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.

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.

PETER BALLARD

I retired from the Engineering Department of telecommunication’s company BT after 34 years service. Starting as an apprentice and leaving as a Senior Manager.

Both my daughters attended Loxford School where I was a Governor for over 30 years from 1989 to 2020. I also served on the Governing Boards of The Warren, Abbs Cross and Tabor Academies.

Having been Loxford School Trust Board Chairman for the first 4 years the Trust existed I stood down and now serve as Trust Vice Chairman.

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).

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.

SARAH THACKER

As an ex-pupil, and with my daughter now a student at Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College, I am keen to support the Trust in promoting high standards of achievement.

I have worked in Secondary Education since 2007, first as a Learning Support Assistant and then completing my Teacher training.

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.

AMY LOVENG

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

HELEN RAYFIELD

Helen is a freelance bid consultant and has worked across local and central government in a wide range of sectors, including education.

Her expertise includes grant funding, stakeholder engagement, fundraising, safeguarding and governance. She holds an MBA from the Open University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management.

FIONA MEEKS

Fiona Meeks is a doctoral researcher currently examining networks, regional innovation and economic development at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.

Prior to her studies, Fiona spent 20 years delivering CYPS programs in the London Boroughs of Hackney & Islington. In her spare time, Fiona works as a freelance consultant for Catch impact, an organisation which supports charities to develop robust impact measurement frameworks using Theory of change models. Fiona is passionate about sharing her knowledge, skills, and experience in the areas of youth participation, project management, good governance and risk management, community engagement, impact measurement and research design.

KIRSTIE FULTHORPE

Kirstie joined Loxford School Trust as a Member in July 2022. She has over 30 years’ experience in education. Currently, Kirstie is the Chief Executive Officer at Whitefield Academy Trust - a group of special schools that also provide specialist education and professional development services for mainstream schools and universities across London.

Kirstie was formerly one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors at Ofsted. She has held a number of roles in education including at the National Autistic Society where she was Managing Director for its Academies Trust, wider education and children’s services. She is an experienced school leader having been a Principal and Executive Leader for two other Multi-Academy Trusts.

PHILLIP CABLE

I was born in Barking in 1972 and after leaving school at 16 (St Edwards C of E in Romford) I worked in the Lloyds of London Marine Insurance market before returning to academic study to train as a Solicitor.

However, despite my early years being far removed from ships I subsequently embarked on a short career commission in the Royal Navy. I then formed MAST an international risk management and Security Business that provides risk management and security services to maritime community including a security design department which is involved in yacht design and build projects.

I hold a Law degree (LLB (Hons) and Master’s degree in Maritime Law (LLM). I am also the Trustee of a local Charity, Barking Music and Drama in memory of the founder Carole Cable FTCL GTCL (my late mother) who in fact attended Abbs Cross School in the late 1950s.

HELEN AYRES

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.

EMMA LOCK

I have been married for 15 years and have three children; I have a daughter at Tabor, my youngest will be due to start in September 2020, and having lived in Bocking all my life, I attended Tabor.

My eldest brother and I own our own haulage company that we have successfully run for the past 22 years so my hours can be flexible meaning I have time to commit to the school as a Parent Academy Committee Member.

VICTORIA COOK

My name is Vicky Cook and I have been on the Academy Committee for 5 years now. I have been associated with The Warren School for 8 years as 2 of my children were educated here. 

I am also the SEND Academy Committee Member for The Warren School and I take my role very seriously and try my best to give it all that is expected of me. SEND is very close to my heart and it is a strong passion of mine to make sure that every child matters and I will work tirelessly for the school and community to ensure this happens. 

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.

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.

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 any way that I can.

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.

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 an Academy Committee Member 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.

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 an 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.

FAHMIDA WAJAHAT

I am a mother of two young children, both attending Loxford School. I am working in Dominos as a Customer Service Representative. I worked in a private college in my country for little period of time. I have been a resident in Ilford since 2010. I have always liked to be part of education in any way. Loxford School is doing their best for children's welfare. These pupils are our future generation so we should all put our efforts to make their future better.

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 an Academy Committee Member and I am looking forward to working with and supporting the school in any way I can.

TASNEEM SIDDIQUI

I am an entrepreneur representing Homes4Hope, that provides independent living to mental health patients in Havering, Barking and Dagenham. Currently the Trustee and Treasurer of Chadwell Heath Community Centre, working independently has given me the flexibility to apply my skills to contribute towards the community.

I am also the Chairwoman of Anaya, a community Interest Group aimed at helping local women socialize.

