Rama Venchard

Having worked in the retail, hospitality and banking sectors for over 20 years, Rama has run his own project management consultancy supporting schools and FE colleges since 2005, including the set-up of academies and free schools. He currently supports various multi-academy trusts in their growth strategies, but also offers his time in governance roles across the mainstream, special and independent school sectors, i.e. as a Chair of Trustees of a special and mainstream primary school trust of 13 schools; a former Trustee and Chair of a primary school trust of 20 primary schools; a Trustee on the family board of a special school trust of 14 schools and 9 college centres; a Member of a secondary school trust of 6 schools; a Chair of Trustees of a secondary single academy trust; and a Chair of Governors of an independent special school.  Rama also sits on the DfE’s London Region Advisory Board and the Confederation of School Trusts’ Policy Advisory Group.  Rama was awarded an MBE for services to education in the 2023 New Years Honours list.

Stephen Ville

Stephen received his BA from the University of Sussex, studied at University of London Institute of Education and achieved an MBA from the London Business School.

Stephen has a wealth of experience running a number of different businesses in the food industry at Director level. In particular, business development, financial control, operations, quality assurance, human resources and maintenance planning. He has particular experience of supplying own-label food products to large UK supermarkets and food service companies.

He has also been the Chairman of the British Society of Baking, a Business Mentor to small businesses as part of the "Be the Business" organisation, and provides an industry support role to the Shoreditch Trust.

Robert Preston

Robert joined the Board of Trustees at Westfield Academy as he wanted to serve in a local school. He has 47 years' experience of working in and with schools, and over 20 years as a Headteacher and Governor. Robert was delighted to receive a Pearson Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Education in 2018. He also has a Master’s Degree from Oxford University.

As Chair of the Curriculum & Pastoral Committee, Robert aims to utilise his experience and understanding of the Academy in securing the best possible outcomes for all pupils. He is very passionate about teaching and learning and the development of young people, particularly recognising the need to ensure that every single pupil has access to the best education and opportunities in life.

Robert is married with two children and four grandchildren. Together, they enjoy travelling, theatre, gardening and visiting National Trust properties. He also enjoys golf and tennis. Robert has lived locally since 2009.

As a Trustee, Robert is pleased to have the opportunity to bring his skills and experience to Westfield Academy.

Bruce Mallett

Bruce was asked to consider being a Trustee for the Academy at a Parents' Evening in 2014; he felt privileged to be asked.

For Bruce, it was important to try and help develop Westfield Academy, particularly as it was going to be a part of his family's lives for a long period of time. Whilst looking at schools for the first time for their son, Bruce and his wife were incredibly impressed with the team from the outset. It was evident that the teaching and support staff were committed to the shared value of ensuring that pupils "Believe, Strive, Achieve". It was clear to see how this contributes to Westfield's good learning record and OFSTED ratings.

Having a financial background of over 25 years working for a major financial company, the police and the MoD, Bruce applies this experience and skill set to the Trust Board and the Resources Committee, ensuring the Academy's finances and investment have sound business cases and governance processes have been followed.

Bruce believes a good education that is broad and goes beyond the academic is fundamental to ensuring all pupils become the best versions of themselves. The ethos at Westfield Academy seeks a "can do" attitude, and he wants to help support the pupils, as best he can, in achieving their goals.

Gwion Williams

Gwion has been working in special educational needs for the last ten years at a secondary school in North London. He is the Autism Co-ordinator and specialises in mentoring and supporting students on the spectrum from Years 7 to 13. He is also a Child Protection Officer and co-ordinates the Teaching Assistants' support on a day-to-day basis.

Serving as a SEND Link Governor at a local primary school for the last six years has given Gwion a real insight into how important a role the Governing Body has in the day-to-day working of a school. Making sure that the students are supported in their education is the responsibility of not only the school staff on the ground, but also the Governors.

Eleni Chrysopoulou

Eleni grew up in Greece, where she completed her secondary education               

before moving to the UK to pursue her passion for the arts. She graduated

from the University of Essex with a BA in Art History and Theory. She has built a varied career, mainly in the university sector, specialising in project management, strategic planning, and leading initiative campaigns. Her work has spanned education, healthcare and government. After the pandemic, Eleni took on a new challenge as a director of residential
property investments and now manages a rental portfolio. Education has always been close to Eleni’s heart. A passionate advocate for non-selective schools, she believes in the power of a broad, inclusive education to transform lives and open doors. It is this belief in the potential of every child, that led her to serve as a governor at a local primary school for nine years, with a role in the
teaching and learning committee. With two children at Westfield Academy—her eldest graduated in 2024—Eleni is proud to bring her experience, insight, and commitment to the Academy in her role
as a Trustee. Outside of her work, Eleni finds joy in travel, tennis, and immersing herself in the
arts.

Jelena Verdina

I am a proud mum of two young children and currently an Area Manager at Starbucks. My journey with the company has been a rewarding one where I started 18 years ago as a Sunday barista, moving through HR, and now leading as an Area Manager. Along the way, I’ve continuously pursued education, most recently completing an apprenticeship in Professional Coaching.  Outside of work, I love spending time with my kids and our rescue dogs. I’m passionate about helping others grow, both personally and professionally, you might say I’m a true people person. Supporting others to succeed is what drives me, and I’m excited to bring that energy and perspective to this board.

 

Maaham Nawaz

Maaham is a proud former student of Westfield Academy. After completing her A levels, she went on to City University of London to study Optometry with an integrated master's. Now in her third year, Maaham has gained a special interest in paediatric Optometry, where she hopes to specialise in the future.

Alongside her studies, Maaham works as a student ambassador at City. In this role, she supports a variety of events. As a subject ambassador, she collaborates with optical professionals and academic staff to provide guidance and encouragement to prospective applicants.

Community service is an important part of Maaham's life. She has been actively involved with the Watford Muslim Youth Centre and continues to dedicate time to its work today. Including supporting Iftar events, sponsored 10-mile hikes, family fun days to help raise vital funds for the centre on Tolpits Lane and strengthen its place in the local community.

Having spent 7 years at Westfield, returning to Westfield Academy as a Trustee holds special significance for Maaham, who wishes to give back to the school that shaped her educational journey. She is committed to ensuring that students benefit from the same supportive and inspiring environment that she experienced.

Outside of her studies and voluntary work, Maaham enjoys travelling to different countries, exploring new cultures and discovering different cuisines — combining a love of learning with an appetite for new experiences.

Fiona Morgan

Fiona grew up in Hillingdon and has lived locally for most of her life. She is a qualified Accountant and works in the financial services sector for a large European Bank. Outside work, Fiona is a Brownie and Guide Leader and loves watching the girls develop and grow through the girl guiding program with its focus on helping ‘all girls know they can do anything’. She also volunteers as an accountant for a charity in the London Borough of Hillingdon, whose aim is to help the elderly and needy in Hillingdon, and is the Treasurer of her local Residents’ Association. Outside work and volunteering, Fiona enjoys reading history, gardening and cheering on Watford FC.

She believes in a rounded education for all children and in the power of education to change lives, having experienced this through her own school and further education journey. She is excited to become a Trustee at Westfield Academy and its motto of Believe, Strive, Achieve particularly resonates with her.