Governor Profiles

Personal Statement

Reason for Being a Governor at Caterham:

I joined the governing board as a co-opted governor in February 2019.  I am now the Local Authority Governor and became Chair og Governors in October 2020.  I volunteered to become a Governor when I retired from work - I wanted to make a contribution to my local community in Redbridge and good inclusive schools play a vital role.

Skills I bring to the Governing Body:

I have a long background in education, health and social care - I was a senior civil servant in both Departments.  I want to use my knowledge and skills as a Board member to help all children at Caterham to achieve well and succeed in adult life.

Personal Facts

I have lived in South Woodford for nearly 30 years and my now grown up children went to school locally - I was a parent governor at their primary school.  I am a Trustee of a chrity focused on children's speech and language development, have have a long-standing interest in special educational needs and disability, and improving outcomes for disadvantgaged children.

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

I joined the Caterham Governing Body in October 2021. I am very interested in the education sector and strongly believe that our experiences as well as the skills and confidence we develop as a young person has a huge role in shaping our future. As a governor at Caterham, I am privileged to be able to play a small (but meaningful) part in this journey of the students.

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: 

As a lawyer by profession, I am trained to think critically and analyse facts, which helps me spot areas where things are going well or there is room to improve. I have also had experience in mentoring young people across a range of ages, backgrounds and abilities.

My aim is to use my experience and training to help Caterham continue to grow and provide its students with the best high school experience that they can have and can treasure for life.

Personal Facts:

I was born and grew up in India - completing my primary, secondary and legal education there. I then moved to the UK to start work at a London City firm as a trainee solicitor, which was the start of a new life in the UK. This has given me the perspective of someone who has called two countries (that are quite different from each other in many ways) home.

When I am not working I enjoy catching up with friends and family, playing badminton and following creative and interesting new inventions.

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

Having retired from teaching in 2016, I feel that it is important to use my skills to contribute on a voluntary basis.

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: 

Having been a Parent Governor and a Staff Governor in the past, being a school governor again seemed a good choice.
I have a range of work experience from Interior Designer, Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages to Primary School Teacher. I have also run my own Design and Soft Furnishings Company.  

Personal Facts:

I have three sons who have all been educated in Redbridge and four grandchildren who are about to embark on their journeys in education.

Since retiring, I completed a Masters Degree in Art History with the Open University.

I am a volunteer for the Canal and River Trust, where I am a Lock Keeper and conduct guided walks around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and waterways.

I am a member of a local horticultural society and last year opened my garden as part of a local garden trail.

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

I joined Caterham Governor in February 2023. Living in Redbridge and experiencing volunteered support in the past, I was keen to become a Governor to support the school.as a

Skills I bring to the Governing Body:

I am a Chartered Accountant and currently a Deputy Finance Manager where I am responsible for local government support operations.

Personal Facts:

My aim is to utilise the skills and experience developed to support the delivery of Caterham’s exciting, ambitious and challenging plans over the next few years and beyond, including setting a balanced budget and strategy. I am fortunate to be part of an inspiring school community that demonstrates excellent commitment and dedication throughout. 

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

Having grown up in the area, I joined the governing board to support a local school in achieving their objectives to deliver the highest possible standards and maximise each pupil’s educational experience. I believe all children should reach their full potential regardless of their social background. Working alongside the existing governing members, I feel this role is also a great opportunity to widen my skills and professional development. 

Alex Muhumuza 

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

I am passionate about supporting young people and communities in realising their full potential. So, it is a privilege to join the governing body where I get to play a part in supporting the team at Caterham to achieve its goals of providing an excellent education and school experience for every student.  

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: 

As an experienced professional in youth work, pastoral support, and project management in widening participation/higher education sector I have enjoyed excelling in organising a range of programmes and activities for students at school, college, and university level. This has involved building and maintaining good relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, providing supportive team leadership, creating evaluation plans, strategic partnership working, and managing projects effectively.  Also, I hold a degree in Business Management and Public Policy and a Level 6 Diploma in Careers Guidance and Development. 

Personal Facts:

I love sports, music, good food, travelling and being involved in local community projects & politics. 

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

I have two children that currently attend Caterham. I strongly believe a school should be central to its community, and the voice of the community should be heard in the school. I believe all children should have the opportunity to achieve their potential.

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: 

I have over 20 years of experience working in education and currently work in a local primary school, which gives me a good understanding of our community.  My job is to oversee provision for the pupils that have special educational needs – a role which allows me to support and work in partnership with parents whilst working closely with pupils. I have had extensive mental health training and am currently the lead primary teacher involved in a project with the Redbridge Emotional Wellbeing Team and the Anna Freud Centre.

Personal Facts:

In my spare time I enjoy going to the theatre, watching films, baking and spending time with my family.

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

I was elected in 2021 as a Governor. As Nelson Mandela once said “Education is the greatest weapon which you can use to change the world” I would like to contribute to the best of my abilities to achieve that

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: 

With over 18 years of experience in Technology and Management, I bring in technology expertise to the Governing Body. I aim to help the school to continuously improve and excel within the Caterham way.

Personal Facts:

I have a Masters in Business Administration, and two Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology. I currently work in consulting focusing on Digital Transformation and emerging technology such as Artificial Intelligence. I ama keen amateur photographer and during covid became an amateur baker too. Most of the time you will find me with my headset on listening to history podcasts. 

Personal Statement

Reason for becoming a Governor at Caterham:

I am of Vietnamese origin and many years ago, I was fortunate to win scholarships to study in the UK. I am very grateful that the high-quality education that I received built a very strong foundation for my career and achievements later on. I strongly believe that all children deserve a good education which can provide a strong start in life. I would like to give back to the community and provide the support to local children and their families, especially those from less privileged backgrounds.
 

Skills I bring to the Governing Body: 

I am a Chartered Financial Analyst by training, and I have worked in the City for more than 15 years within investment management. I bring financial skills, business acumen as well as people management skills to the Governing Body.    

Personal Facts:

Outside of work, I am a very busy mother of two young boys who really keep me on my toes. I also love playing piano and practising yoga and meditation.