Governors

Name: Andrew Dharman
Chair of Governors
Chair of Resources Committee
Start Date of Office: 25/02/2019
Term of Office Ends: 24/02/2027
Classification of Governor: FGB Co-opted 

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
An effective governing body is crucial to the success and direction of a school. I wanted to be an engaged member of the team that facilitates the school achieving an Ofsted “outstanding” rating. As a parent who has since  had 4 children go through the school I have been passionate about all things NEPS. I also feel the future the school is my utmost priority. I am an enthusiastic person who loves living in the local community. This has been an ideal opportunity for me to give back in a voluntary capacity. As a local GP, my skills are primarily healthcare-related but also in governance matters in general. As a Leader of other organisations I have had the pleasure of Leading the Governors as Chair for the past 2 years. I have been a governor for 8 years. I believe Primary school education is vital for building the foundation for children to develop into successful and responsible young adults.

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
Governors bring an overall sense of leadership and direction. The committee has the freedom to think strategically and it’s these ideas that can shape a school for a better future. In terms of school governance health, safeguarding and personnel are all areas I have had input on. Support and recognition of outstanding behaviours should be recognised and encouraged. In my opinion empowerment of staff and a sense of ownership is key. I think as a Governor one has to lead by example and my family and education are paramount for me. The main role for the school Governor is to be a critical friend to the leadership team. That takes good listening and communication skills to be effective, both features I use on daily basis.

What are your interests in Education?
My main interests in Education are in performance management from a whole school perspective. Safe guarding is also of utmost importance in all aspects of school life. My professional work is evidence-based and this applies to school practices also. Equal opportunities from a SEND perspective are important also. Ensuring the books are balanced and that the school is able to manage the budget with the finances allocated os a

Brief history of your career, life and background:
I am a local General Practitioner and studied at Guys and St Thomas’s Medical School in London and lived in North London for most of my life. I am on the Board of the North and West London Faculty of the Royal College of GPs. I am married and have 4 children.  As a keen sportsman, I believe the role of physical fitness and health goes hand in hand with mental fitness and ability.

Name: Mark Strippel
Term of Office Starts: 30/01/2026
Term of Office Ends: 30/01/2030
Classification of Governor: FGB Co-opted

A brief history of your career, life and background:
Mark is a Pitshanger local and has had two children at North Ealing Primary School. He is an experienced business leader with a demonstrable record of success across a diverse range of platforms. He is an award-winning BBC Broadcaster and Executive, and the former Head of BBC Radio 1Xtra and Asian Network. As a commissioner, he was responsible for Glastonbury coverage across BBC Radio and BBC Three’s The Rap Game UK.

He is currently engaged in creative consultancy for a range of platforms including BBC Sounds, Sony Music and Roblox, and now co-owns local spirits distiller Graveney Gin.

Born in nearby Hounslow, Mark was a founder of music collective Panjabi Hit Squad.

Mark studied at Queen Mary & Westfield College and The College of Law, with previous experience including law firm Simmons & Simmons.

Name: Dr Neha Pathak
Term of Office Starts: TBC
Term of Office Ends: TBC
Classification of Governor: Local Authority Governor

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
Having worked in the education sector for over 15 years, I have always found supporting education and contributing to the learning community important. I live locally in the Pitshanger area and, having lived and worked across three continents, I have experienced different education systems both professionally and as a parent. My son is now at university, and this has given me a long-term perspective on how early educational experiences shape future opportunities. I felt that becoming a Governor would allow me to contribute meaningfully to education within my local community and support the continued success of neighbouring schools.

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
Governors provide strategic oversight and support to ensure that schools continue to deliver high-quality education. Through my experience in senior academic leadership, curriculum development, and programme management in higher education, I hope to contribute perspectives on strategy, academic quality, and innovation in education. I also bring leadership and management experience, including faculty development and safeguarding training, which I hope will support the school’s leadership in maintaining a strong, forward-looking educational environment.

What are your interests in Education?
I am particularly interested in student wellbeing and mental health alongside academic excellence. I believe education should prepare young people not only academically but also equip them with the confidence, resilience, skills, and mindset needed for the future. In my current role, I also support the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into teaching and learning. I am passionate about ensuring that education continues to evolve in inclusive, forward-looking ways.

