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 is part of the central services part of the Trust and is based at Roman Fields. 

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.

Chris is an SEND Advisor and joined James Marks Academy in September 2024.  She holds a degree in Education. Additionally, she has completed training, including a City and Guilds in Community Care, Council for advancement of communication with Deaf people, and is a qualified Mediator. She is also an SEND governor and was a SEND BTEC Assessor in training and development for Hertfordshire.

She has 30 years experience of working in various roles within schools and at Hertfordshire County Council, including Out County Education Manager, Area SEND team Manager and Deputy Head of SEND.

Chris will lead on completing each pupil's annual reviews and work in partnership with parents, staff and young people to aid individual outcomes and ensure, with HCC, that the Education Health and Care Plan reflects the young person's current abilities.

Heidi joined Roman Fields in 2017, having previously worked in a similar role in a mainstream primary.  She is part of the central services team for the Trust.

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

Leia joined James Marks Academy Trust in April 2024, initially working at Roman Fields and then moving over to James Marks Academy in September 2024 as the Receptionist.

She has vast experience of working in busy offices, having managed administration teams within the NHS and taking the lead on projects within the Recruitment sector.

Leia also has experience of running her own business teaching Baby & Childrens Yoga in Nursery and Primary schools as well as out in the community and training to be a Nursery Nurse and working in a Nursery and Pre-school.

Sam joined James Marks Academy Trust in in March 2024 after a career break raising her 2 children. She is part of the central services team of the Trust and is based at Roman Fields.

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 exam related.

Alison 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 approximately 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.