Governance at New River Trust and Alexandra Park School
(Last updated May 2025)
New River Trust | Company Number 07708890 | Registered Office Address Alexandra Park School, Bidwell Gardens, London, N11 2AZ
Registered in England and Wales
Alexandra Park School became a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) in 2017. MATs are state-funded organisations that are responsible for running one or more schools. The name of the MAT is the New River Trust (NRT). New River Trust MAT is responsible, currently, for running one school, Alexandra Park School (APS). MATs are directly accountable to the Department for Education (DfE), with whom they have a Funding Agreement.
The governance structure for New River Trust includes the ‘Members’ (the NRT has a total of 5) and the ‘Board of Trustees’ (up to a total of 10). The Members and Board of Trustees must ensure that they are compliant at all times with our Articles of Association. The Articles of Association are agreed between the MAT and the DfE. The Articles of Association for the NRT, which are based on the DfE Model Articles, are available on the 'Governance Documents' page.
The governance arrangements and delegated authorities that have been put in place at New River Trust are outlined in full within the Trust's Scheme of Delegation, available on the 'Governance Documents' page. A summary of this information is provided in the diagram and information below.
How is the NRT governance structure set up?
What do Members of the NRT do?
The Members of a MAT are responsible for making sure that the MAT acts within its constitutional powers. They have the right to amend the Articles of Association and they are responsible for agreeing appointments to the Board of Trustees.
The Members of the NRT are:
Sheila is a semi-retired consultant. She has significant experience of educational governance and company administration having worked for over 20 years in a large central London further education (FE) college in a number of relevant roles, including Clerk to the Corporation; Corporate Secretary; and Director of Governance. Sheila was awarded an MBE for services to Further Education in 2011, and in the same year was selected by the National Governors’ Association (NGA) as ‘Outstanding School Clerk of the Year’. Sheila has also held several lecturing roles in FE. Before taking her PGCE Sheila worked in arts administration, including posts at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the National Portrait Gallery.
Jamie is a retired programme management consultant. His background includes 12 years as worldwide IT Director for Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures. He was also involved as part of the setup team for Collect+. Jamie has a wealth of experience in the financial sector including delivering change programmes for HSBC, OneFamily, Cazenove and Robert Fleming. Jamie is currently Chair of Trustees of New River Trust and has over 18 years’ experience as a school governor and academy trustee. He is a governor at a special needs school in Dorset and a trustee for a Citizens Advise office.
Now retired, was Head of Information at a sexual health charity for over twenty years. He previously ran a small business and administered a rare jazz record auction. During the 1990s he was chair of governors at Bounds Green Schools (infant and junior) before becoming a founding governor at Alexandra Park School in 1998. He was a councillor for Alexandra ward, Haringey from 2008 to 2014 and also a board member of Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust for the same period. He is a published author on miscarriage of justice cases and currently divides his time between London and North Wales.
Rachel Wells is a CIPD qualified HR professional and Head of HR at Polyco Healthline, the UK’s largest supplier of consumer hand protection, as well as being one of Europe’s largest professional glove makers. The company employs 200 staff and generates over £150m in annual sales. Rachel’s previous roles include a number of accountancy positions, including Treasury Accountant with Logica UK limited, an ICT consultancy with a turnover of £3,921m. She was an Assistant Accountant with Closed Loop Re-Cycling, a start-up business, before progressing to take on the role of HR Manager with the company. Rachel was previously Chair of Alexandra Park School Governing Body and a primary school Governor.
Gloria is Head of Content and Research at Business in the Community, a UK responsible business network. Over the past decade, Gloria has authored and compiled over 30 publications focusing on race and diversity issues, and in recognition for her impactful work, Gloria was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours list for her services to diversity and inclusion. Gloria has significant business experience within the private sector having worked at Unilever for more than 19 years in various management roles. Outside the workplace Gloria is an active member of the community, supporting the disadvantaged and lobbying for change.
What does the NRT Board of Trustees do?
The NRT Board of Trustees is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Trust, holding the Chief Executive of the Trust to account and for ensuring the MAT's financial probity. Academy Trusts are also charitable companies and the Trustees are company directors and must comply with company law requirements. Terms of reference for the Board of Trustees are included in the New River Trust Scheme of Delegation.
NRT Trustees are appointed by the NRT Members.
