Governors
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Sagal Abdi-WaliCo-opted Governor
Sagal Abdi-Wali
Whys did you decide to become a Governor
I decided to be a governor because I believe in the importance of having good schools and I wanted to personally give something back to the place I grew up in and live in now, Camden.
Why Parliament Hill, rather than a different Camden school
I was especially pleased by the opportunity to serve as a governor at Parliament Hill as I attended there myself. It is an experience I look back on fondly as I loved my time and education there. Parliament Hill is a place that allows and helps young girls have the space to grow into independently minded, strong willed women.
What do you do in the real world!I work in the Digital and Innovation teams at Camden Council. And I volunteer with local women's charities and with a local political party.
Any tips, advice or words of wisdom for current Parli girlsSelf-reflection and self-awareness are great tools to help you grow into a better person, but be careful about self-doubt. Self-confidence is not a flaw.
Do you have a pet
I don't have a pet, currently but once had a rabbit, and will hopeful get a cat soon.
What is a topic you could talk about for hours without getting boredI could talk endlessly about films or football. I love playing pretty much any sport as long as it can be fun. The sports we played at Parli were actually some of my best memories; Students vs Teachers games in football particularly, and winning for bragging rights.
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Ansar BlakcoriAssociate of the Governing Body
Ansar Blakcori
Why do you want to be an associate of Parli's Governing Body
I want to support the school in raising achievement even more, using the money available to benefit students as much as possible and keeping a focus on excellent learning.
What is a topic you could talk about for hours without getting bored
Science, especially space-related themes.
What is your favourite thing about Parli
'Empowerment' is one of the key traits Parli students gain on their learning journey. Parli students demonstrate high energy and gravitas in pursuit of their learning goals and everyone's well-being.
What do you do in real life!
I have worked in management and IT Consulting as well as in Early Years Education.
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Melanie CharlesCo-opted Governor
Melanie Charles
Why did you decide to be a Governor
I have a deep appreciation for Parli as a local state school and want to be part of the school's progression.
Do you enjoy sports
I love playing tennis and I am quite a good footballer.
What is it about Parliament Hill that makes it specialParli is progressive, inclusive and encourages all students to be independent.
What is your earliest memoryA two-week river cruise along the London canals.
What do you do in real life!I'm the PA to the Headteacher and embarrass my children... constantly.
Any tips, words of wisdom, encouragementDo not compromise on being you.
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Sarah CreaseyHeadteacher
Sarah Creasey
Why did you choose to become a governor at Parliament Hill
As Headteacher, I am a member of the governing body. I work very closely with governors to ensure that Parliament Hill provides an outstanding educational experience. I joined Parliament Hill in 2012 as Deputy head and became Headteacher in 2017. I loved the ethos of the school as soon as I stepped through the door and like other staff who work here believe that Parliament Hill is a very special place. As an English specialist and school leader, I've worked at a number of inner London state schools. I enjoy the diversity of our school community and seeing Parli girls grow into confident young women ready to make their mark in the world.
What personality traits/strengths do you think are important in becoming a governor
You need to be good at listening and prepared to ask lots of great questions. Our fantastic team of governors are always ready to support and challenge, helping the school to reflect on its achievements and to find new and innovative ways to move forward.
What did you enjoy most at school
I have always been a voracious reader - my earliest memories are of escaping into the fictional world of an engrossing book. English was always my favourite subject at school. I was lucky to have inspirational English teachers who nurtured my academic interests through to university.
If you had to live somewhere other than London, where that be
I have really enjoyed time that I have spent in Vancouver and hope that one day I will be able to spend some extended time exploring the Gulf Islands in British Columbia
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Roger FreemanCo-opted Governor
Roger Freeman
Why did you choose to become a Governor at Parli
I was appointed as a Governor in 1998 by Camden and I have continued all these years because of the quality of everyone at Parli, students, other Governors, teachers and support staff. Together with my wife and two sons, I have spent the last 40 years within 15-minute walk from the School.
Do you have a petNo pet at the moment but have had two really great German Shepherd dogs in the past.
Do you enjoy sportsI have always enjoyed sports both playing and following. Currently I play tennis and squash.
What do you like best about ParliMy favourite thing about Parli is and always has been the spirit of everyone at the school. Open, friendly, responsible and wanting to get on with life in a positive way.
