The Revd Stephen Coleman
Born and educated in the North East of England, I read Theology as an undergraduate and graduate at the University of Oxford, before training and practising as a corporate and financing solicitor at Slaughter and May and latterly Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, in the City of London.
In 2014 I was ordained in the Church of England and served for nine and a half years in parishes in Winchmore Hill and Grange Park. In 2023 I moved to Central London and became Priest in Charge of the Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair.
I am passionate about the opportunities Church of England schools offer and I believe strongly in the relationship between such schools and their local churches and also the wider community. I am a trustee of the London Diocesan Board for Schools where I serve as Chair of the Governance Committee. During my time in North London I was a Governor of St Paul’s School in Winchmore Hill, and I am now on the clergy team at St George’s School, Hanover Square.
I have a particular interest in ecclesiastical law: I am a member of the academic staff in the Cardiff University School of Law and Politics, where I am reading for a part time PhD. I am also a trustee of the Ecclesiastical Law Society and practice as a part time ecclesiastical solicitor at Birketts LLP
Since 2020 I have been a director of the Wren Academies Trust and Chair of the Local Governing Body at Wren Enfield.
Julian Anthony
In October 2018 I was appointed as Chief Operating Officer for Berkhamsted School, a family of six schools combining both single-sex and co-educational teaching from Pre-Prep through to Sixth Form year groups, educating in excess of 2,000 pupils. Previously I enjoyed six years as Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Norwood – one of the UK’s oldest charities employing over 1,000 people, assisted by hundreds of volunteers, supporting vulnerable children and their families, children with special educational needs and people with learning disabilities. As a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales I have held a variety of senior finance positions including those at BT, T-Mobile and Premier Foods.
I am married to Wendy, an Educational Psychologist, and I spend much of my time trying to keep up with the active social lives of my 3 children (aged 14, 18 and 21 at the time of the covid-19 lockdown). I am an exercise addict and an avid Arsenal supporter.
Shabab Chowdhury
Growing up in Finchley, I had the opportunity to attend Wren Academy Finchley in 2012 as part of its 5th cohort. I spent 5 years as a student at the secondary school and a further 2 years in the Sixth Form, becoming a prefect and a part of the Sixth Form Committee. As of writing, I am pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences at St George’s University of London with the option of a placement year. I spent my third year researching a new treatment with the Institute of Cancer Research in South Kensington, while working part time in retail. I will be moving into my fourth and final year, with hopes to further my education beyond university.
Outside of working, I am an avid field hockey fan, playing with my university team whenever possible and took on the role of treasurer. I also enjoy volleyball, tabletop role playing games and video games with the family. For me, becoming a governor is a chance to give back to the community that made me who I am today.
Andreas Christoforou
Born in Enfield, I attended Aldenham School in Hertfordshire for 13 years before moving to Wren Academy in 2013 to complete A-Levels in Maths, Physics, Further Maths, Politics and Design & Technology. After leaving Wren Academy I attended UCL to complete a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
During my time at UCL, I was appointed the head of the UCL Formula Student Team, a group of engineering students that design, build and race a formula car against other universities from around the world. I also worked during my degree at Mclaren Racing in Woking, designing components for the 2018 and 2019 Formula One car.
Having completed further education, I now work at EOF Partners, a London based hedge fund, where my time is spent analysing European equities and accessing various investment opportunities for the long term. EOF, which stands for the “Equal Opportunity Fund” has a social motive and donates a percentage of performance fees to help disadvantaged children receive an education. I look forward to sitting on the board of governors at Wren Academy Enfield and keen to add value to the students' educational career.
Jessica Cross
I am mother to Mollie and her younger sister and brother, Sienna and Jacob. As a local resident, my schooling took place in Enfield. I attended Merryhills Primary then Enfield County, finishing at Southgate School to study A Levels. I believe that strong community links create nurturing learning environments in schools. At Wren Enfield, this is further underpinned by the school’s strong ethos and Christian values.
After completing my A Levels I went on to study Geography and Development Studies at the University of Sussex. Upon graduating, I began work in human resources. For the last twenty years I have worked with people; first in retail then for an asset manager in the City. During the time I spent in my first job, I completed a MA in Human Resources Management at London Metropolitan University. As my career evolved in the finance sector, I became interested and skilled in hiring across all levels of the organisation, learning and development, executive coaching, conflict resolution and mediation.
Clear communication and commitment to a shared vision are key to the success of any institution, along with successful recruitment and thoughtful, long term development of talented individuals. During my tenure as Parent Governor I hope to offer the governing body at Wren Enfield friendly, supportive encouragement and challenge, if necessary; always seeking to be representative of the parents. I will draw on my experiences as a pupil, parent and human resources professional to assist in developing an exceptional school for our children to learn and thrive as individuals in.