Current NRT Trustees are:
Current post
Headteacher and CEO
Current post
Semi-retired consultant
Sheila is a semi-retired consultant. She has significant experience of educational governance and company administration having worked for over 20 years in a large central London further education (FE) college in a number of relevant roles, including Clerk to the Corporation; Corporate Secretary; and Director of Governance. Sheila was awarded an MBE for services to Further Education in 2011, and in the same year was selected by the National Governors’ Association (NGA) as ‘Outstanding School Clerk of the Year’. Sheila has also held several lecturing roles in FE. Before taking her PGCE Sheila worked in arts administration, including posts at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the National Portrait Gallery.
Current post
Chief Executive Officer, LearnPro Group
Costi has extensive experience in leadership, management consultancy, and governance in the education sector. He held various Managing Director roles in training and education businesses across Capita plc, Babcock International Group and V.Group as well as a number of roles in management consultancy. He was a Governor at Risley Avenue Primary school in Haringey, and the Chair of its Finance Committee from 2011 to 18. He holds an MBA from the London Business School.
Current post
Semi-retired consultant
Jackie has a wealth of experience in education with previous roles including that if an Assistant Headteacher at Gladys Aylward School in Enfield, Head of Learning Support and On-Site Unit at Aylward School in Enfield, and Learning Support Teacher and Deputy Head of Year at Haggerston Comprehensive School in Hackney. She holds an MA in Educational Management and an Advanced Diploma in Special Needs.
Current post
Retired Programme Man-agement Consultant
Jamie is a retired programme management consultant. His background includes 12 years as worldwide IT Director for Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures. He was also involved as part of the setup team for Collect+. Jamie has a wealth of experience in the financial sector including delivering change programmes for HSBC, OneFamily, Cazenove and Robert Fleming. Jamie is currently Chair of Trustees of New River Trust and has over 18 years’ experience as a school governor and academy trustee. He is a governor at a special needs school in Dorset and a trustee for a Citizens Advise office.
Current post
Non-Executive Director, West London NHS Trust Director, David Stout Associates Ltd Trustee - National Fire Chiefs Council Trustee - Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Member of Independent Reconfiguration Panel
David has an extensive career in healthcare management with over 35 years of experience. His leadership roles have spanned various significant positions within the NHS. From 2001 to 2006, he served as the Chief Executive of Newham Primary Care Trust. After that, he worked as a Director at the NHS Confederation from 2006 to 2011. Later, David took on the role of Chief Executive at Shropshire Community Health Services NHS Trust from 2020 to 2021.
Current post
CEO, Alexandra Palace & Park
Emma has worked in commercial and leadership roles for over 25 years across entertainment, heritage and leisure. Emma currently serves as the Chief Executive of Alexandra Palace. Prior to this, Emma held various positions within the Alexandra Palace, including Deputy Chief Executive and Managing Director. Between 2015 to 2018 she over saw the award-winning £27 million restoration of the Theatre and East Court. In the King’s 2024 Birthday Honours List Emma was awarded an OBE for Services to Heritage. Emma is currently the Co-Chair of Governors for Lea Valley Primary School.
Current post
Retired Teacher
With 37 years of teaching experience in comprehensive schools in the inner-city London boroughs of Camden, Haringey and Islington, Lindsay brings a wealth of knowledge of the curriculum and in raising standards to achieve high attainment and progress in different key stages. She has served in a range of middle and senior leadership roles, including Head of English and Media Studies, Director of Sixth Form, and Assistant Headteacher, where she has successfully led teams to deliver outstanding educational outcomes. Passionate about high-quality teaching, she understands the critical importance of continuous professional development (CPD) and coaching in equipping teachers with effective strategies to achieve outstanding practice in the classroom.
Current post
Immigration Associate, Reiss Edwards Solicitors
Baris has built a strong foundation in law, with valuable experience across immigration and commercial law. His experience in the legal sector includes roles as Immigration caseworker at KILIC & KILIC Solicitors and Personal Injury Paralegal at Ersan & Co Solicitors, as well as Paralegal at Morgan Has Solicitors. Baris completed the Pathways to Law programme and attended several mini vacation schemes at leading Magic Circle firms in the Commercial Law field, such as DLA Piper, Linklaters, Hogan Lovells, Allen & Overy.
Sub-committees of the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees has established three sub-committees: the Finance & Audit Committee, the Personnel Committee and the Admissions Committee, and has also established a Local Governors' Advisory Group (LGAG) for Alexandra Park School.