If you didn't live in London, where would you choose to liveIn my working life I lived and travelled extensively in North and South America so I'd probably choose to go back there.
Do you have any roles other than at Parliament HillI have been a Camden Councillor for 12 years and am involved with a few Highgate organisations. I am also a Governor at another girls' school in Camden.
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Martyn HolmanCo-opted Governor
Martyn Holman
Do you have a pet
We have two old Jack Russel Terriers. They are named after the currencies of Zambia and Botswana, Kwacha & Pula since my wife was born and raised in Southern Africa, a part of the world that is therefore close to our hearts.
If you had to live somewhere other than London, where in the world would that beMy family and I all Iove the mixture of city and natural splendour that is Cape Town. It is definitely our second favourite city in the world.
Why did you choose to become a Governor at PHS rather than at a different Camden schoolMy daughter is a student at Parliament Hill School. After visiting many of the local schools she was very keen to apply to Parliament Hill and is now thriving here. As a governor, I want to make sure the school maintains high ambitions for all its students, and creates an environment where these ambitions can become reality.
What do you do in real life!
I work in an area of finance called Venture Capital. We provide money to very young companies and then help them succeed. The job is varied, exciting and fulfilling, and one I am very privileged to be able to do.
Do you enjoy sports
I am a massive sports fan. At school I played cricket and enjoyed cross country running. Now that I'm too old to bowl fast, I enjoy endurance sports like long distance running, swimming and swim-run. I'm a keen spectator of most sports, particularly cricket where my Dad and I follow England around the world, and football where I am a season ticket holder at Arsenal.
What did you enjoy most at school
My favourite subject was maths. I was very fortunate to have had some amazing teachers who made the subject come alive for me.
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Fiona MillarCo-opted Governor
Fiona Millar
Why did you decide to become a Governor at Parliament Hill School
I became a governor at Parli when my daughter was at the school. She is now 27 and is a writer and stand-up comedian and still passionately loyal to the school which features in her live show! My sons were both at William Ellis and all our children went to LaSWAP too.
What subject could you talk about forever
I live locally and write about education for a living, so I suppose that is a subject I could talk about forever, but sometimes it is good to get away from work (and governor) preoccupations.
Do you have any hobbies or things you particularly enjoy
When I am not working or busy with school matters, I like to walk my dog, Skye, on Hampstead Heath and go swimming. I am also trying, not terribly successfully, to learn French.
If you didn't live in London, where would you like to live
If I didn't live in London, I would probably live in the Scottish Highlands or France.
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Danny SilverstoneChair of Governors and LA Governor
Danny Silverstone
Why did you decide to be a Governor
I had just moved to Parliament Hill (all the way from Kentish Town!) and was looking for an opportunity to make a difference locally. I have a strong interest in education, diversity and human rights so Parli seemed like the perfect fit. And that is how it has proved.
What is it about Parliament Hill that makes it special
We provide a truly unique environment in which girls from 11-18 can learn, thrive and meet and exceed their ambitions. We provide a safe, respectful and challenging environment for our students and staff. Our school engages with the outside world and prepares our students for engaging with and entering that world after leaving us. We are part of an increasingly successful sixth form consortium - LaSWAP, where so many Parli students choose to continue their studies post-GCSE.
What is your particular area at PHS, e.g. curriculum links/year links
I chair the governing body. I also chair the Head's review panel which annually review our head teacher's performance. I also frequently chair behaviour panels.
What do you do in real life!
What a great question! In addition to Parli I also chair 2 charities; Rene Cassin the Jewish voice for human rights and Host Nation a Camden-based refugee-befriending charity. I stopped working full time in 2014- before then I worked in equality, diversity, education and human rights in the public and charitable sectors. From 2001-4 I was CEO of the Commission for Racial Equality.
What are you most proud of
Later in my life coming back to the saxophone and playing jazz gigs at small venues in London. Jazz is my musical passion.
Do you play any sports
I play tennis and have the misfortune of being a life time Spurs supporter.
What did I enjoy most at school
History and asking the teachers challenging questions.
Most interesting talent
Growing vegetables.
Any tips, words of wisdom, encouragement
You are worth it. You are worthy of respect. Become a role model for future Parli students.
