Support Staff

Kim Bates joined James Marks Academy in February 2024, initially working alongside the Forest House Education Centre team, before moving to her permanent position at James Marks Academy.

Prior to joining Forest House, Kim worked within an outreach team as a Family Support Worker supporting students and their families within Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield.

Kim has many years of experience working within schools. She has focussed on helping pupils that have struggled with their attendance within mainstream schools.

Michael joined Roman Fields in August 2020 as Site Manager. He was educated in Ireland, and has worked in the construction industry for the past 36 years. He is a qualified carpenter and joiner.

During Michael’s career, he has gained experience and training in many aspects of the industry including plumbing, electrical, and project management. Michael is trained in Health & Safety and in Fire Safety. 

Pauline joined James Marks Academy Trust in December 2022, following a number of years working for the Local Authority, and across the Education and Charity Sectors.

She has worked in various roles with young people; as a teacher whilst living abroad, and with a number of charities including voluntary work as young persons' counsellor. 

Pauline also worked in adult learning as an ESOL teacher, and supported adults furthest from education, employment and training. 

Outside of work, Pauline is a School Governor for a local primary school, enjoys watching and (loosely) participating in sport, and has a passion for music. 

Rory joined the JMA in early 2024 as premises manager.

He is a qualified bricklayer and has over 10 years of experience in the construction industry, as well as having previously worked as a site manager at a mainstream primary school in Hertfordshire.

Outside of work he likes to spend his free time with his wife and children and when he wants to relax he competes in Brazilian jiu jitsu.

Heidi joined Roman Fields in 2017, having previously worked in a similar role in a mainstream primary. 

Since being with Roman Fields, Heidi has developed her knowledge and skills within finance and is one of the designated first aiders.

Sam joined James Marks Academy Trust in in March 2024 after a career break raising her 2 children.

Prior to this, Sam has spent the majority of her career working in Procurement and Project Management for a large IT company.

In Sam's spare time she likes to spend it with her family and friends, travelling and exploring new places.

Alison is the Exams Officer so interested in all things exams related. Alsion also loves languages, reading, spending time with my family and getting out and doing some gardening - but only when the weather is nice. Alison has a background in education and professional development broken up with several periods overseas, mostly in China, Singapore and the USA. Alison has been working in the exams field for about 6 years now.

Lara is the Office Manager at James Marks Academy, having joined the Trust in April 2024, to support the smooth transition of pupils from Roman Fields Academy to their new school in Welwyn Garden City. 

Prior to joining James Marks Academy, Lara had worked within the Education sector for ten years, most recently taking the Health & Safety Lead at a mainstream school in St. Albans, for 300 pupils.

Lara has over twenty years’ experience of office management and administration, within a diverse range of sectors including Private Equity, HR Consultancy, Education, and Charitable organisations.  

Lara enjoys the buzz of the School Office and being on-hand to provide administrative support to staff, pupils and their families.

Jonny joined the James Marks Academy in September 2024 as the school counsellor, having previously worked as a Children and Young Person Counsellor for Hertfordshire Council. 

Jonny has worked with children and young people for the past 20 years, in mainstream school, specialist provision and the outdoor education sector. 

As well as qualifying as a counsellor, he has gained further counselling specialisms in working with children and young people.

Outside of work, he enjoys watching sports and playing music.