Governance

I joined the Governing Body of Walthamstow Academy as a Parent Governor in 2019 and now have the privilege of serving as Chair of Governors. I hold a BSc in Politics and Economics and, after becoming part-qualified with ACCA, spent 15 years working in accounting and finance before pursuing an entrepreneurial career. My professional experience has given me a strong appreciation of accountability, effective leadership and the importance of creating environments in which people are given the opportunity to succeed. My own secondary education had a significant influence on me. I attended a school that instilled in its students the belief that, with ambition, hard work and the right support, we could achieve our goals. That experience created a lasting desire to give something back to education and to help young people develop that same sense of confidence and possibility. Over the years, I have supported young people through mentoring and motivational talks in schools and local communities. As Chair of Governors, I am committed to supporting Walthamstow Academy while also providing appropriate challenge and oversight. I am particularly passionate about safeguarding, SEND provision, educational opportunity and ensuring that every student is given the support and encouragement they need to fulfil their potential. I am proud to serve the students, families and staff of Walthamstow Academy and to contribute to the continued development of our school community.

Governor responsibilities - Chair of Governors : Safeguarding. Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).

I've been a governor at Walthamstow Academy and its predecessor school since 1994. I have worked in the education sector since 1973 initially as a teacher of economics in Walthamstow and latterly running my own educational consultancy. I bring a range of skills and have experience in working with a wide range of schools, from primary through to Higher Education.  

Governor responsibilities -   Vice Chair. Member of the United Learning Education Board. Leadership and Management. Admissions. Finance

I joined Walthamstow Academy as a governor in 2022. I started my professional life in marketing, focusing on raising money for charities. Since then I have been working with local authorities around England, most recently helping their Children’s Services improve through collaborative partnerships.

I have been a parent governor since 2022. I live locally with two children that attend the Academy. In my day job I am Chief Operating Officer of a national grant-making charity. This involves overseeing the running of day-to-day operation and administration of the charity. Outside work, I am a Governor of a local primary school, and a Trustee (and former Chair) of a Children's Charity working across Waltham Forest. I look forward to working with the Governors and Executive team, to support the continued development and success of the school, and help it be the best it can be.

Governor responsibilities – Health and Safety. Admissions.

I feel privileged to have joined Walthamstow Academy as a parent governor in 2024. Despite all the challenges I have faced I'm grateful that I was able to obtain a BSc in Pharmaceutical Science and a Master in Pharmacy. I came to truly appreciate the value of formative education and how important it is for children and communities. It empowers them, informs their decisions, allows them to make choices and provides them with opportunities that will help them develop as individuals. I strongly believe all children should have the support and guidance to pursue their passions and fulfil their ambitions, whatever these may be. I am currently working as a Pharmacy Practice Lecturer at a Higher Education Institute and have two children attending Walthamstow Academy.

Governor Responsibilities: Admissions, CPD

I've been a governor at Walthamstow Academy since August 2017. I originally trained as a lawyer in New Zealand, and have lived and worked in the UK in government litigation for 10 years. I switched careers to become a teacher in 2015, and hope to bring a range of legal skills and organisation to the board and to represent interests of the staff.

Governor responsibilities – Teaching staff representative.

I started as a governor at Walthamstow Academy in 2025. As a growing family of 5, we have lived near the school since 2016. I am a built environment professional, specialising in building physics, operational energy use in buildings, and I am a certified Passive House Designer. I hold a BEng in Civil Engineering and an MSc in Environmental Design and Engineering.  I am keen to strengthen ties between this thriving school and the local community, as well as providing support on built environment careers, and sustainability more generally. I am also a supporter of the parent-led Smartphone-Free Childhood movement.

Governor responsibilities: Careers

I have recently joined the governing body as a parent governor and live locally in the Lloyd Park area. Professionally, I am an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for inclusion and behaviour, and I hold a Master’s degree in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). I am passionate about championing inclusive education and ensuring that every child, regardless of need, has the opportunity to succeed.

As a parent governor, I am committed to ensuring that parental voices are heard and valued within the governing body. I aim to work collaboratively with the school to achieve the best possible outcomes for every pupil.

Outside of my professional role, I enjoy playing football, following Arsenal, and exploring the vibrant culture and hidden gems of Walthamstow!

Governor responsibilities: Pupil Premium.