Governance

Anthony Williams is Chairman of Bluefield Partners, a specialist asset manager for solar infrastructure, and a former Partner of Goldman Sachs & Co. During his time at Goldman Sachs, he was involved in building the firm's Fixed Income Arbitrage and Swaps businesses and served as Global Head of Fixed Income Arbitrage, Global Co-Head of Swaps and as Chair of the Risk Committee for the Fixed Income, Currency and Commodities Division. Anthony previously held a Research Fellowship in Radio Astronomy at St John's College, Cambridge and has a BA and PhD in Physics from Cambridge University and a BA in Philosophy from London University.

Ian works at ARK's International team as Head of Education Ventures, supporting a range of new education projects in India and Africa. He previously spent five years at the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, managing development programmes in East Africa to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, before which he was a management consultant. He has lived in Ghana and India, and returned from two years living in Tanzania to take up the role with ARK. Before moving to Tanzania, Ian was a governor at his local primary school in Tottenham, and he has done a range of volunteering work - including a year's teaching - for Restless Development, a UK education charity working in Africa. He lives in south London and is passionate about improving education outcomes both in the UK and abroad.

Sonia works for the government on reducing carbon emissions from manufacturing. She has previously worked for the European Union in Brussels, as well as the Treasury and other government departments. Sonia is particularly interested in helping schools to use resources in the most effective way, getting great outcomes for pupils as well as value for the taxpayer. She served as a governor in a primary school in Ealing for three years, chairing the finance committee for one year. She was born in Moscow and studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University.  

Penny has been an at home mother to her 4 now grown up children. Her first career was in HR, but in the past several years she has been Chair of the Friends association of a central London school; chair of a local fundraising branch of a national medical research charity, which has involves event planning. Penny is passionate about giving all young people access to the best education possible regardless of background, in order that they can realise their full potential.

Daniel is a senior leader in the voluntary sector with over 15 years of experience in delivering services for young people. His experience ranges from frontline youth work roles across a variety of communities in London to designing and managing services.  Daniel holds a BA Hons in Youth & Community work and an MSc in Gender, Sexuality & Society. Daniel is passionate about young people having opportunities to fulfill their potential. 

Saidat has been a school governor for more than a decade in Primary school at The Mayflower Federation School (Phoenix & Ilderton). She was a member of both curriculum/Finance Committee and her interests are included inclusion and safeguarding students. Currently, Saidat is active committee member as vice chair of Southwark Governor Association (SGA) and at Walworth Academy has a parent governor since 2016. Saidat has been a school parent council at Walworth Academy since 2012 and works voluntarily as a volunteer assistant. A Southwark community Secretary at Astley & cooper`s TRA Saidat Oketunde gained her degree in BSc Hon in Psychology (Child Development) from London Southbank University and She is currently studying her Postgraduate Degree master’s in education Autism at LSBU London. Saidat has worked for over a decade as Parent Mentor and Youth co ordinator.

Simon Rew is a Senior Partner with IBM Consulting.  He has worked with and for major Public Sector organisations in the UK and abroad for more than 30 years, including secondments to HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office.  He was a Governor of North Westminster Community School (2000 pupil Comprehensive) in the early 2000s.  Simon originally trained as a teacher (science/biology) and has a life-long interest in education.  

Jan has held several leadership roles within technology and data businesses, ranging from Data to Automotive to Financial Services.  He started his career with Fortis Investments, based in both Paris and Brussels, before joining Goldman Sachs’s Asset Management Division in London. Jan attended Westminster School in London and graduated from Oxford’s Trinity College, with degree in Modern Languages (Spanish and French).  Jan is a former Army Officer, where he served as part of the Royal Green Jackets Regiment.  He has lived in Brazil and travelled extensively throughout Latin America and beyond, and now lives locally in south London with his wife and children of mixed heritage. 

Josie has been a Governor since 2010 and as a Southwark resident she is particularly committed and keen to support Ark Walworth Academy’s students, staff and wider community at a local level.  Josie works for the BBC where she is Planning Producer for BBC News School Report, a project working with young people to develop their understanding and engagement in journalism and media literacy. Her BBC career began 12 years ago as a secretary and she has worked in a number of roles and departments including BBC Sport and CBBC Newsround. She has a BA Hons English and Psychology from Cardiff University and MA in Children’s Literature.  Josie also sits on the Curriculum Committee and her particular education interests are inclusion and student voice. Away from work she loves to travel.

Victoria is a Early Years Practitioner and has two children who attend Ark Walworth academy. Victoria is a firm believer in giving quality education to developing core values and strength in children regardless of their ability and background.  She is excited to be a Parent governor on the Ark Walworth LGB and looks forward to working with the school.