The Chair of the Governing Board plays a role in supporting the Head and Senior Leadership Team in developing the strategic direction of a school, ensuring it stays true to its values while continuing to adapt and grow. As St Chris looks ahead to the future, it’s a great time to get to know Alison Burrows, Chair of the St Chris Governing Board, and to find out why she’s so passionate about being part of this community.

Alison’s career has followed an unexpected but rewarding arc. With a degree in psychology from Lancaster University, she initially envisioned a future in psychotherapy or educational psychology. However, after graduation, she wasn’t ready for years of further study. Instead, she turned to a career adviser for guidance.

“I told her that I wanted a career with equal earning potential to men and one that could offer flexibility if I ever had a family. She suggested accountancy, which I’d never considered—but I knew accountants did quite well for themselves, so I thought, why not?” Alison recalls.

She secured a training role at an accountancy firm, which was later acquired by Smith & Williamson (now Evelyn Partners). Alison gained expertise in SME businesses and charity finance before moving into industry. A turning point came when she joined a growing cleaning and security services company as a financial controller. “I was given a huge opportunity, and I’ve always believed that when doors open, you walk through them,” she says.

Over the next decade, she helped drive the company’s expansion, navigating acquisitions, cultural transformations, and financial restructuring. By 2010, she was Chief Financial Officer (CFO), managing not only finance but also HR, IT, procurement, and payroll.

After having her son, Alison took what she thought would be a short career break—but it turned into a longer period of reassessment. She ran a successful photography and visual branding business before returning to her original passion: psychology. “I realised I wanted to use my background in psychology and business to help others, so I retrained as an executive coach,” she explains. Today, she runs Tonic Coaching, specialising in leadership development.

The Role of the Governing Board at St Chris

Alison joined the St Chris Governing Board in 2021 as Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee. In October 2024, she was appointed Chair of Governors.

Her role, along with the rest of the board, is to support the Head and SLT in developing the school’s strategic direction and hold leadership accountable. “Governance is about the ‘why’—not the 'what' and ‘how.’ We don’t manage the school; we ensure its goals are being met and that we’re staying true to our ethos and vision,” she explains.

A key part of governance is staying connected with the school community. “We engage with parent, staff, and student voices to get a full picture. It’s about responsible oversight and listening to all the voices in our community,” she says. Recently, she met with our new Senior School Major Officials to discuss leadership, something she hopes to do regularly.

Why St Chris?

Alison’s journey with St Chris began as a parent. When she and her family moved to Letchworth, she toured the school for her son.

"I just knew it was the right place. There was a sense of calm, purpose, and intellectual curiosity. The students were articulate, confident, and kind. It reminded me of when I first visited Lancaster University—sometimes, you just feel when something is right.” 

As an employer who has interviewed countless candidates, Alison knows that success in the workplace isn’t just about grades. “Soft skills matter—communication, resilience, emotional intelligence. St Chris nurtures those, and that’s why I was willing to invest in my son’s education here.”

A New Perspective as Chair of Governors

Since stepping into governance, Alison’s appreciation for St Chris has only deepened. “As a parent, I saw the school through my child’s eyes. Now, I see it through the perspectives of staff, leadership, and other families. I have a greater understanding of the expertise and dedication that go into making St Chris what it is.”

She also acknowledges that independent schools face challenges, particularly in today’s educational landscape.

"This is a time to be brave. We have to make decisions that put students first while staying true to our values. The beauty of being independent is that we can be agile—we can adapt based on feedback and continuously strive to improve.”

Lessons in Leadership 

Reflecting on pivotal career moments, Alison recalls an early lesson in leadership. In one of her first jobs, she worked under a manager known for his relentless work ethic—his motto was “lunch is for wimps.” But when he made a critical mistake in health and safety, he was removed from his role overnight.

“That taught me a lot,” Alison says. “You can’t do everything yourself. If you don’t empower your team, you’ll fail. Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about setting clear expectations, trusting your people, and listening.”

She also credits her uncle, a former vice-chair of Wimpey UK, with instilling in her the importance of first impressions. “He told me, ‘For the first three months in any new role be the first in, the last to leave, and meticulous in everything you do—because first impressions last.’ That advice stuck with me.”

Advice for Young People and Future Leaders

Alison believes career paths don’t have to be linear. “I started in psychology, became an accountant, then a CFO, and now I’m back in psychology as a coach. If you follow your interests, the right opportunities will come,” she advises.

For young people unsure of their next steps, she suggests asking themselves why they’re pursuing a particular path. “If something excites you and sparks your curiosity, follow it. There are careers today that didn’t exist 20 years ago—so don’t stress about having a rigid plan. Your passions will shape your journey.”

For women aspiring to leadership, Alison encourages seeking mentorship. “Sometimes women - but not only women - struggle with confidence and imposter syndrome. My advice? Find people who can support you. Most female leaders, myself included, would love to mentor the next generation. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Looking to the Future

Alison is excited about the future of St Chris and her role in shaping it. “This school is special. It nurtures curiosity, confidence, and kindness. I’m honoured to be part of its journey and look forward to helping it continue to grow and thrive.”

From psychology to finance to leadership coaching, Alison’s career has come full circle. And at St. Chris, she’s found a place where all those experiences come together to make a difference.