School Governors

​Having qualified as a nurse in 1987 in Edinburgh, I had the privilege to work in the NHS for over 38 years. Moving down to London in the 1990’s where I completed a BSc degree in Communications and Cultural Studies then worked mainly at the Royal London Hospital from 1999.  My clinical experience was predominantly in neurosciences, surgery and major trauma within adult critical care where I completed specialist courses in critical care, neurosciences and trauma.

In 2010, after 23 years clinical experience, I transitioned into NHS Nursing Leadership with roles including Site Management,  Deputy Director of Nursing for Newham University Hospital and Associate Director of Nursing for Surgery  at the Royal London Hospital where services in my portfolio included operating theatres, critical care, the dental hospital, specialist surgery and day surgery employing in the region of 1000 nurses within my portfolio.

I have led teams in dealing with highly complex situations and major incidents including the cyber attack on the computer system in the NHS, the London Bridge terrorist attack and the Covid 19 pandemic, the latter being by far the most challenging.

It was during my experience at the Royal London Hospital I was exposed to young people who, through mainly circumstances out with their control, were brought into the hospital as victims of crime (mainly knife crime), mental health conditions and abuse. It was from my experience working with adolescents  I took up the challenge of being a Governor at the London East Alternative Provision in Stepney when I retired from the NHS.

I have worked within Tower Hamlets Local Authority for six years and currently serve as Assistant Headteacher for Tower Hamlets Virtual School. In this role, I lead on the extended duties to promote the education of children with a social worker. Since joining Tower Hamlets in 2019, i have worked closely with LEAP, building relationships and developing a strong understanding of thr school's ethos and impact.

In 2024, I was appointed as a Local Authority Member, where I am proud to contribute my experience and passion for inclusive education.

I became Head teacher of London East Alternative Provision in September 2020.

I am absolutely committed to supporting pupils to achieve their potential despite the challenges so many face. At London East we are transforming lives and I am proud to be part of this success. I am very lucky to work with such a supportive and skilled Management Committee.

Alasdair was Headteacher of Morpeth School in Tower Hamlets for 21 years up to August 2013. During that period, attainment at the school rose significantly and OFSTED inspections in both 2007 and 2013 rated morpeth as Outstanding. The school was featured as onr of the 12 schools in the OFSTED publication 'achieving against the odds' as well as being the London Evening Standard's first ever 'Most Improved School'

Prior to this Alasdair worked in a range of roles in schools in London but also in Malawi and Papua New Guinea. He was a member of the Department for Education's Headteacher Reference Group and was asked by the Secretary of State to lead a national review of Personal, Social and Health Education. In 2003 he was awarded the CBE and in 2009 he was Knighted for services to education, both in Tower Hamlets and nationally. He is currently working for the Welsh Government as Advocate for the Pupil Deprivation Grant and also on the board that is developing a Leading Academy. He is also working as a Headteacher Mentor in several Local Authorities and has carried out research into Education in Prisons.

I have been working in education since completing my teacher training in 2009. I began my career as a secondary school teacher before quickly moving into the primary sector, where I have spent most of my professional life. I am now proud to serve as the head teacher of a two-form entry primary school in Tower Hamlets. I am deeply passionate about education and about the vibrant community we have here in Tower Hamlets. As a governor, I am committed to ensuring that every child has access to the very best education and experiences, giving them the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed in life.

Claire Frost is an experienced senior leader in secondary schools in London. She works as an Assistant Headteacher in a large secondary mainstream school in Waltham Forest and brings a balanced and well-informed view to our management committee meetings with regards to Inclusion and SEND.

Jenny Miller works for the local authority in Family Intervention, Advice and Support and is an engaged and experienced management committee governor at LEAP. Her understanding of local issues and the context of LEAP have been invaluable in her support and contributions in Management Committee meetings.

Raihan's experience spans over a decade, focusing on assisting young individuals and families with the challenges they face. He specialises in addressing issues related to exploitation, youth conflicts and educational barriers. Raihan holds the role of Child Protection Coordinator/Deputy DSL at LEAP, fulfilling the safeguarding role and partnering with agencies to to provide support to students.

Beyond his role at LEAP, Raihan is involved in numerous community initiatives, previously hosting a radio talk show where he amplified voices and consulted the community on current affairs. Presently, he leads community organisations, engaging in efforts ranging from combating far-right extremism to mediating youth conflicts. Moreover, as an eager political activist, Raihan advocates for constructive dialogues within the community to shape narratives that serve its best interests.

Steven has been a secondary school teacher since 1997 and Deputy Headteacher at Oaklands School in Tower Hamlets since 2014, where he leads on inclusion and safeguarding. He is also an experienced governor, having served on the governing body of a local primary school before joining the management committee at LEAP. He is very committed to supporting children and families in the borough, where he is also a resident.