual strategy, operational and staff management. She led the delivery of the multi-award winning World Congress of Soil Science 2022, and was a trustee of the company set up to manage the delivery of the event.

In previous roles, Sarah was active in the construction industry’s response to the issue of competence following the Grenfell Towers tragedy and represented construction as a member of the Department for Education’s On Site Construction T Level Panel, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card Management Committee and the Greater London Authority (GLA) Construction Skills Group. 

Sarah has a keen interest in skills, training and policy and led the development of a Soil Science apprenticeship and has worked with organisations to engage policymakers and provide evidence, which support decision making. Whilst with BSSS, this included registering BSSS as a Non-Governmental Organisation with the UN and actively participating in UNFCCC COP Summits. 

Abigayle Fisher

Category: Parent Governor 

Terms of office: January 04.01.2021 – 03.01.2029

I have more than 20 years’ experience in journalism and communications specialising in employee engagement and strategy. My husband and I founded our own local company Insight MCL seven years ago, offering video content, event production and communications services to businesses and organisations of all sizes. I am co-director and as well as general business skills, I have extensive experience in building and delivering communication strategies, and client, event and project management. We have two daughters at Forres and have very much enjoyed being part of the school community. I became a governor in 2020 because I am interested in the strategic direction of the school and am keen for it to grow and develop. Forres is a wonderful school, but I believe there is a lot of potential to be even better, and I hope to be able to contribute to that journey.

Ms Caroline Sayer-Thomas

Category: Co-opted Representative.

Terms of office:  03.07.2025- 02.07.2029

Mr Martin Rance

Category: Parent governor

Terms of office: 15.11.2025 - 14.11.2029