Members
The members of an academy trust are the guardians of the governance of the trust. The members are responsible for making sure that the trust acts within its constitutional powers.
They have the right to amend the Articles of Association and they are responsible for agreeing appointments to the Board of Trustees. Members are similar to a company's shareholders, they sit above the board of trustees and have a largely hands-off role.
Mr Julian Crane
Ex-officio Chair of Trustees (non Executive)
Appointed 8 November 2025 by the Members
Chair of Trustees since November 2021. Previously Vice-Chair of Trustees, Chair of Audit Committee and Chair of Resources Committee.
Actively involved in school governance since 2009. Prior to becoming a trustee, Julian was Chair of Governors at Grove Road Primary School.
Currently, Director of Assurance & Risk Management at Alight Solutions, a $3bn turnover business transformation partner, providing health, wealth and payroll solutions to 4,300 clients globally.
Qualified Chartered Accountant and Pension Trustee.
Mr Duncan Gauld
Appointed 21 January 2026 by the 12A the DBE or a person appointed by the Diocesan Director of Education
With over 30 years of experience in education ~ 25 years dedicated to teaching and leading within Church of England schools and 15 of which have been serving in the Diocese of St Albans, Duncan has a comprehensive knowledge of the education landscape. His career has included several senior leadership roles such as Headteacher, Executive Headteacher, and MAT Chief Executive, providing him with substantial experience of working successfully at a senior level in education. These roles have equipped him with expertise in teaching & learning, curriculum, governance, school improvement, and the operational intricacies of Voluntary Aided (VA), Voluntary Controlled (VC) and Academy Church of England schools.
Duncan is passionate about supporting Church of England schools in providing environments where children can flourish, growing academically, spiritually, and personally. He has a strategic mindset, coupled with strong interpersonal and communication skills, to inspire and influence stakeholders across diverse contexts. Duncan has extensive board experience and currently serves on several academy trust boards as both a member & trustee/director; he also serves on the board of an educational charitable foundation.
Mr Rob Halls
Appointed 8 November 2017 by the 12B Diocesean Board of Education
Rob is a member of the school improvement team at Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust. This follows 20 years in senior leadership in schools across the primary stage, culminating in 10 years as Headteacher and Executive Headteacher.
Alongside his role with ODBST, Rob is a serving SIAMS inspector with the Church of England Education Office, a consultant school effectiveness adviser with HFL Education, and an education consultant with the Diocese of St Albans.
Mr Jon Reynolds
Appointed 8 November 2017 by the 12B Diocesean Board of Education
Retired. Part time Project Manager with the Commission on Religious Education, producing a report on the status of the subject for consideration by Government and the profession.
Knowledge of leadership, educational improvement and strongly connected to the Diocese of St Albans.
Governor/Advisor at Egerton Rothesay School, Berkhamsted.
(Lay) Reader in the Church of England.