Governance

Harriet cares passionately that all children, regardless of their background, have access to a high-quality and inspiring education. She is a freelance communications consultant and formerly worked as External Relations Director for Teaching Leaders (now part of Ambition Institute), a national education charity, which develops middle leaders in schools in challenging contexts. Harriet’s background is in marketing and communications. Prior to Teaching Leaders she was Head of O2 Learn – a crowd-sourced revision website for secondary school students that she conceived, launched and ran as part of the brand innovation team at O2, UK. Harriet was an On Purpose Associate in 2010, the inaugural year, having spent 6 years as an Account Director at the advertising agencies AMV BBDO (London) and CLM BBDO (Paris). Harriet studied Modern Languages at Oxford University.

Ozan is a financial services professional, currently working as a portfolio manager at a leading alternative asset manager.  He is passionate about education, and strongly believes that every child should have the opportunity to thrive at their school.  He will strive to leverage his experience for the benefit of Ark Atwood and the local community the academy supports.  Outside of work, Ozan is a keen rock climber with an interest in music and the arts.

Ellis has been involved in education for 10 years, from her role as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant for KS1 pupils at primary level to Office Manager at an Ark secondary academy.  Her current role involves driving data quality for pupils and staff at Ark academies.  Ellis is passionate about pupils achieving their full potential and the wellbeing of young people, and in visiting Ark Atwood in her role as a Governor has been impressed with the good behaviour and engagement with learning of pupils.  Ellis is keen for every pupil to feel happy and to thrive at Ark Atwood.

Having worked with state schools in India for 5 years and completing her Masters degree in Curriculum from UCL ,Institute of Education, Puja joined Ark Atwood as a Year 4 teacher. She has been at the school for 6 years and is passionate about an education for social justice, a curriculum for all and building inclusive communities.

Ella is the Managing Director of One Young World, a UK charity which serves as a global forum for young leaders. Ella oversees the annual One Young World Summit which has taken place in nine different cities across the world, from Bangkok to Bogota. Ella is the co-author of "How To Make A Difference" - the authoritative handbook to activism. Alongside this, Ella is the Co-Founder of the Sino-German Initiative, an investment vehicle with a charitable arm which aims to increase the business and cultural relationships between Germany and China. Ella read English Literature at Balliol College Oxford and began a law training contract with a Magic Circle firm before changing track and pursuing a career in the third sector. She was on the Scottish International Debating team and lives in Marylebone.

Gemma is a current teaching assistant in year 4 at Ark Atwood. She has worked in the academy for four years now and previously volunteered in the school. Gemma has been a member of the Atwood community for much longer as both her children have attended the school with her youngest child now in year 5. Gemma is keen to maintain the high expectations of the school and positive impact on pupils and is deeply invested in making sure all children are heard and seen.

Sophie is a Senior Civil Servant, and is currently the Director for Vulnerable Children’s Strategy and Educational Engagement in the Department for Education.  She has worked in a wide range of roles across government, many of them focussed on improving educational outcomes and safeguarding young people from harm.  Sophie is passionate about education and the transformative effect it can have on children’s lives.  She lives in north London and is an active member of a number of community-based initiatives.  She speaks Spanish and French.

Michael is a father who has a son currently in year 2 of Ark Atwood Primary School.  His daughter, who joined in Reception, completed her year 6 last academic year and is now in her first year of secondary education.  He is a writer/director/artist with over 20 years experience in the creative film and advertising industries, having worked on campaigns for the BBC, Channel 4, PayPal, Deliveroo, the Government of Scotland and Middle-East Broadcasting Television station, MBC.  Being able to distil clear communications in a simple manner is one of the strengths he brings to the role.  He is an ideas man, an outside the box thinker with an ability to mediate in complex situations and comfortable engaging with the diverse academy community.