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Vassilis ZarifisCo-opted Governor
Vassilis Zarifis
Why did you choose to be a Governor at Parliament Hill
When we were looking for a secondary school for our daughter (now in Year 12), we wanted a school that would help them to excel academically but also nurture them and develop them emotionally and socially, in a happy learning environment.
We found this, and more, in Parliament Hill School which operates as a family with the children in the centre, surrounded by teachers, parents, support staff, the leadership team and governors working together to provide a high quality, all round, happy education which I believe is the most important thing we can offer our children.
What responsibilities do you have at school
Currently, I chair the Staffing and Resources Committee, and am link governor for our parent-teacher association – Parli People
Do you have a pet
I have a dog, a border collie, called Leo (from Leonidas, the King of Sparta). He is very clever and good natured, a great addition to our family. He is always the first to greet me every time I enter the house.
What is the most interesting talent that you have
I want to believe that I am a good judge of character!
What is a topic that you could talk for hours without getting bored
I can talk about psychology and politics for hours and hours.
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Emily JonesParent Governor
Emily Jones
Do you have a pet
I have a daughter in Year 6 of primary. Those of you who have met her will understand.
What is the most interesting talent you have
Kitchen Disco. My other daughter disagrees.
What is a topic you could talk about for hours without getting bored
Race. I can talk endlessly about what it is like having a white father and a West Indian-Guyanese mother.People talk about minorities; try being an only child who is a quarter Welsh and half Indo Caribbean. The good news is when you are the only person in the room like you, you are always right.
Which of your personality traits/strengths has been most useful being a governor
Curiosity. And the ability to not be embarrassed to ask any question. It's a talent a career in factual TV has given me.
If you had to live somewhere other than London, where in the world would that be
In a house overlooking the sea, somewhere hot with lots of spare rooms for the children.
Why did you choose to become a Governor at PHS rather than at a different Camden school
My daughter is in Year 9 at Parli. It feels an exciting time to be part of the school - it looks beautiful, it's an all girls' school (which to someone who went to a mixed school is intriguing), and it feels like something exciting is going on behind its doors. Not least that it's full of brilliant young women growing up together.
What is your earliest memory
Peering through the bars of my cot and marvelling at the 1970s wallpaper - huge orange flowers.
What was your most embarrassing moment
When I was 14 years old, I had my name called out on the Brent Cross tannoy as a lost child when knowing that half the school were somewhere in the building... and heard it. Worse still, I had got stuck in the giant wooden caterpillar.
What did you enjoy most at school
I went to Hendon School in North London. It was the 1980s and it was a large comprehensive run by pioneering, passionate teachers who believed in state education. I loved hanging out after school with my best friends talking about politics and poems. I thought then, and still do now, that they were the most brilliant and beautiful, wise, funny and clever people you could ever meet.
Do you enjoy sports
I like swimming, the kind of swimming a 7 year old likes - getting out the pool, diving in again, getting out, diving in again, getting out
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Julie PaulVice Chair of Governors and Parent Governor
Julie Paul
What is your favourite thing about Parli
My favourite thing is that it creates a nurturing, happy school community where the students are encouraged to be their own unique selves, all whilst providing exceptional education!
Do you have a pet
If you were to ask my daughter this question, she would say that this is not a pet but we have an aquarium of tropical fish including silver sharks, clown loaches and angels. I find them so tranquil to watch!
If you had to live somewhere other than London where would that be
I love London and would be reluctant to move, but if I decided to live elsewhere, in the UK I would probably pick Cambridgeshire and for abroad I would choose France because I would have friends and family nearby whilst surrounded by the fabulous French culture.
What did you enjoy most at school
I enjoyed art at school but I was also a bit of a PE fan; being tall I was brilliant as goal attack in netball, winning a good few trophies back then. :-)
What is one thing in life that you are most proud of
Without a doubt I am most proud of my children and I'm honoured to be their mum.
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John AllsoppParent Governor
John Allsopp
What is the most interesting talent you have
I can blow air out of my eyes! Also, I can draw spaces that I am standing in proportionally without taking measurements.
What is a topic you could talk about for hours without getting bored
Skateboarding
Which of your personality traits/strengths has been most useful being a governor
Patience, empathy, consistency.