Brief history of your career, life and background:
I hold a PhD and a Master’s in Economics from India, and a Master’s in Business Analytics from Hult International Business School, Boston. I began my career as a lecturer in economics and statistics before moving into senior academic leadership roles. I currently serve as the Senior Associate Dean at a U.S. Business School based in London, where I oversee academic quality, curriculum development, and faculty strategy across global campuses.

Alongside my academic work, I have volunteered with organisations including Tata initiatives and the YMCA. Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis and am an active member of Brentham Tennis Club, where I regularly compete in women’s singles and doubles tournaments.

Connect with Neha on LinkedIn

Name: Golnaz Shahabi
Term of Office Starts: 31/10/2025
Term of Office Ends: 31/10/2029
Classification of Governor: Co-Opted 
Committees: FGB Co-Opted

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
Having worked in secondary schools for the last ten years I feel that I have a lot of experience that I could share with my son’s school. My day-to-day life is about the running of a science department in an inner London secondary school. Science is a subject that all students have to study up to GCSE, however, there always seems to be a huge gap between the science taught at primary school and that taught at secondary school. Students who enter secondary school with the key scientific concepts thrive and I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with the North Ealing Primary School community.

I also feel that as a working mother it is easy to feel disconnected from my son’s school and although I can’t be there at drop-offs and pickups, I can contribute to his school life as a governor.

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
Having spent five years carrying out scientific research and ten years teaching science in secondary schools, it is fair to say that I am passionate about science. I have spent years working on the quality of teaching and learning in science and understanding how children need to be taught in order to effectively learn.

Science was highlighted as an area of development in North Ealing’s latest Ofsted report and I feel that with my experience I can help to support the expansion of the science curriculum and push the teaching of science forward.

I am also really interested in the transition from Year 6 to Year 7. Until my son started at North Ealing two years ago, I had no idea about the level of science teaching at primary school. Unfortunately, there is often very little subject-specific communication between primary and secondary schools. As a governor, I would be able to share my expert knowledge of secondary schools with the staff body and help to prepare a smooth transition from Y6 to Y7. I am also passionate about raising awareness about STEM subjects to help better prepare students for KS3.

What are your interests in Education?
I have a great interest in the curriculum and theories around cognitive science and the science of learning. Learning about how students learn has greatly affected the way that not only science but how all content is taught at secondary school. Science is always evolving so as teachers we are always learning new strategies and tools to help our students learn and understand the content better. These strategies have all been implemented in the knowledge-rich curriculum that I have developed in my school.

I only found my love for science whilst doing my PhD in Visual Neuroscience in my mid-20s. Until then science was only something that I was good at, I never had any person or teacher inspire me and I was fortunate enough to have the academic ability to follow a scientific path to university. After my PhD, I trained as a teacher in the hope that I can help students gain a love of science while they are at school and show them that they can have futures in science.

I am also interested in student wealth fare and making sure that all children get a complete school experience. An experience that is not only focused on academic excellence but also provides plenty of enrichment opportunities for students.

Brief history of your career, life and background
Having grown up in Ealing I feel so lucky to be able to raise both my sons here too. My eldest is 6 years old and is in Year 2 at North Ealing and my youngest is 2 years old and will hopefully be joining his brother in a few years.

Having studied Biomedical Sciences at university, I then continued in academia by doing my PhD in Visual Neuroscience. It was at this point that I found my passion for science. After completing my PhD, I trained as a teacher through Teach First where I was placed in an extremely challenging secondary school in North East London. It was during my five years teaching at this school that I realised that teaching is the job for me. Over the last ten years, I have been working hard to help raise attainment in struggling London schools. I am now working in a secondary school in White City as the Head of Science with my husband, who is the Deputy Head of the school, so my children are surrounded by teachers wherever they go!

Name: Jackie Blazewicz
Term of Office Starts: 09/01/2019
Term of Office Ends: 08/01/2027
Classification of Governor: FGB Co-opted (Staff)

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
The school is very important to me, as my employer, the educator of my children and grandchild and part of the community in which I live. I wanted to make more of a contribution to support the school’s continued success.