DEBORAH JOHN

I started my teaching career at Loxford School in 2016 as a teacher of social sciences and became an Achievement Team Leader in 2018.

Being an Achievement Team Leader for the last four years has allowed me to develop a sound understanding of the vision and daily strategic operations of the school alongside developing the skills required to drive the academic achievement of a cohort of 300 students.

I am delighted to be elected as the Loxford Staff Committee Member and believe this is an opportunity to make a real contribution to the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school.

ROBERT LUCAS

With a Masters degree in Biochemistry from Kings College London and a successful career in the Scientific Industry, Robert has travelled the world and worked with some of the most recognised international companies. He trained to teach in 2009, and is currently CTL of KS4 Science at Gaynes School.  Robert is also the lead for PSCHE across the curriculum which includes the breadth of knowledge and understanding of British values, Diversity and Careers/employment. 

Robert believes in the importance of young people having good role models as well as the value of adults working together as part of a professional team to support students to be successful and well rounded in the future.  As such he is privileged to contribute to the strategic developments at Gaynes school in his role as a Teacher Governor.

​He has a wife and two daughters, and as a family they enjoy Music and Theatre with many performances and concerts under their belts as performers, as well as enjoying being members of the audience!

Tammy Henry

I am a parent of 2 children one of whom is currently in year 10. I have worked in educational settings for the last 8 years my area of expertise is SEN. As a qualified HLTA and tutor in Adult Education I have a wealth of knowledge that is a great asset in my role as a Governor. I am fully committed to ensuring all students are provided with high quality education and range of opportunities during their time at Gaynes.

LISA RUSSELL

I have 2 children who have attended Gaynes, one is currently in year 10 and the other has just started at university. I have previous experience of school governance including the role of Chair of Governors in a primary school and have worked in schools for the past 10 years. Working with the school staff and within my role as Governor, my main priority is making sure our children have a safe and secure environment to learn in and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Louise Bull

I have worked in education for 13 years and joined Gaynes School in November 2011 as part of the support staff team.
I was pleased to be voted by the support staff to be their representative within the academy
committee to help the continued work for all students to succeed.
On a personal level I am a mum of 2 boys with an interest in fitness and travel.

RAKESH ASIYANI

I have lived in the area for more than 30 years and was myself a pupil at the school from 1990-1997. I am a father to two young boys both of whome attend Loxford Primary School. I am a commercial director for a content marketing agency and have a wealth of experience in sales, marketing and leadership.

COLIN STEWART

I am currently the Director of Education in the London Borough of Redbridge leading a range of services from School Improvement to the Youth Offending Team.

I started teaching in Scotland and then taught overseas, before coming to work in London. Prior to joining Redbridge, I worked in several other Local Authorities, was a Primary School Headteacher and also worked for the National Primary Strategy.

In the late 1980’s I spent two years at Temple Sutton Primary, so I know CECIL JONES ACADEMY from my days in Southend.

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.

LISA WARREN

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.

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.

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.

NICOLA JETHWA

I have been teaching for 23 years and trained as an English Teacher.  I have been a part of Senior Leadership since 2003 and have been a Deputy Head in both Newham and Barking and Dagenham. I feel very privileged to have been appointed as the Headteacher at Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College and have been the substantive Head since October 2016.

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.

SARAH SPELLER

I have been teaching for 17 years, 11 of them on Senior Leadership Teams. During my career, I worked in Redbridge, Barking and Hertfordshire before joining The Loxford School Trust as a Deputy Headteacher in Tabor School in 2015. I was delighted to be appointed as the Headteacher of Tabor Academy, part of The Loxford Trust, in September 2018

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.

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.

ANUPA MATHU

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.

RACHEL DYER

I am pleased to have been elected as Staff Academy Committee Member 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.

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.

KATHY WHITFIELD

I have worked in education at local Primary Schools since 1999. Prior to this, I worked in the City of London as a secretary with an Insurance Company and then with a firm of Accountants.

I joined Loxford School in 2012 as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. I then had the opportunity to become a member of the Year Care Team and I have been in this role for a number of years.

NATALIE MEVO

I am delighted to have been elected Staff Academy Committee Member 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.

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. 

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’.

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. 

LOUISE BULL

I have worked in education for 13 years and joined Gaynes School in November 2011 as part of the support staff team.

I was pleased to be voted by the support staff to be their representative within the academy committee to help the continued work for all students to succeed.

On a personal level I am a mum of 2 boys with an interest in fitness and travel.