Gonul Daniels
I am married to Jon and we have young twins, Harry and Poppy. I am a working mum with a career in technology engineering having worked at The Bank of England and The Houses of Parliament. I am passionate about achieving the best outcomes for children. I am a founder member of an outstanding primary school and recently led the governance for the school’s first Ofsted review; the school achieved an Ofsted rating of Outstanding. I am also a trustee of an academy trust with two outstanding schools. Outside of education I am a women’s activist, actively supporting women into public life – I always say “I want my daughter to have the same opportunities as my son”. I have recently initiated a project to raise awareness and assist those fleeing crises.
Eric Gashi
Born and raised in Finchley, I was part of Wren Academy Finchley’s preliminary intakes and formative years as a secondary school. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Wren Academy and this formed part of my decision to continue my studies at the Wren Sixth Form, where I studied Economics, Maths and Politics.
Post sixth form, I attended the University of Exeter where I read Economics and Finance and represented my university as part of the Tennis and Rugby team. During University I completed a wide range of work experience and internships, and by the end of my studies I had secured a place on KPMG's Graduate Program. I currently work at Alvarez and Marsal as an Analyst in the Disputes and Investigations Practice, whilst simultaneously studying to become a fully qualified chartered accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Having a younger sibling currently at Wren Academy affords me a great perspective into the world of Wren Academy. I have the breadth of experience of having formerly attended the school, as well as the position to appreciate the great work carried out by the staff, team and leadership at Wren Academy through direct feedback from my sibling and his peers.
I look forward to sitting on the board of Governors at Wren Academy Enfield and working to ensure that each student has as great an experience and education at Wren Academy as I had.
Tom Hockedy
Born and educated in the South West of England, I studied BSc Sports, Health & Exercise Science followed by an MSc in International Business Management at the University of Exeter. Sport has always played a key role in my life, and I was fortunate to play rugby for England at U16, U18 and England Students level, as well as being a part of the Exeter Chiefs squad before I started my career in education at Uppingham School coaching games and as a resident tutor before returning to Exeter to complete a PGCE. I joined Berkhamsted School in 2013 and have since held roles as Head of Physical Education and Head of a Sixth Form House. I am currently Deputy Head of Berkhamsted Girls. I have also had over 10 years experience running English Language Summer Schools.
I am particularly interested in developing outstanding pastoral care and pupil development. Every young person has a talent, and it is our job as educators to unearth and nurture that talent in a safe caring environment where they can thrive. I am married to Amelia who is also a teacher and was previously a pastoral leader. We have two sons who keep us very busy along with our springer spaniel, Pedro.
Allan McLean
I attended secondary school in Bramhall, Cheshire before completing a Bachelor of Education honours degree at Glasgow University. My teaching career started as an NQT at Bowes Primary school, Enfield. During that time, I held various positions such as SENCO and Assistant Headteacher. I was then seconded to Enfield Local Authority for 1 year where I worked as a primary strategy consultant. I took up my first Headship at St James’ Primary school, Enfield before setting up and establishing Grow Education Partners for the LDBS. I worked as a Director and adviser to schools for 4 years.
During the past 5 years I have been Executive Headteacher of Hampstead Parochial and St Luke’s (Hampstead) whilst continuing as an LDBS adviser, trainer and SIAMS inspector. I have served on several Governing Boards, both primary and secondary schools, and have also been in regular attendance at LDBS board meetings. In my spare time I like to play the piano/guitar and run marathons!
Anna-Maria Mullen
I am the LDBS Governor for Wren Academy Enfield and started my tenure in 2023. My background is in Science and education. I have a PhD in Zoology and taught the three sciences to GCSE and Chemistry and Biology to A Level. I was Parent Governor of my son’s local primary school and played an active role in raising funds for the school and building partnerships with local businesses.
I have four sons and my two youngest are and have been students at Wren Academy Finchley. One is currently doing his A Levels in History, Politics and Drama and the other is studying Engineering with Maths at university.
I work for one of the oldest City of London livery companies whose function is to promote Chemistry as a subject to study and to pursue in as a career in the chemical industries. I am part of the leadership team and my role is to build relationships within the industry and oversee the fundraising of our flagship charity, which has played an influential role in promoting the teaching of Science, the development of the Science Curriculum and the Salters GCSE and A Level Science exams, as well as for its outreach programmes to promote Chemistry and related sciences. I also oversee the grant making function of the company’s foundation, which awards bursaries to students and grants for relief of in need communities.
I am passionate about education, especially Science and its power to enable social mobility. It is a pleasure to be a part of Wren Academy Enfield and its growth and future success.