What do you think you can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
I have over ten years of experience in Early Years education and childcare and practical knowledge of the challenges of educating and supporting the wellbeing of very young children in a school setting. Early Years formerly had a lower profile within education and I believe it is important now for the Early Years department to be represented and have a voice within the governing body.

What are your interests in Education?
Since gaining qualified teacher status in 1992 I have had a varied and successful teaching career across a range of primary schools. In my previous role as an advisory teacher, I developed a keen awareness of how to improve teaching and learning which I have successfully applied at North Ealing. In my current position, I have had access to a wide range of professional development enhancing my leadership skills, knowledge and understanding of the key elements of raising standards within a primary school. My particular interests include the EYFS, child development and Inclusion. I am keen to develop an evidence-based approach to improving practice and for peers to offer a comprehensive system of support within North Ealing and eventually beyond to other schools and teachers in training.

Name: Liza Webber
Term of Office Starts: 16/12/2025
Term of Office Ends: 16/12/2029
Classification of Governor: FGB Co-Opted 

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
I initially became a Staff Governor when I worked at the school. As a teacher and later a senior manager, I was keen to support the strategic leadership of the school. Now retired, I continue to support the school as a co-opted Governor.

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
Governors at North Ealing bring a wealth of expertise with one united conviction – to ensure every child at North Ealing receives the best educational experience. Governors support the Head and Senior Leadership team and are responsible for;

• The strategic direction, vision and ethos of the North Ealing Primary.
• Holding the Head and Senior Leaders within North Ealing Primary to account on various issues.
• Overseeing financial performance and ensuring money is well spent across North Ealing Primary.

What are your interests in Education?
I am passionate that every child receives a good education, so that they can become successful in life. Having worked in a variety of child care and educational settings, I am keen that every member of any establishment is committed to ensuring this.

My recent work as a reading consultant in primary and secondary schools highlighted greater than ever to me, the importance that children learn to read well and the impact this has on their education and prospects for their future lives.

Brief history of your career, life and background:
I have worked with young children all my working life, initially in the field of early years childcare and later as a primary school teacher and leader.

I have recently retired from working life, enabling me to pursue hobbies and dreams of gardening, fitness and travel.

I am a mother and now grandmother and I enjoy looking after my grandson every week.

 

Name: Frank Proud
Term of Office Starts: 08/05/2024
Term of Office Ends: 07/05/2028
Classification of Governor: FGB Co-Opted

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
I’ve lived in Ealing for over 20 years and have been involved in a range of local groups and organisations during that time. I value being part of a local community rather than just a neighbourhood. Schools like North Ealing play a critical role in creating this community so I’m delighted to have the opportunity to use my skills and experience to make a contribution by being a Governor.

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
The Head and leadership team of a school such as North Ealing have enormous responsibility, for running the school, for providing a safe environment for children and, most importantly, for inspiring them to achieve and create their futures. It’s not fair or realistic to expect them to do all of this on their own. By reviewing actions, talking through the issues and asking sensible questions, Governors can help the leadership team to make the best decisions for the benefit of the children and the entire school community.

What are your interests in Education?
I believe there are few things more important than education. It helps us all to understand the world that we live in, how our society works, and to identify the things that really matter. I had a wonderful education that I continue to apply, and benefit from, every day. And I want every child to have access to a great education too, so they can be equipped to pursue their dreams, to be the best people they can be, both for themselves and to support them in making a positive contribution to society.

A brief history of your career, life and background:
Originally from the north of England, I’ve lived in London for 35 years and in Ealing for the last 25 years. I now run a market analysis firm which looks at, and reports on, the online shopping value chain – from consumer credit and payments to parcels and delivery services. I previously worked as a management consultant, after having studied economics at university. My main hobby is ultra-endurance cycling – a mixture of exploring and racing.

