Governance (ID 1012)

• Edward Avenell
  Community Governor
  Edward Avenell

• Rita Sugden
  Community Governor
  Rita Sugden

  Rita Sugden is a Governor of many years' standing, whose unwavering dedication to Belmont School spans an extraordinary sixty years. Her journey began as a parent actively involved in the school community, serving as Secretary of the Parents' Association for over a decade. She was among the first to be elected as a Parent Governor, a role she embraced with enthusiasm and commitment.

  Following the departure of her youngest child from Belmont, Rita continued her service as a Co-opted Governor, taking on leadership roles as both Chair and Vice Chair of the Governing Body. Her guidance and experience were instrumental during key moments in the school's development.

  When Belmont transitioned to Academy status, Rita was proud to continue her involvement as a Community Governor. Her enduring presence and deep-rooted connection to the school have made her a pillar of continuity and wisdom. It is widely believed that she is the longest-serving Governor in the Borough—a distinction that speaks volumes about her dedication and passion for education.

  Over the years, Rita has received formal recognition from the Borough for her remarkable service, an honour she holds with great pride. She considers it a true privilege to have supported Belmont through its many chapters and is immensely proud of the vibrant, nurturing, and successful school it has become.

• Holly Uren-Stephenson
  Staff Governor
  Holly Uren-Stephenson

  Holly is the Staff Governor at Belmont Academy, where she brings energy, dedication, and a passion for education to her role. With four years of teaching experience—two of which have been at Belmont—Holly has quickly become a valued member of the school community. She currently teaches in Year 6, where she inspires pupils through engaging and challenging learning experiences.

  In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Holly leads Mathematics across the school. Her leadership in this subject reflects her commitment to raising standards and fostering a love of learning among both pupils and staff. Holly is proud to represent the staff voice on the governing body and is deeply invested in supporting the continued growth and success of Belmont Academy.

• Joanna Lawrence
  Parent Governor
  Joanna Lawrence

  Joanna Lawrence is a dedicated Parent Governor with a rich and varied background in early years education and children's services. Her career began as a nursery nurse, giving her valuable hands-on experience in supporting young children's development across both school and health settings. This practical foundation has shaped her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by families and professionals working with young children.

  Over time, Joanna's career has evolved into a more strategic leadership role. She now serves as the Director of a small but impactful charity that runs nurseries and delivers commissioned services for children's centres. In this capacity, she is responsible for steering the organisation's vision, securing funding, identifying growth opportunities, and ensuring that services remain responsive to community needs and sustainable in the long term.

  Joanna's dual perspective—as both a seasoned professional and a parent—enables her to bring a unique and balanced viewpoint to her role as Governor. She is passionate about improving outcomes for all children and is committed to supporting the school's leadership with insight, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose. Her governance work is informed by her extensive sector knowledge, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to child-centred practice.

• Farrah Khan,
  Community Governor, Community Governor
  Farrah Khan,

  Farrah is a Senior Platform Engineer working in the Financial Services sector, where she plays a key role in building and maintaining the technology that keeps businesses running efficiently. Her decision to become a school governor reflects her strong commitment to giving back to the community and supporting the next generation.

  Farrah is particularly passionate about the potential of artificial intelligence to transform education. She is eager to explore how AI can enhance learning experiences for students and streamline teaching practices for educators. As a dedicated advocate for increasing female representation in STEM, Farrah is determined to help close the gender gap in the tech industry. Through her professional experience and enthusiasm for innovation, she hopes to inspire young people and create more opportunities for them to thrive in STEM fields.

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• Emmanuel Ojo
  Community Governor
  Emmanuel Ojo

  Emmanuel currently works within the Financial Services industry, where he consistently seeks opportunities to contribute beyond the scope of his formal role. Whether it's taking on side projects or supporting cross-functional initiatives, he is driven by a desire to make meaningful impact. However, for Emmanuel, becoming a school governor transcends the notion of a side project—it represents a deeply rooted commitment to public service and societal progress.

  He views governance in education not merely as an administrative responsibility, but as a vital contribution to rebuilding and strengthening the societal infrastructure that has faced significant disruption, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emmanuel hopes to serve as a valuable cog in the wheel of a system that has experienced periods of stagnation and uncertainty. Through his role, he aims to help drive forward momentum, support strategic development, and ensure that schools are equipped to provide the best possible outcomes for children and communities.

  With a strong sense of purpose and a collaborative mindset, Emmanuel is ready to bring his professional experience, analytical skills, and passion for service to the role of school governor—making a difference where it matters most.