Loxford School Trust Governance Profiles

ANITA JOHNSON OBE

Anita Johnson started her teaching career in 1987 at Stoke Newington School after she qualified as PE teacher from Bishop Otter College. She then moved after three years to Sedgehill School in Lewisham, a large multi-cultural school as a PE teacher and soon rose through the ranks by becoming firstly, Head of Girls PE and then the overall Curriculum Leader of PE. During her time there the school gained Sports Mark Gold and was named by Tony Blair as one of the three best schools for sport in the country.

Anita remained at Sedgehill School for twelve years and eventually moved to Upbury Art College in Gillingham, Medway.  She joined the school as an Assistant Headteacher in charge of Standards at Key Stage 4.  This school was in special measures at the time and within six months had been moved out of this category.  Anita remained here for three and a half years and helped move the school’s GCSE results out of the underperformance category.

Anita then moved to Harris Peckham Academy as the Vice-Principal.  The Peckham Academy was one of the first schools to become an Academy and Anita was one of the founding members of this.  Her position was Standards and Delivery across the whole school including attainment, achievement, attendance, curriculum, timetabling and behaviour.  The school’s results rose over the four years and Anita took over as the Acting Principal for a term during the illness of the Principal.

Anita began her own Headship in January 2008 at Loxford School which is a thriving multicultural school and has maintained its outstanding position. The results at GCSE have improved steadily as have the A Level results.

The Ofsted Report described Anita as “the driving force behind the school’s success. Her clear vision and high ambitions for pupils and staff are supported by a highly effective Senior Team and a well-led and challenging Governing Body.”

Anita’s educational philosophy is based around traditional standards of education and a ‘Stage not Age’ approach to achievement and attainment.

Anita is The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Loxford School Trust which currently consists of seven schools – Loxford School, The Warren School, Tabor Academy, Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College, Aldborough Primary School, Gaynes School and CECIL JONES ACADEMY; She is also the Headteacher of Loxford All-Through School.

Anita is married with two children, lives in Kent and her greatest pastimes are netball and shopping.

Anita was awarded the OBE for Services to Education in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2020.

ANITA JOHNSON OBE

Anita Johnson started her teaching career in 1987 at Stoke Newington School after she qualified as PE teacher from Bishop Otter College. She then moved after three years to Sedgehill School in Lewisham, a large multi-cultural school as a PE teacher and soon rose through the ranks by becoming firstly, Head of Girls PE and then the overall Curriculum Leader of PE. During her time there the school gained Sports Mark Gold and was named by Tony Blair as one of the three best schools for sport in the country.

Anita remained at Sedgehill School for twelve years and eventually moved to Upbury Art College in Gillingham, Medway.  She joined the school as an Assistant Headteacher in charge of Standards at Key Stage 4.  This school was in special measures at the time and within six months had been moved out of this category.  Anita remained here for three and a half years and helped move the school’s GCSE results out of the underperformance category.

Anita then moved to Harris Peckham Academy as the Vice-Principal.  The Peckham Academy was one of the first schools to become an Academy and Anita was one of the founding members of this.  Her position was Standards and Delivery across the whole school including attainment, achievement, attendance, curriculum, timetabling and behaviour.  The school’s results rose over the four years and Anita took over as the Acting Principal for a term during the illness of the Principal.

Anita began her own Headship in January 2008 at Loxford School which is a thriving multicultural school and has maintained its outstanding position. The results at GCSE have improved steadily as have the A Level results.

The Ofsted Report described Anita as “the driving force behind the school’s success. Her clear vision and high ambitions for pupils and staff are supported by a highly effective Senior Team and a well-led and challenging Governing Body.”

Anita’s educational philosophy is based around traditional standards of education and a ‘Stage not Age’ approach to achievement and attainment.

Anita is The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Loxford School Trust which currently consists of seven schools – Loxford School, The Warren School, Tabor Academy, Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College, Aldborough Primary School, Gaynes School and CECIL JONES ACADEMY; She is also the Headteacher of Loxford All-Through School.

Anita is married with two children, lives in Kent and her greatest pastimes are netball and shopping.

Anita was awarded the OBE for Services to Education in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2020.

DAVID LOW

I am a retired Primary School Head Teacher; My career having brought me east via Hackney and Plaistow to teach in three local Boroughs. I am the Chairman of The Loxford School Trust and a National Leader of Governance.

My daughter had a very successful academic experience at Loxford School before leaving for continuing education.