Name: Sushil Rapatwar
Term of Office Starts: 10/10/2022
Term of Office Ends: 09/10/2026
Classification of Governor: FGB Co-Opted

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
Being a Governor is an honour. It gives me an insight into how the school is being run and gives me an opportunity to use my experience to guide the school where needed. North Ealing Primary School is a great school that does a phenomenal job of shaping the future of kids and making it brighter

What do you think Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
Governors from different backgrounds bring different perspectives that steer the school towards achieving some untapped potential. They get a critical eye to ensure that the school is on track to deliver its KPIs.

What are your interests in Education?
Communication plays a massive role in everyone’s life. This can be in any way, shape, or form, i.e., your body language, your written skills, and, of course, the verbal part.

Shaping up this life skill in pupils is my interest in Education.

A brief history of your career, life and background:
I am an Engineer by profession. I then went on to complete my MBA. Professionally, I am a project and programme manager in the IT industry, working for various multinationals. I am a radio jockey, badminton England umpire, toastmaster and hugely interested in active politics.

Name: Dr Sophie Muralidhar
Term of Office Starts: 03/03/2023
Term of Office Ends: 02/03/2027
Classification of Governor: FGB Co-Opted

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
The role allows me to contribute to my local community in the areas of education and safeguarding, both of which I am passionate about. As an Ealing resident of 18 years and a parent of two school aged children, this role combines my collective skill sets of parenting and being a doctor!

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
I hope my experience as a clinical leader in the NHS in mental health can be used to provide helpful and practical oversight to the running of the school.

What are your interests in Education?
Safe, well-rounded and excellent early years education provides the scaffolding for the adults we become in later life. Education is more than numeracy and literacy; it is about teaching children how to relate safely to people and the world in a way that develops curiosity, resilience and wellbeing. I have taught students throughout my career as a doctor and work in mental health where so often, I am struck by how one’s early experiences shape the people they become. This is where I hope to make a difference.

Brief history of your career, life and background:
I attended state school throughout my education and went on to study medicine at Oxford University. I trained as a psychiatrist and now work as a consultant in the NHS. I spent many years as the Lead Doctor for Safeguarding Adults at a large mental health trust. I now sit on the Parole Board and am a Judicial Member (mental health). I have two secondary school aged children. I love food, travel and music.

Name: Katerina Rudiger
Term of Office Starts: 03/12/2025
Term of Office Ends: 02/12/2029
Classification of Governor: Parent Body

Katerina has worked for over 20 years in education, employability, and youth development in various leadership roles across the charity, government and not-for-profit sector, most recently as the CEO of the social mobility charity The Brokerage.

She has extensive experience as both a trustee and working closely with a Chair and Board of Trustees. Her professional focus has been building links between employers and education, enabling successful education to work transitions and developing large-scale volunteering and employability programmes, as well as thought leadership and research in the wider employment and world of work space.

Her son Joseph is a pupil at North Ealing Primary School, and she has been hugely impressed by the school’s nurturing environment, committed teachers, and how the school’s values are woven throughout the curriculum.

Name: Marcus Wang
Term of Office Starts: 03/12/2025
Term of Office Ends: 02/12/2029
Classification of Governor: Parent Body

Why did you decide to become a Governor at North Ealing Primary School?
As a parent of children at NEPS, I am deeply committed to the success and wellbeing of our school community. I have been consistently impressed by the dedication of our administrators and teachers, and the nurturing environment they provide, and it is my privilege to contribute my time and effort to supporting our school’s continued growth.

What do you think that Governors can bring to North Ealing Primary School?
In my experience, the role of a governor is to ask the necessary questions, provide fresh perspectives, and ensure that resources and energy are aligned with the school’s vision. Our role is to provide strategic leadership, oversight, and accountability, all while fully respecting the operational expertise and experience of our headteachers and staff.

What are your interests in Education?
I’ve been privileged to serve on the Boards of a private independent school in the United States (Gilman School), and two major public institutions (University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, and currently, University of Maryland School of Medicine).
I’ve seen firsthand how different educational models tackle universal challenges like resource allocation, strategic planning, and ensuring educational excellence, and I’m eager to bring this global comparative lens to NEPS to support its continued success.