The Finance & Audit Committee retains strategic oversight of the Trust's estates, audit and finance matters, ensuring the Trust's funds are well managed. It also sets and oversees delivery of a programme of internal scrutiny (internal audit) on behalf of the Board of Trustees. The Finance & Audit Committee is responsible for recommending the NRT's annual budget for adoption by the Board of Trustees and for recommending the annual financial statements for approval by the Board of Trustees and review by the Members. The Terms of Reference for the NRT Finance & Audit Committee are included in the New River Trust Scheme of Delegation.
The current Members of the Finance & Audit Committee are:
- David Stout (Chair of Finance & Audit Committee, Trustee)
- Costi Karayannis (Vice Chair of Finance & Audit Committee, Trustee)
- Jamie Scott (Trustee)
- Emma Dagnes (Trustee)
- Nigel Scott (Appointed Local Governor)
- Michael McKenzie (Trustee and Chief Executive Officer)
The Personnel Committee retains strategic oversight and review of HR and personnel policy and procedure on behalf of the Board of Trustees. The Terms of Reference for the NRT Personnel Committee are included in the New River Trust Scheme of Delegation.
The current Members of the Personnel Committee are:
- Costi Karayannis (Chair of Personnel Committee, Trustee)
- Jackie Oldham (Vice Chair of Personnel Committee, Trustee)
- Sheila Daley (Trustee)
- Jackie Beer(Trustee)
The Admissions Committee reviews admissions applications and ratifies admissions in line with the admissions arrangements set by the Board of Trustees. The Terms of Reference for the NRT Admissions Committee are included in the New River Trust Scheme of Delegation.
The current Members of the Admissions Committee are:
- Lindsay Pinnick (Chair of Admissions Committee, Trustee)
- Jackie Oldham (Vice Chair of Admissions Committee, Trustee)
- Michael McKenzie (Trustee and Chief Executive Officer)
Alexandra Park School is a school within the New River Trust. The New River Trust will appoint a Local Governors' Advisory Group (up to a total of 11 people) for any school within its Trust. All Local Governors' Advisory Groups include elected Parent Governors and Elected Staff Governors. The Headteacher of the school serves on its Local Governors' Advisory Group.
What do Local Governors' Advisory Groups do?
Local Governors' Advisory Groups (LGAGs) provide focused governance for the New River Trust at a local level, i.e. for their own school. The LGAG for Alexandra Park School monitors the key performance indicators of the school, and acts as a critical friend to the Headteacher, providing challenge where appropriate. Local Governors also act as ambassadors for the school. The terms of reference of New River Trust Local Governors' Advisory Group are included in the New River Trust Scheme of Delegation.
The current Local Governors for Alexandra Park School are:
Current post
Retired Teacher
With 37 years of teaching experience in comprehensive schools in the inner-city London boroughs of Camden, Haringey and Islington, Lindsay brings a wealth of knowledge of the curriculum and in raising standards to achieve high attainment and progress in different key stages. She has served in a range of middle and senior leadership roles, including Head of English and Media Studies, Director of Sixth Form, and Assistant Headteacher, where she has successfully led teams to deliver outstanding educational outcomes. Passionate about high-quality teaching, she understands the critical importance of continuous professional development (CPD) and coaching in equipping teachers with effective strategies to achieve outstanding practice in the classroom.
Current post
Headteacher and CEO
Current post
Immigration Associate, Reiss Edwards Solicitors
Baris has built a strong foundation in law, with valuable experience across immigration and commercial law. His experience in the legal sector includes roles as Immigration caseworker at KILIC & KILIC Solicitors and Personal Injury Paralegal at Ersan & Co Solicitors, as well as Paralegal at Morgan Has Solicitors. Baris completed the Pathways to Law programme and attended several mini vacation schemes at leading Magic Circle firms in the Commercial Law field, such as DLA Piper, Linklaters, Hogan Lovells, Allen & Overy.
Current post
Former Project Manager at Arthur Andersen, Deloitte and the GSMA
Akua is a Former Project Manager at Arthur Andersen, Deloitte and the GSMA. Currently setting up a foundation to provide social welfare advice to members of the disabled community and hoping to begin training as a solicitor in 2025.
