Governance Profiles

Mrs Anita Johnson

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 School; 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.

Mr 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.

Mrs 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.

Mr Richard Micek

I have worked in secondary schools within Essex, Southend and London for 23 years, the last 16 of these have been in Senior Leader positions. In 2014 I was delighted to be appointed as the substantive Headteacher of The Warren School, part of The Loxford School Trust, this allowed me to continue to drive forward changes to improve the life chances of so many magnificent students.

In January 2019 I was proud to be appointed as an Executive Headteacher within The Loxford School Trust and in April 2019, when Cecil Jones Academy in Southend joined The Loxford School Trust, became its new substantive Headteacher.

Mrs Jennifer Ashe

I have been teaching for 17 years; This included working in Tower Hamlets and Barking and Dagenham. I joined The Warren School in 2012 and have been privileged to assist in its journey of improvement where my experiences as an English Teacher and as a member of Senior Leadership have reinforced my belief that education is the driving force for social change.

Miss Susan Mullaney

I am proud to be the Headteacher at Aldborough Primary School. I feel honoured to be part of such a vibrant and diverse community and really enjoy developing the potential of all the children in our care. I continue to enjoy developing my knowledge and skills to ensure the best for every child in our school and am also learning British Sign Language.

Mrs Annabelle Kirkpatrick

I have been teaching for 14 years as a trained English teacher; this includes working in Buckinghamshire, North Yorkshire, Barking and Dagenham and Havering. I have been part of the Loxford School Trust as both the CTL of English at the Warren School and as a member of Senior Leadership at Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College.

Miss Catherine Meek

I have been teaching for 8 years as a trained Mathematics teacher, completing my training at Loxford and continuing on afterwards to become an Achievement Team Leader. I am passionate about improving the life chances of pupils through education and feel privileged to have gained the staff governor position.

Mr Blake Drewery-Meakin

I started working at The Warren School as Media Resources Manager in January 2015. I have previously worked in 2 other primary schools in the London borough of Newham, 6 years as a special educational needs teaching assistant and 3 years as a resource coordinator. During this time working in schools I have always believed in one thing, ‘no matter what role you have within the school, we are all here for the good of our students’.

Mr Joseph Graffham

I have been teaching for six enjoyable years, all of which have been at The Warren School. From my initial training within the Trust, I have progressed as both a classroom teacher of English and Politics and a developing middle-leader, holding positions of responsibility including KS4 Coordinator and Second in Charge of English. I am now the CTL of English and thoroughly enjoy the challenges of developing an exciting and stimulating curriculum that represents and inspires the cohort of young people I am proud to teach. 

I am fortunate to work alongside a host of incredibly dedicated and supportive colleagues and I look forward to representing them as The Warren Teaching Staff Committee Member. I enjoy stand-up comedy, collecting and listening to vinyl and watching the mighty Tractor Boys at Portman Road on a Saturday!

Mr Liam Coen 

Mark Ward

My Name is Mark Ward I was born in Hayes in 1974 after leaving school I went on to study Economics, Sociology and Law.

I Have been at Cecil Jones for over 15 years and am excited to be an Academy committee member and am keen to promote the continuing high levels of expectations and improvements.

I have 2 children both boys and I enjoy walking, keeping fit and reading.

Rachel Dyer

I am pleased to have been elected as Staff Governor for Aldborough primary School as I feel this role will provide me with further opportunities to work alongside staff, families and our community to ensure our pupils receive an enriching and inspiring curriculum. I have been a teacher since 2017 and am currently Computing lead. Recently, I have taken on the role of SENDCo since completing my master's in special educational and learning needs. I am passionate about providing our children with the best possible education so that each individual reaches their true potential.

Adam O’Shea

I have been teaching for 12 years as a trained Geography teacher; this includes working in Newham, Hackney and Havering. I am the CTL of Geography, Sociology and have taken lead of the Humanities faculty since 2016. I am passionate about improving the life chances of pupils through education and feel privileged to have gained the staff governor position.

Natalie Mevo

I am delighted to have been elected Teaching Governor at Tabor Academy.Being a former Tabor student myself, I am proud to teach at the school that I was once taught at.I have been teaching here since 2017, and was promoted to 2i/c of English in 2019. I will endeavour to support the needs and ambitions for Tabor in conjunction with the School Development Plan, to ensure that the best quality of education is being provided for all of our learners, to promote well-being amongst my fellow colleagues, and work collaboratively with parents to achieve the best outcome for all within our Tabor family.

Karen Collop

I started at Tabor Academy in 2007 within the administration team and was promoted to Exams Officer shortly after.  I found that I enjoyed working alongside the young people, and took up a pastoral role here in 2011.  I am currently the Year Care Team Leader for Y9, with an additional responsibility of Mental Health lead which I find incredibly rewarding.  I am honoured to be part of the Tabor community; supporting and watching students become the best that they can be.

