Governors' Introductions
I am the Chair of Governors at Phoenix Arch school, and the governor for SEN. You can meet me at a governors’ coffee morning.
As a previous parent at the school, I know positive impact Phoenix Arch can make with pupils and their families. In my day job I listen to and support others, and I also used to be a teacher. As governor I offer the school a good understanding of how schools work, an excitement about how good quality learning can encourage independence, and an ability to look at issues from different points of view. I am currently serving my third term as a governor: I have previously been a parent governor, a co-opted governor, and I am now the LA (Local Authority) governor, so I bring all this experience to the role. It has already been exciting to see how Phoenix Arch has grown and changed, and I look forward to supporting the school to go from strength to strength.
Hello, my name is Julia. My 9 year old son attends Phoenix Arch School. I was born in Brent and completed my primary and secondary education in the borough. Previously, I worked in social care, where I gained experience working with children, young people, their families, and carers in various settings. I enjoy going to the theatre with my son, who shares my love for music and drama.
Since joining the governing board in October 2023 as a parent governor, with a particular focus on Health and Safety, part of my role involves promoting the well-being of students, staff, and visitors, ensuring a safe environment, and contributing to the oversight of the overall safety and success of the school community.
I have learned about Phoenix Arch School's mission and values, policies, student achievements, academic programs, risk management, health and safety, and strategic planning. This knowledge will help me to fulfil my role effectively as part of the governing board.
I aim to positively impact the growth and well-being of students by being involved in the decision making processes. I can contribute in small but meaningful ways to the educational outcomes of all the children at the school. I aim to achieve this by actively participating on Phoenix Arch School's governing board.
I am a local resident that joined as a co-opted Governor and member of the Finance and Staffing Committee in October 2023. I care deeply about adding value back into our community and I believe that a strong education early in life is crucial in setting a solid foundation for a successful future.
I work as an Investment Professional and have over a decade of experience in finance & investment, risk management and governance.
I'm Cara Conquest and I joined as a parent Governor in October 2021, a year after my son started at Phoenix Arch. I have been so impressed with the school, especially managing the complexities of the pandemic, and wanted to get more involved to see how I could support the staff. I work as a Sales Director in book publishing and a big part of my role in my day to day is working across departments, getting the best out of teams and coaching for success and I hope I bring some of my enthusiasm to my role as parent Governor.
As Deputy Head Teacher at Phoenix Arch School, I am committed to upholding our school values. My role is focused on fostering a nurturing environment where each pupil, regardless of their needs, can thrive. I work closely with staff to deliver high-quality teaching and personalised support plans that reflect our belief in every child’s potential to succeed. By promoting staff development and wellbeing, I encourage a culture of collaboration innovation, ensuring our team is equipped to meet the diverse needs of our pupils.
As a Staff Governor, I bring a unique perspective from the classroom and leadership team, ensuring that our school’s strategic decisions align with our core values. I am passionate about advocating for initiatives that enhance the pupil experience, ensuring that every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Ana Andres del Valle, Ph.D. is an experienced professional with a diverse background spanning scientific research, entrepreneurship, and senior leadership roles. Her primary focus outside the corporate world is her role as a school governor, where she has leveraged her expertise to make a meaningful impact on education. She has volunteered as a Community governor for over 7 years.
As a school governor, she has helped schools manage effectively Head Teacher transitions, OFSTED appraisals and unexpected logistical changes. In the past, she has been part of resources and school performance committees. She currently chairs the Finance Committee at Phoenix Arch School.
Ana has 20 years of professional experience in the tech industry. She has transitioned from scientific R&D to serving as CTO of her own startup, TidyChoice, and currently works as a Solutions Architect at Stripe. She has also held senior roles such as Head of IT R&D and Associate Director - Strategy and Architecture at Jones Lang LaSalle, as well as Senior Researcher - Manager at Accenture and Research Lead at VICOMTech. Additionally, Andres del Valle is a Digital Communications and Computer Science Expert for the European Commission.
Born in Barcelona, Spain, Ana has lived in various parts of the world, including the United States, France, and now resides in London, England.