Charles Okpalanwankwo
I completed my first degree in Geology at University of Nigeria Nsukka in 1997 and in 2004, I completed a Master of Information Communication Technology degree at UEL. I trained as an ICT teacher at UEL and was employed at Langdon School (now Langdon Academy) where I am currently the Head of Computer Science and ICT and in charge of the Business Studies department. My interest in education led me to complete a Master of Education degree at Middlesex University with greater focus on the use of Technology to actively engage parents in their children’s education. My quest for expert knowledge in this field further motivated me to complete a doctorate degree in Education.
I have been a churchwarden at All Saints Church, Edmonton since 2014 and being a churchwarden for over six years has enabled me to grow my faith with in the Church of England ministry. I believe that my experiences as a churchwarden in Edmonton, Enfield; secondary school teacher with leadership role and academic background will enable me to be an effective school Governor who will contribute immensely to the development and progress of Wren Academy Enfield.
Tim Sullivan
Born and educated in Stratford-upon-Avon, I worked in a variety of roles at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre leading to a degree in English and Drama. I started my teaching career in Hackney and then moved to Ashmole Academy where I have worked for over twenty years. In that time, I have progressed from Head of Department to Head Teacher and many roles in between. I have held most pastoral positions available in schools including Head of Sixth Form and designated Safeguarding Lead; as well as timetable and curriculum development.
I am an Enfield resident and I am keen to see the quality of education available to young people at secondary level continue to improve.
Peter Warwick
I have been a resident in the London Borough of Enfield all of my life. During my school days I would have been classed as what we now call a pupil premium child growing up in difficult circumstances.
After leaving school I started my career in finance, spending over a decade dealing with credit and risk assessment for a Japanese computer company.
In the mid 90s I left this role to train to become a teacher and obtain a degree, something that when I was younger seemed inaccessible. The reason I chose teaching was, like most people who join the profession, was to have a more fulfilling role; to make a difference; and to help support children to fulfil their potential, regardless of any difficult circumstances they may encounter.
Over the last 20 years I have worked in primary schools in the London Boroughs of Haringey, Barnet and Enfield, holding many different roles, including: being a subject leader for Religious Education in a C of E School, an Inclusions Manager, an Acting Deputy Head and advanced skills teacher for a school initially struggling but achieving and maintaining an outstanding Ofsted judgement.
For several years I worked for the LBE school improvement services as a primary Mathematics teaching and learning consultant before embarking on the same role independently. I now supporting several London Boroughs as well as GROW Education Partners, the school improvement services for schools within the London Diocese.
I am happily married and have 3 children who attend, enjoy, and thrive at Wren Academy in Finchley.
Laura Prime
I have been passionate about Art since I began education (in Royston, Hertfordshire where I was raised) as can be evidenced even in my Nursery School reports which my mother still has to this day. Even from this young age, I have been in awe of the transformative power of Art, the vessel it can be for positive change and that has been a marker of my pursuits ever since.
Having completed my joint honours in Fine Art and the History of Art and Architecture at the University of Reading, I moved to London to undertake my MA in Curating Contemporary Art at the Royal College of Art. I fell in love with the city but not with the art world, which I found to be often elitist, I wanted to make a change to who was making, displaying and accessing art, so that it was acting as a transformative vessel for everyone.
After spending some time as a freelance curator, I decided that I might make the most difference to the future of the art world by starting with young people and so I returned to the University of Reading to complete my PGCE. I immediately loved teaching and continued to teach in Reading for three years, quickly and eagerly taking on more responsibilities until I became Head of Art, and all the while working with the University in the training of other teachers, now enthused with the transformative power of education itself. I then moved to Wren Academy Enfield, where I feel privileged to be enjoying my third year as Head of Art, building a department from fresh with students who inspire me every day. I could not be more excited to be a Governor and contribute to this ever evolving community.
Gavin Smith
My secondary education was divided between schools in Stockport and Poole before I completed a degree in Geography at UCL. This led to a teaching career which started in Croydon where I worked in a number of schools across the borough before heading back north of the river. Prior to joining Wren Academy Finchley as Vice Principal in 2008 I was an Assistant Headteacher at East Barnet School for six years.
I have been at Wren since it first opened, taking a lead in developing the curriculum, assessment and reporting systems before then becoming Secondary Principal and then Executive Principal in 2017. In that time the school has grown from just one year group to become ‘all through’ with highly successful Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form phases. Exceptional academic results combined with the creation of a happy and supportive community has resulted in three outstanding Ofsted judgements and Wren Academy Finchley becoming one of the most over-subscribed schools in London. This success has led to the opening of Wren Academy Enfield, a new secondary school which is on track to matching the high standards set at Finchley.