Anupa Mathur

Being a part of Loxford School Trust, since ten years as a parent and seven years in support staff; I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I am delighted to have become part of the Aldborough Academy Committee. As I work with the young children, I believe to support them in providing education along with a sense of self-worth and emotional well-being. Outside my Aldborough family, I have a family with two children and a husband. We enjoy spending time with friends and going on mini breaks and exploring. I have always taken interest in art, writing, singing, dancing, and baking.

Mrs Michala Aylward

I have three children, two of whom attend a local Primary School and one who is in Year 8 at Abbs Cross Academy. I am an Assistant Headteacher at a Secondary Academy in East London and teach English. My current role is based largely on improving the quality of education – including the development of curriculum delivery and HR. In the past, I have held pastoral roles and overseen safeguarding.

Susan Knight

I have worked in education for several years working with children of varying ages and abilities in London and Southend. Last year I decided to take a career change and I now work for children’s social care.

I am a mother of three children. Two of which attend Cecil Jones Academy. I have a daughter in year 8 and a daughter who has just left year 11 and is hoping to return to sixth form.

Becoming a parent governor has given me the opportunity to have an active role in supporting my children’s school, striving for the best outcomes for all children and staff. I look forward to working with the governors to ensure that the school provides high quality education and opportunities for all of the children attending Cecil Jones.

Jennifer Baxter

I have worked within Financial Services for the last 14 years and now work for the NHS within Compliance part of the Quality & Safety Team.

I decided to stand as a Parent Governor for Cecil Jones Academy back in December 2020.  My step son attends Cecil Jones Academy and is currently in Year 7.  My Step Daughter will be attending the school in September 2021.  Becoming an Academy Committee Member has provided me with the opportunity to play an active role in supporting the school in achieving educational and social outcomes for the children.  I am keen to support the school in promoting high standards of achievement.

Matt Giles

I studied at the old Tabor High School some years ago, and my 3 children now attend Tabor Academy. I run my own construction business locally, (although we operate nationwide) and have done so now for a number of years. I am a senior instructor at a local martial arts club, and I coach a local grassroots football team.

I believe I am able to make a valuable contribution to the Academy Committee.

Emma Howson

I am married with two children; my oldest daughter is in Year 7 at Tabor Academy and my other daughter is in year 5 at primary school. I am also an ex Tabor pupil. I have been a Civil servant for the last 22 years working for the Crown Prosecution Service and in my current role of District Crown Prosecutor I am responsible for managing a team of lawyers who complete Crown Court work. I have just become a parent governor and I am looking forward to working with and supporting the school in any way I can.

I enjoy walking my dogs, baking, running and spending time with my family.

Faye Craig

My name is Faye Craig and I am an Academy Committee Member at this school. I went to this school many years ago as a child and now my daughter attends the school. I was bullied at school for many years and also lost all self-confidence; so, my goal is to help people who are being bullied and also help students who have no self-confidence. I also suffer with mental health issues and my aim is to work with the school to deal with issues and be a voice for students.  I am a kind, caring person and care what happens inside school.

Carol Ellison

My name is Carol Ellison and I have 4 children the youngest being 14 years old. I have been a parent governor before in primary and secondary school setting, I played a important part in the changes the school was undergoing at the time. I have been an active member of several voluntary community organisation and continue to support these groups today. I hope to share my experiences and knowledge as a new parent committee member in the development planned for Loxford School. 

Malar Sekaran

 I am a parent of a child at Aldborough Primary School. I have lived in Redbridge for over 15 years and would like to help promote education in anyway that I can. I work for an NHS community trust with vulnerable adults.

Lorna West

Mr Michael McIntyre – Loxford board

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 a School Governor, 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 Governors”.

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.

Miss Lisa Warren - Board

I have been a foster carer for 11 years for a local borough. Caring for looked after children has led me to work closely with various schools and the virtual school regarding the children’s education, health and wellbeing.

I have a strong attachment to The Warren School because my whole family have been educated their including myself, 3 of my children and 2 of my foster children.

I am lucky to have seen the schools great progress over the years not only in the standard of education but in the new buildings and improvements that have been made to the school.

I am the safeguarding academy committee member for The Warren School. Safeguarding has a particularly important place in my heart due to the nature of work I do as a foster carer. I believe every child has the right to a safe and happy life and I am committed to working closely with the school for the safeguarding of every student.

I have a certificate in safeguarding, and I am adult learner studying to become a children’s counsellor.

Helen Ayres - Board

As a parent of two children that attend Loxford Primary School I take a keen interest in supporting the school where I can. I feel passionate and determined for the continuing success of the school. I welcome the opportunity to be able to assert a parent's perspective and to support the school. 

As a former bank manager, it’s equipped me with capable skills and experience that I believe will be of benefit to the committee and the Co-opted member role. I'm a very organised and thorough person having dealt with the management of people and the general running of bank branches across a network. I'm a very conscientious person and able to hold discussions and challenge where needed.

 Being an active volunteer and committee member of the Loxford PTFA since my children have attended the school, I offer my commitment and enthusiasm to support the Loxford school.

Mankamal Singh Palray - Board

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."

Mrs Sarah Thacker - Co-opted Director/ Trustee

Jahan McCready