Current post
Semi-retired consultant
Jackie has a wealth of experience in education with previous roles including that of an Assistant Headteacher at Gladys Aylward School in Enfield, Head of Learning Support and On-Site Unit at Aylward School in Enfield, and Learning Support Teacher and Deputy Head of Year at Haggerston Comprehensive School in Hackney. She holds an MA in Educational Management and an Advanced Diploma in Special Needs.
Alexandra Park School Director of Vocational Studies
Ray’s experience in both education and the pharmaceutical industry provides him with a unique perspective, blending scientific expertise with educational leadership. Prior to his appointment as Director of Vocational Studies at Alexandra Park School, Ray was lead for APS KS4 and KS5 Applied Science, Head of Chemistry and Quality Nominee. Before entering the education sector, Ray worked as a scientist at GSK and Pfizer.
Retired Information Officer / Freelance writer
Now retired, was Head of Information at a sexual health charity for over twenty years. He previously ran a small business and administered a rare jazz record auction. During the 1990s he was chair of governors at Bounds Green Schools (infant and junior) before becoming a founding governor at Alexandra Park School in 1998. He was a councillor for Alexandra ward, Haringey from 2008 to 2014 and also a board member of Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust for the same period. He is a published author on miscarriage of justice cases and currently divides his time between London and North Wales.
Artist, Social Innovation consultant, inclusion advocate and Founder (EVERYBODY Ltd, promoting inclusion in the arts)
An experienced arts professional with an MA from the Royal College of Art, Aviva has worked widely across exhibitions, participatory and public art, and higher arts education; contributing to taught curricula, student engagement and widening participation initiatives at UAL and University of Westminster. Now applying her creative practice to impact-led work, she has collaborated on innovation, strategic and community development projects for Wave for Change, Make Shift and The Young Foundation. Her advocacy work focuses on promoting inclusion for young people with SEND through equitable access to education and culture; via the steering group of the Barnet Parent Carer Forum, as lived experience expert for NASEN and UCL, and as GLA Civic Futures Fellow.
Retired Teacher
May has had a broad and impressive career in education, particularly within the humanities and social sciences. Her extensive teaching experience, including senior roles in curriculum management and tutoring, provides her a strong background in both academic instruction and student support. Her roles included Senior A level teacher at Attlee 6th form centre, Curriculum Manager Humanities and Social Science at College of North East London, and Senior Tutor at the College of North East London. In addition, she served as Access to Humanities A level and GCSE teacher. Her MA in Gender and Education further highlights her commitment to exploring educational issues through a critical, socially informed lens.
Elected parent governor
Amanda has over 25 years’ experience in science, health and medical publishing and is currently Managing Editor at the Royal College of General Practitioners for the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP). Previous publishing roles have been with the Royal College of Practitioners and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Taylor and Francis and Chapman & Hall. She project manages all aspects of publication from manuscript acceptance and editorial content to publication and she liaises with national and international clinical and academic editors and authors within the field of general practice.
Amanda has two children; one at university (previously at APS) and one in the sixth form. She has an MSc in neuroscience and has a keen interest in education including healthy school initiatives, children’s mental and physical health and wellbeing and access to arts andsports.
Alexandra Park School Pastoral Assistant
In addition to his role as Pastoral Assistant at Alexandra Park School, which he has held since 2021, Alis is a mentor and Trainee Counsellor
*Appointed Governors are appointed by the Board of Trustees
Where can I find more information about NRT governance?
If you’re interested to know more about our people and processes, please take a look at the range of other self-service information we’ve provided on our website, for example:
- You can find out more about our current members and our Chair in ‘Get to know us’
- You can access published governance documents including our register of interests, scheme of financial delegation and agendas and minutes from our meetings under ‘Governance documents’
- You can find our published policies and procedures on the 'Policies and Privacy Notices' page
How can I contact the governing body?
If you have further questions about Trust governance, you can contact Annett Herzog-Jacob, the Clerk to the Board of Trustees. Annett can be contacted by email at aherzogjacob@alexandrapark.school
Contact Governors. Any communications for the Chair of the Board of Trustees or Local Governors can also be sent to Annett in the first instance.
Please note Governors are not responsible for the day-to-day running of the school. That is the Headteacher’s responsibility, supported by the staff team. If you have concerns about the school or how it is run, please contact the school. Governors can only become directly involved through our formal complaint’s procedure, once all other options have been exhausted.