I have sought to develop the role of Governor into making a significant impact through being reliable, accessible, both challenging and supportive of the work of the professional staff, keeping abreast of relevant issues and trying to ensure The Loxford School Trust remains determined to realise the highest aspirations of the students and their parents.

MICHAEL MCINTYRE

Cert Mgmt (Open) a local business man for many years in Ilford and parts of East London.  Michael completed his post graduate Professional Certificate in Management with the Open University at Regents Business School just around the corner from the University of Westminster, the awarder of his HNC in Business.  Michael has worked in various large corporations here in the United Kingdom and in Southern Africa.  Working for such employers as, for example, Associated British Foods, The Dee Corporation and Kirsh Industries of South Africa.  Michael’s employment thus far has mainly centred on Operations.

Loxford School is Michael’s second post as an Academy Committee Member, joining the Loxford School in 2011, Mike says he is “honoured to be the Chair of the Curriculum Committee” a position he took up on the 5th of July 2012 and that he “looks forward to more opportunities to support this Outstanding School under our Head Teacher Mrs Johnson, the Senior Leadership Team, the Chair and Academy Committee Members”.

Socially Michael enjoys dining out with friends and good company, and like very many at Loxford he also enjoys a good read, particularly specific Shakespeare such as Julius Caesar, Henry the IV, also such authors as Robert Pirsig (philosophy) and Henry Mintzberg (management).

Michael enjoys running in the local park at weekends.

MANKAMAL SINGH PALRAY

Being a former Loxford School pupil myself and raised in an extended family who also attended the school, I am delighted and honoured to join the Loxford School Trust Board.

My recent roles have involved leading transformation, restructure and change within Finance departments. I have worked across a breadth of organisations and sectors, starting my career in Price Waterhouse Coopers and now working for The Prince’s Trust.

I have been a trustee for a number of charities in the past and worked within steering committees set up by the Mayor of London’s Office to deliver large scale community events. I was a governor in a local primary school for several years and also played a lead role in a successful free-school application bid to the Department for Education some years ago.

“I look forward to working within a strong team of education leaders who have a clear vision and appreciation of excellence, as can clearly be seen by the growth of the Trust over the past decade."

YUNIS ASLAM

I am a Civil Service Manager working for UK Export Finance as well as an Owner / Director of a Freight Forwarding business. I am a Founding and Executive Member or a local Scouts Group for whom I am also the Explorer Unit Leader regularly working with children aged 14-18; however, occasionally assist with the younger groups ranging from 5 through to 13. I understand the dynamics involved in providing a platform for children to achieve their full potential not just in their educational achievements but preparing them for the world of work. I believe that this puts me in a good position to provide support to the Trustee/Directors Board. 

YASIN PATEL

I have worked in Local Government for over 10 years in a number roles, which include Education Welfare and Social Care. I currently work for a London Borough as a Commissioning Manager for children, young people and families.

My primary focus is commissioning services for the most vulnerable children and young people in the community and children in care. I also have a particular interest in children and young people’s rights and I am a member of the Care Leavers’ Association.

I was elected as Parent Governor at Aldborough Primary School in March 2016. My son attended the School and my daughter is a pupil. Becoming an Academy Committee Member has provided me with the opportunity to play an active role in supporting the school in achieving the best possible educational and social outcomes for the children.

HEATHER WRIGHT

I have been a Civil servant for nearly 29 years working for the Court Service, Ministry of Justice, and Home Office and for the last 9 years at the Department for Education. My roles at the Department for Education have included working with Government Offices and Local Authority Parenting Leads supporting parents and children to achieve better outcomes. My current role is a Project Manager for the Standards & Testing Agency who develop the Tests for KS1 and KS2.

I have grown up in Redbridge and with my son starting school in September 2016 I’m glad to be given the opportunity to be An Academy Committee Member to support the school in maintaining its high standards and to meet future challenges.

Helen Ayres

Being a Loxford Academy Committee member since 2020 and Chair of the Loxford Academy Committee for the last 2 years, I feel passionate about the continuing success of Loxford School & the Trust.

As a former Bank Manager, it has equipped me with capable skills and experience that I believe will be of benefit to the Trust. I’m an organised and thorough person having dealt with the management of people and the general running of bank branches across a network. I’m a conscientious person and able to hold discussions and challenge where needed.

AMY LOVENG

Amy Loveng is The Chief Finance Officer for The Loxford School Trust.

A qualified accountant Amy has 12 years post qualification experience across both public and private sectors and she has specialised in education for the past 10 years