Brief history of your career, life and background
I hold a A.B. cum laude from Harvard University, and a J.D. from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. I’m an attorney admitted to the Bar in the State of New York, and began my career at the global law firm DLA Piper before leading market entry for Under Armour in China, co-founding and serving as CEO of ZytoGen Global Genetics Institute for a decade, and serving the public as the Director of Economic and Workforce Development for Baltimore County.

Currently, I am a Partner at Coda Global Ventures, where we consult on cross-border trade and U.S. market entry, as well as a Commissioner for the Maryland Health Care Commission overseeing the state’s health care system. I am of Chinese heritage, born and raised in the U.S., and am delighted to have made a home in the UK with my wife, a London native, and our children, who attend NEPS.

General Considerations

1. The committee shall not be open to the public

2. The Pay Committee is an ad hoc group with membership from across all committees including Chairs of all sub-committees and the Headteacher.

3. The membership and terms of reference of the committee shall be reviewed annually and confirmed by the governing Board.

Membership

The membership of the committee shall comprise a minimum of four Governors (including the Head Teacher).

Quorum

A quorum shall be three Governors (including the Headteacher).

Meetings

The Pay Committee will meet at least once a year in the Autumn Term, more frequently if necessary.

Minutes will be taken by the elected clerk of the committee and will be submitted to the Pay Committee members no later than 2 weeks after the date of the meeting.

Objectives

The committee will have full delegated powers to take decisions on the pay of staff within the pay policy determined by the Governing Board.

In relation to pay matters, the committee’s terms of reference will be as follows:

• To undertake the Headteacher’s Performance Management. This will be undertaken by a panel of 3 members of the Pay Committee.
• To achieve the aims/objectives of the school’s pay policy in a fair and equal manner.
• To apply the criteria set by the pay policy in determining the pay of each member of staff at the annual review
• To observe all contractual and statutory obligations.
• To make recommendations to the Governing Board about budgetary requirements for pay.
• To take account of the budget position when taking decisions on pay
• To minute clearly the reasons for all decisions
• To keep abreast of any developments that may affect the pay policy and to make arrangements for an annual review of the policy, including regard for any changes in legislation, or change to the conditions or terms of employment of any group/s of staff.
• To work with the Headteacher to ensure that the Governing Board complies with appraisal regulations 2012 (teachers).

Decisions on pay are to be communicated, in writing, to each individual by the Headteacher on behalf of the committee. In the case of the Headteacher, the Chair of the Governing Board will communicate, in writing, to the Headteacher, any decision affecting pay.

The Governing Board will receive the report of the Pay Committee in the confidential section of the agenda if individual salaries have been discussed.

Staff governors would normally fall into two categories, firstly Teaching Staff, and secondly Support Staff.

Staff Governors are elected by teaching and support staff who are paid to work at the school.

This category will also include a reserved place for the Headteacher.

Parent governors as the title implies are drawn from Parents or Guardians of Children at the School.

Parent Governors normally serve for a period of 4 years and are elected by the Parents or Carers / Guardians of Children at the School.

From time to time the school will send home a letter notifying parents that there is a vacancy for a Parent Governor, and seeking nominations.

If there are more nominations than there are vacancies, then there will be a ballot at which point all of the parents get to vote for the candidate of their choice.

As a Parent Governor, elected by parents, the role of the Parent Governor is to bring a parental perspective to the Governing Board’s decision making rather than represent the parental constituency.

Co-opted Governors are drawn from the local community and are appointed by the governing body.

 You will not find this category of governor on voluntary aided (religious) school governing bodies.

If you would like to find out more about being a Co-opted Governor, either at this School or another, you can either contact our Chair of Governors Shirley Kenworthy Wright or contact the School Governance Unit on 020 8825 5444. The School Governance Unit will be able to tell you of Schools who are looking for Co-opted Governors.

It will be helpful when making contact to provide some brief background information, including:

• Your reasons for wishing to become a school governor.
• Whether you have any particular skills and / or knowledge which you could bring to a governing body for example
  • Financial
  • Building Works
  • Health and Safety
  • Management
  • Legal
  • Human Resources.

The Governing Board will need to establish that you are either a local resident or have an involvement in the community served by the school. If not, it is always helpful to explain your interest in that particular part of the borough.

