Meet our Governors

  Ms Sam Brookes
 Chair of Governors
 Co-Opted Governor

I have lived in Hainault for 25 years, and both my children attended John Bramston before moving on to secondary school. I became a parent governor in November 2013, and a co-opted governor in October 2020. I was elected as Chair in December 2021.

I am incredibly proud of all that the school does to support children and their families, particularly our school values and the emphasis on children’s rights at the heart of all we do. This has been recognised in our Unicef Rights Respecting Gold Award. All children have the right to an education that develops their personality, talents and abilities to the full, and the school delivers this through the breadth and quality of the curriculum that it provides. Children enjoy their learning and this gives them motivation to succeed. As safeguarding link governor, I work closely with the leadership team to ensure children’s right to be safe. Most importantly, pupils at John Bramston are confident in knowing and defending both their own rights and those of children around the world.

I am also passionate about ensuring all children develop the literacy skills they need to succeed in life. I work for the National Literacy Trust, a national charity that works to improve literacy skills in the UK. I know what a difference both families and teachers can make to children’s life chances by developing their skills and confidence around reading and writing, and am delighted to see this in action in the school’s approach.

I am proud to be working alongside our dedicated and experienced staff to ensure all John Bramston pupils leave the school ready for the next stage of their lives.

Mr Arfan Shakeel

Vice Chair
Co-Opted Governor

I have been a parent governor since March 2017, and have lived in the local area for over 35 years. I have enjoyed learning about how the school works and the fantastic efforts of the governing body, committed staff, senior leaders and the Head Teacher, in preparing all children with the tools and foundations to become well rounded and capable achievers.  

My professional background is over 15 years in Financial Services and Banking covering Operational Excellence, Accountancy, Audit and Risk Management. Many of my roles have involved the interpretation and adherence to internationally recognised quality standards.  

As someone whom has benefited from mentoring programmes, I feel giving back to the community can add value to young minds in achieving their true potential.  

The governorship will allow me to contribute my skillset to monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achieving its aims and objectives whilst providing strategic leadership and accountability.  ​ ​

Since being a governor I have felt privileged to work with such hardworking, motivated and dedicated staff. I have enjoyed hearing about the efforts the staff go to ensuring all pupils have the opportunity to learn in a positive, safe, warm and friendly environment embodying John Bramston’s core values.  

I believe John Bramston is going from strength to strength and I look forward to being a part of its success in the years to come.

Mrs Claire Holder
Co-Opted Governor

I am a working mum of three teenagers, all of whom attended John Bramston Primary School.

I have been sitting on the Board of Governors now for 8 years.  I began as a Parent Governor and am now a Co-opted Governor, due to the fact I have been working at John Bramston for the past five years as a Learning Support Assistant.

My career background was working within the local Magistrates' Court and it gave me a real insight into the local community.

I am passionate about speaking up for the children's welfare and safety and I hope that my knowledge of the pupils and the school make me approachable and friendly.

  Mrs Letitia Dumbura
 Co-opted Governor

I have lived locally in Barkingside for more than 10 years. I was co-opted in the Governing Body in of John Bramston primary School in May 2015 after showing passion for giving back to the community which has welcomed my family and me when we first came to live in the area. I am a Chartered Accountant working in the banking sector and wanted to use my professional skills to complement the good work being done at the school.    

Being a mother to three daughters, I am very interested in the development of children and am keen to see all children achieve their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment, to see each child come into their own.

   Mr Rob Consalvey

  Co-Opted Governor

I am a Father of two children. I worked for the Met police for 30+ years, often with young people and schools. It has been my pleasure to work with John Bramston in various year groups, and with parents and staff.

Once I had retired, I was asked by John Bramston if I would be interested in becoming a Governor, and was happy to continue working with the School, and in some small way make a difference.

  Mrs Zelal Islam
 Teacher Governor

I spent 16 years as an IT Trainer before becoming a teacher. I changed career because I have a passion for teaching and for improving the prospects of our children. As a relatively new teacher to the school, becoming a governor would allow me a broader view of how our school works from different perspectives and understand what drives key SLT decisions which affect our school.  I would support and influence the Head teacher to determine the optimum direction for the school. I believe a school governor needs to show a strong commitment to making sure there are high aspirations for all the children in our school and a  commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for all the pupils. It is important to listen and problem-solve, often creatively!  

I am really passionate about teaching and ensuring children enjoy their school experience. I will bring my individual perspective to our discussions and hope that my contribution will be of value. I want our school to continue to be a safe, nurturing, enjoyable, inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to achieve their personal best.

   Mr Jamal Ali
  Parent Governor

I was appointed as a parent governor in April 2023 and I am absolutely delighted to be part of the Governing Body for John Bramston.

I grew up in Blackburn (North West of England) and moved to London over 20 years ago. I have been living in Hainault since 2016 with my wife and two sons. My eldest son is currently at John Bramston and I have been so impressed by the quality of education and support he receives from staff. 

In terms of my career background, I have been working in the Civil service for almost 15 years, where I’ve been at the forefront of shaping national and international policies. My proudest achievement was implementing the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations. I’m now delighted to have the opportunity to work with my fellow Governors in implementing local and national policies for John Bramston. 

I am deeply committed to the belief that every child deserves an excellent start in their life. Being granted the privilege to serve as a governor, I am able to contribute to this cause directly. I am hopeful and eager to make a meaningful difference to each child who walks through the doors of John Bramston, paving the way for them to achieve their utmost potential.

   Mr Muhammad Tariq
  Parent Governor

I am an accomplished CEO. I have been leading an exam board that provides International GCSE and AS/A level qualifications to students across the world. With my extensive expertise in curriculum development, regulatory requirements, HR, ISO standards and working with students worldwide, I have been instrumental in providing quality education to students from different parts of the world.

In recognition of my exemplary work, I was bestowed with the prestigious Queen's Award for International Trade in 2020.

As a parent and someone with a deep educational background, I understand the importance of providing quality education to every child. I am truly committed to ensuring that every child has an excellent start in life. With my vast experience and expertise, I am well-equipped to serve as a governor at John Bramston. I look forward to leveraging my knowledge and expertise to help maintain the highest standards of education and provide a nuturing environment for children to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Declarations of Business and Pecuniary interests

As of May 2024:

• Any relevant business and financial interests – None declared.
• Governance roles in other educational institutions - None declared.
• Any material interests arising from relationships between governors or relationships between governors and school staff (incl. spouses, partners and close relatives) - None declared.