Governance

My background is in local government, education, infrastructure projects, “big four” management consultancy, governance and finance. I am a qualified accountant who chairs an Audit Committee for a London Borough. I’m also studying for a Masters in Law. My own education gave me social mobility and a lifelong passion for learning. What also stood out about my own experience of school was that the teachers really looked out for me. I want young people today to have as good an educational experience as I had. That is why I’m a governor of what I consider to be an excellent and caring school.

For over 20 years, Patrick has been a governor at four state schools, both Primary and Secondary. Having attended six different non-selective state schools and being the first person to attend Oxford University from his Comprehensive school, Patrick appreciates that education can transform peoples’ lives and is the most important investment we can make, both as a community and as a country. Patrick runs his own software company, employing 200 people in five different countries. He is married with two children, both of whom attend their local school in Brent.

Charith is an Artificial Intelligence and Data Consultant at Deloitte where he works with public, private and financial sector clients to better understand and use data to solve complex problems. He is also deeply passionate about learning and the education of vulnerable children in society. Having worked in a school in NW London for three years as a Lead Teacher of Sixth Form and Science/ Economics teacher, he has seen first-hand the incredible impact of high-quality teaching on student learning.

Phil has two wonderful daughters at Ark Academy, one in their fifth year at the school. He has taken up this role to support the school as it further develops to meet the needs of its students, while also supporting its staff. He has over six years' experience in critically assessing establishments and supporting them as they implement new processes. He also has over twenty years as an academic researcher developing and implementing new methods, while supporting and mentoring colleagues and students as they build their career.

Dr Iqbal is originally from Manchester and currently resides and works in London with her 3 children the oldest who has just started at Ark. She works as a GP in the area as well as being a GP tutor for medical education at two separate London universities. She loves being involved in anything that can help a child’s development and address their unique personalities and experiences in order to ensure every child matters.

Katja has worked globally in Higher Education marketing, student recruitment & admissions both in the private education sector and at some of the world's leading institutions, including UCL, University of Sydney, King’s College London, the British Council & SOAS. After 7 years working in Australia and in China, Katja returned to London in 2019 to take up the post as Director of Student Recruitment at UCL. She cares about students as individuals, and recognizes the importance of good advice and support in helping a student navigate the many paths that can lead to a rewarding and happy career. She is very much of the view that the journey counts as much as the destination. Being a governor is a real honour for Katja as it allows her to share her university experience in the hope of helping Ark students and staff along their journeys.

Usama went to an underperforming state primary and secondary school in Westminster, receiving a BA (Hons) from UCL in History, Politics and Economics. Usama is the first generation in his family to go to university and wholeheartedly believes in the opportunities that education delivers. His primary motivation for becoming a Governor stems from his own mixed experiences of state education and wants to use his voice to provide the diversity of thought that can help address the all-too-familiar challenges faced by students. Usama is currently an Investment Banking Analyst at Citi.