If you had to live somewhere other than London, where in the world would that be
Cuba. I grew up in Barbados and the Caribbean is so naturally beautiful with such an interesting history.
Why did you choose to become a Governor at PHS rather than at a different Camden school
I am a parent governor, so my daughters are students at Parli.
What is your earliest memory
Ash raining down from La Soufri [an active volcano on the Caribbean island of St Vincent].
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Gill WilsonCo-opted Governor
Gill Wilson
Why did you become a Governor
Having worked at the school for over 30 years, most recently as an Assistant Headteacher I wanted to continue to support Parliament Hill in its aim to be Happy and High Achieving.
It is a great pleasure to see the diversity of the school all students fulfilling their potential.
I believe it is important to support Parli as part of the LaSWAP sixth form.
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Evie LewisStaff Governor
Evie Lewis
Why did you sign up to be a governor at Parliament Hill School?
I'm passionate about contributing to our amazing community in any way I can - I love working at the school and think it is a truly unique and special place to be. I feel very lucky to work here and hope to help to make it as inclusive, supportive and inspiring as possible for our students.
What do you do in real life?
I am lucky enough to be re-launching the Food & Nutrition curriculum at Parli - which involves teaching cooking to all of our Year 7 and Year 8 pupils. I also teach Maths - a weird but exciting combination.
What's one topic you could talk about forever?
Cooking, eating, flavour... anything food related!
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Anke BöhmeParent Governor
Anke Böhme
What is your most treasured item?
My bicycle. Travelling by bike allows me to experience London at slow pace, to explore different neighbourhoods and to see how people enjoy public open space.
Which of your personality traits/strengths has been most useful being a governor?
I am a very curious person and like to hear people's stories. My strengths are my communication and listening skills.
If you had to live somewhere other than London, where in the world would that be?
I perhaps would choose Weimar a small city with 60,000 inhabitants. It has rich culture (home to J.W. Goethe), a fantastic English landscape park, a castle, two universities, a great bar, fantastic swimming pools, a farmers market and a theatre (which once was the German parliament) and you can reach everything in 10 minutes by foot.
Why did you choose to become a Governor at PHS rather than at a different Camden school?
Parli is the school of my daughter. She is currently in Year 8 and I was interested to find out what impact an all girls environment has on learning. I like Parli's setting next to Hampstead Heath. Green spaces are important to me as they offer relaxing space for everyone and offer clean air.
What was your best experience at school?
I grew up in Eastern Germany and travelling opportunities were limited up to 1989. In Year 11 my school offered different 5 day long trips to European countries. I picked Italy (Rome). There we were encouraged to explore the city independently in groups and we all had to learn to read city maps pretty fast. I loved seeing the Colosseum and the Spanish stairs for the first time. I liked the country so much that I decided to come back. 5 years later I returned as an exchange student to Venice.
What is your favourite thing about Parli?
I really like that the school comprises old and new built elements. It has a big welcoming street facing arrival space and a beautiful green area to the rear, allowing pupils to relax during break time.
Do you enjoy sports?
Yes, but not competitively. Cycling is an efficient mode of transport for me and less exercise, yet it keeps me fit and allows me to arrive in time. In summer I enjoy swimming in the Lido and recently I took up Pilates.
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Enrico De VitaParent Governor
Enrico De Vita
What do you do in your day job?
I studied Physics and I currently work at Great Ormond Street Hospital for children in central London as a Clinical Scientist, expert in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). I help to ensure that even children with pacemakers or metallic implants can safely get an MRI scan to help with their medical diagnosis. I also contribute to improving the quality of MRI images.
If you had to live somewhere other than London, where in the world would that be?
I really love London, so I’d transport it to a valley in the Italian Dolomites where it would be much faster to go for a hike or a climb.
Why did you choose to become a Governor at PHS rather than at a different Camden school?
I now have two daughters at Parli, and want to contribute to make sure the school continues to be a fantastic place for pupils to grow, learn and have fun.
Do you enjoy sports?
As I spend some part of my day at a desk, I am really keen on any outdoor activities that bring me into contact with the natural world. For instance I love to fly kites, as they help me enjoy super windy days, and recently I've been experimenting with kite-surfing, which has taken me to some lovely British beaches.