Within the London Borough of Ealing, Local Authority governors are appointed by the political parties represented on the Council.

The overall number allocated to each political party is proportionate to their level of representation on the Council.

If you would like to find out more about being a Local Authority Governor please contact the following councilors to express your interest:

Conservative:
Councillor Mrs Eileen Harris
Tel: (020) 8578 9839
Email: eileen.harris@ealing.gov.uk

Labour:
Councillor Brian Reeves
Tel: (020) 8845 0878
Email: brian.reeves@ealing.gov.uk

Liberal Democrat:
Councillor Jon Ball
Tel: (020) 8810 1078
Email: jon.ball@ealing.gov.uk

● The Governing Board will agree the dates for its meetings in the next Academic Year towards the end of the Summer Term.

● Meetings will be limited to 2 hours duration

● Where the business has not been completed within the agreed time, those Governors present may resolve to either continue the meeting for a specified time, or to finalise the business identified on the agenda with no time limit.

● The Governing Board have agreed that meetings can be held electronically e.g. via Zoom etc.

● The Clerk to Governors will liaise with the Chair and the Headteacher to prepare the Agenda

● Any Governor may request an item to be placed on the agenda by notifying the Chair of Governors and the Clerk at least 10 days ahead of the meeting

● Papers that Governors will need to consider at the meeting will be uploaded to the Governor Room.

● Governors are expected to attend all Full Governing Board meetings

● If absence cannot be avoided, Governors will ensure apologies for absence for any Full Governing Board or Committee meetings are sent to the Clerk to Governors as soon as possible before the meeting.

● In the absence of the Headteacher, a Deputy Headteacher will attend in his / her absence

● The Deputy Headteachers and Assistant Headteacher can be invited to attend every meeting of the governing Board as an observer (unless he / she are a teacher representative on the governing Board.

● If the Governing Board decides to appoint any Associate Members, the term of office will be 4 years unless revoked at a future meeting.

● All correspondence for the governing Board will be reported to each meeting, for information or action as appropriate. The Chair of Governors, Clerk to the Governors and / or Headteacher will take appropriate action on correspondence received, giving a report on any urgent action taken.

● The Governing Board will agree who will write letters and make public statements on its behalf, either generally or on specific issues

● The Headteacher will submit a written report to the governing Board for circulation with the agenda for each meeting (excluding extra ordinary meetings e.g. budget setting) of the Full Governing Board outlining progress

● Where information required by the Governing Board is not readily available, reasonable time will be given for its production.

● The Governors and all associate members shall inform the Clerk to Governors as soon as possible of any change in their personal contact details, pecuniary interests or the eligibility to continue to serve as a governor or associate member.

● The Clerk to Governors shall update the School Governance Unit of any change or update to Governing Board membership as soon as it occurs.

● Voting will ordinarily be by show of hands unless one or more governors request a secret ballot

● The Governing Board will delegate duties to committees and to individuals, including the Headteacher, and may also establish working groups to provide information and recommendations for the Governing Board on specific issues

● All tasks delegated by the Governing Board to committees or individuals will be officially documented.

● The Chair of each of the committees and working groups will be appointed by the committee or working group concerned

● All views will be recorded in the minutes of the Full Governing Board and Committee meeting minutes.

● Copies of the draft minutes, once approved by the Chair and Headteacher will be uploaded to the Governor Room within 14 days of the meeting.

The Governing Board of North Ealing Primary School follows the guidance from the DfE in respect of monitoring / reviewing policies and there is a matrix detailing who should review / approve policies:

● A number of policies may be approved by the Headteacher without the need to refer to the Full Governing Board or one of the sub-committees.

● Further policies can be approved by one of the sub-committees again without the need to refer to the Full Governing Board.

● The remaining policies are reviewed by one of the sub committees and then referred to the Full Governing Board for adoption.

● In cases where policies need to be approved between FGB meetings these can be approved by the Chair of Governors and Vice Chair of Governors and subsequently referred to the next Full Governing Board meeting for noting.

A copy of this document shall be supplied to every member of the governing Board, all associate members, and any new members.