Thought For The Day – Tuesday 9^th September 2025

In any organisation, there are a number of “unsung hero” roles.

One of these roles in schools, that is particularly important, is the role of the Governors.

The term “Governance” is derived from the Greek verb meaning “to steer” or “to pilot”.

The Greek philosopher Plato used the word to describe the steering of the ship of a state or of a government.

We pay great tribute to Mr. Alan Fordham,  the School’s retiring Chair of Governors,  pictured above reading at our Lent and Easter Services at Saint Michael’s Church, and, equally,  to Mrs. Katie Beagles, who will succeed Mr. Fordham as Chair of Governors, who is pictured below.

Mr. Alan Fordham was appointed as a Governor of The Bishop’s Stortford High School in October 2004. He has therefore served as a Governor for almost twenty-one years.  Mr. Fordham succeeded Mr. Rodney Stock as Chair of Governors in 2012.  Mr. Stock became a Governor in 1987 and Chair of Governors in 2003.

It was under the leadership of Mr. Stock and, then, Mr.  Fordham, and all the Governors,  that The Bishop’s Stortford High School had the extraordinary aspiration, for a completely new site and facilities.

This was a vision we can then scarcely imagine then, but it is a vision we are so very grateful for now.

Over a period of over two decades, these dreams became a reality:  detailed and intricate plans were formulated; resilience was demonstrated as adaptations were made and doubts were expressed; and, once approved, “the design for life” required a commitment and expertise beyond description.

The work of Mr. Reeve and Ms. Engel were equally vital.

Whilst, all along on this journey, students, staff and families, continued to excel in “The Black and Gold Spirit”.

Not just respecting, and looking to, the future…but also respecting, and looking to, the present. And, in many ways, respecting, and looking to, the past. “Respice, aspice, prospice”.

Good, humble and thoughtful leadership and governance are key to any organisation, community, country and world,  including schools.

Our website explains that the Governors of T.B.S.H.S.  “are responsible for setting and maintaining the ethos and strategic direction of the School”.

In this process, Governors act as “balanced and objective critical friends”, to ensure the flourishing of all in a community of care.

For, so often in life generally, we need the advice, counsel, good will, honesty, integrity, scrutiny, support and wisdom of others beyond, and including, our immediate personal horizon and collective group.  We need to check. We need to be checked.  A dialectic of mutual and rigorous, but caring and thoughtful,  respect produces great outcomes.

Further, central to education, and life, is the enriching and respectful dialogue between those from different walks of society, including specialists.   No one knows everything about everything.   The Greek philosopher Socrates, Plato’s mentor,  said the only thing he knew was that he knew nothing and, as such, Socrates engaged in dialogue and questioning with others in Athens.

In this connection, Governors are a testimony of the importance of being “outward-facing”, for Governors are appointed from various sections of the School and local community.  Mr. Fordham’s background, and expertise,  is in Construction. Mr. Stock’s backgound, and expertise, is in Law.

In our busy world, we also remember that the Governors give their precious and valuable expertise and time voluntarily.   “Service above self”.

We very greatly thank Mr. Fordham for all he has done for The Bishop’s Stortford High School.

We can see Mr. Fordham’s exceptional legacy all around us, as well as in the twice nationally recognised “outstanding” education T.B.S.H.S. provides.

We take this opportunity to greatly appreciate all the Governors of The Bishop’s Stortford High School past and present.

We take this moment to mention those wonderful people who has served as Chair of Governors, who are rightly mentioned on our website:  Dame Betty Paterson; Stanley Price; Jim Tee;  Joanna McKee;  Rosemary Jones;  Dan McCarthy;  Rodney Stock.

Through the years, since 1950, the story of The Bishop’s Stortford High School is one of continuing improvement, progress and reflection,  allied with humility, respect and resilience, with all students, staff, families and the community working together for the good.

In the opportunities and challenges of life, including education, a very positive and caring course has been steered.

We very much and greatly look forward to the future,  greatly thanking all who have made, and continue to make, these outstanding opportunities possible.