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Alan ShawParent Governor
Alan Shaw
Why did you decide to be a Governor?I wanted to get involved in community projects, and because my daughter had started at Parliament Hill, I thought it would be interesting to lend a hand at the school. It has been a difficult time for Camden schools and it is wonderful to be a part of something so positive and that will make a difference to all our futures!What did you enjoy most at school?Unusually, I enjoyed all my subjects at school, but especially chemistry and PE.Do you have a pet?
We have recently got a couple of pet rats. They have very distinct personalities and have very cute tiny hands.
If you had to live somewhere other than London, where in the world would that be?
If I wasn't living in London I would want to live in the back of beyond, somewhere with lots of wildlife.
What do you do in your day job?
I am a doctor at the Whittington Hospital. I did my medical degree in London, and lived in Camden during that time, so I have been in or around this area for the last 25 years. I specialise in Respiratory Medicine, so deal with conditions like Asthma and Pneumonia.
Become A Parent Governor At Parliament Hill School
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do schools need governors?
Schools need governors to make sure the school has an ambitious vision, provides an excellent education for students and that the school finances are well-managed and used properly. Governors are also there as critical friends. They should champion the school, but also to ask difficult questions to the students and teachers to make sure that the school is doing the best it can. The governing body is very similar to the board of a company. Like the board of some companies, the Headteacher sits on the governing body as do members of staff. Governors do not, and should not, have any role in the day-to-day running of the school - that is the job of Headteacher and staff.
What are the statutory duties of governors?
“Statutory duties” are basically things the law says that governors have to do. All school must have a governing body to oversee what the Headteacher and teachers are doing and make sure the school is run properly. More detail is laid down in a governors’ handbook which you can find online here, but the basics come down to three things:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
- Holding leaders to account for the educational performance of the school and its students, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff;
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
When might parents contact governors and when might they contact the Headteacher?
The governing body should be consulting parents, as well as students, teachers and the local community on a regular basis and taking into account their views. In the last ten years the government has placed much more value on parents’ views. Some governors are parent governors and are able to give the governing body an insight into what parents think of the school, although parent governors should always make sure that the interests of the school come above those of their own child. Parents who have a complaint should contact their student’s form teacher first and then the Headteacher. If a parent is not satisfied with the way a complaint has been dealt with by the Headteacher and staff, they can contact the governing body. They can also complain to Ofsted if they believe the school is not being managed properly.
Why choose Parliament Hill?
Parliament Hill is a large local girls’ comprehensive school committed to a feminist education and producing high-achieving, happy students. It has an excellent Headteacher and staff. The school is ambitious and focused on constant improvement. Teachers are on top of the latest educational research to make sure that the school turns out confident women who will be fulfilled in their careers and their
lives in the 21st century. We are part of the LaSWAP sixth form consortium where we take a few boys on roll. We are looking for governors who want to come with us on our exciting journey to offer the best education for girls in the area and make sure that they are happy and fulfilled. Many women who come through Parliament Hill School hold on to the friendships they made here for life and are proud to forever call themselves “Parli-girls”.
What is the time commitment?
There are at least three full governing body meetings a year, which are held in the early evening and one away day on a Saturday morning. All governors go to at least one committee meeting a term. Governors are also expected to visit the school a few times a year during the day, take part in occasional evening workshops and read documents which are sent to them in preparation for meetings. Some governors sit on exclusion panels and disciplinary panels, and receive special training for this. Governors are especially welcome at performances to support students and staff as well as to see the varied talents of Parli girls.
Being a governor is not a commitment to be taken lightly, but it is a way of contributing meaningfully to the local community and getting to know your local school.
What are you looking for in a Governor?
If you are a parent or former student, or a local person who is passionate about girls’ education and ambitious for the school, you would make a great governor. If you know how fund-raising works that would be even better as we are increasingly looking to galvanise parents and the local community to raise money so the school can provide extras such as buying computers for our less affluent students and purchasing additional equipment for our classrooms. We are particularly interested in recruiting governors who mirror our very diverse intake and understand the lives of our students. Around half our students are on free school meals. One third are white British, 11 per cent Black: Black British or Black African and 10 per cent are of Bangladeshi origin. A further 13 per cent come from another white background.
How can I find out more informally?
If you want to know what the governing body does, please contact Danny Silverstone our chair of governors at daniel@dsilverstone.co.uk
