Governance

Governors’ Welcome

Dear parents

Why are you looking at this web page? Perhaps you are here to figure out who we are and what on earth we do, perhaps you clicked the wrong link… whatever the reason please stay a while; I promise to quickly explain who we are, what we do and why it is important for you and your child.

We have a profound belief that good state schools are not simply about creating opportunities for individuals, but should provide a greater public good, of helping to strengthen and enrich the wider community in which they are situated. Being a school governor is an opportunity to contribute to this endeavour.

Governors are not responsible for the day to day running of the School. Their responsibility is to support, encourage and challenge the School in all it does so that every child in its care receives an excellent education.

The Department for Education states that governors are responsible for:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.

• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff.

• Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.

How do we do this?  We listen to parents, staff and children and use that feedback along with our own areas of expertise to help the school create a vision for the future that reflects the needs and ambitions of all its stakeholders. This strategy is captured in a document called The School Development Plan. This plan brings together, in a clear and simple way, what areas the school needs to improve on, the actions it needs to take to achieve those improvements, what money might need to be spent to implement the actions and what evidence we will look for to confirm our actions have proved successful.

The governing board then monitor the effective implementation of the plan through;

• Analysis of the headteachers report to governors
• Termly meetings of the board and its 3 committees
• Regular dialogue with the headteacher that is supportive and where necessary challenging
• Evaluation of the yearly surveys taken by parents and staff
• School visits,
• Regular meetings with parents
• Performance management of the head teacher
• Scrutiny of School’s policies, and financial accounts
• Monitoring of the data of children’s achievements

At the end of the summer term we evaluate ourselves as a school and look at what we have achieved during the last academic year. With this evaluation and with the data available, we then decide what our priorities are for the next academic year.

We welcome input from parents and carers with ideas, queries or concerns so please do feel free to approach us.

Best wishes,

Ruby Mulraine and Nesim Mohamed joint Chair of Governors and the Governing Body of Tufnell Park School

Governors’ news

The full governing body meets four times a year: twice during the autumn term and once each in the second half of the spring and summer terms. At each full governing body meeting the governors will concentrate on a special focus item at the beginning of each meeting before addressing a broader agenda.

Governors also meet each term in three working committees: Resources, Teaching & Learning (T&L) and Children, Families and Community (CFC).

After each Full Governing Body meeting we publish “What’s on the Agenda” – a newsletter that reports on our work and progress. These are emailed out to parents and copies can be requested from the School Office. You can find recent copies here.

Contacting the governors

If you would like to contact the governors, please contact us or leave an envelope at the school office, addressed For the Attention of the Chair of Governors. 

Parent Governor election 2025

Please find the election notice here

Meet the governors

• 

  Ruby Mulraine

  Co-Chair of Governors - Communications Link (Co-opted Governor)

  I am a Co-opted Governor and parent of a daughter in KS2 at Tufnell Park Primary, now serving as Co-Chair of the Governing Board and Link Governor for Communications. I am passionate about strengthening connections between the school and its parent community and supporting an inclusive, creative learning environment. My background spans over 15 years as an Executive Producer and Creative Strategist at BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra. I am also a long-standing judge for the Brit Awards and the founder of The Blk Classroom, an educational platform delivering Black History workshops in schools, communities and organisations. I previously co-chaired the PTA (2021–2023).

• 

  Tricia Clarke

  Local Authority Governor

  I’m delighted to be an LEA appointed governor at Tufnell Park School. As one of the Councillors for St George’s Ward I think it is important to take on this role and support the work of the school and the governors in providing a positive environment that our children can thrive in and reach their full potential. I have lived in Yerbury Road for nearly 40 years and my three children went to a local school.

• 

  David Gulliford

  Deputy Headteacher, Associate Governor

  I have been Deputy Head since 2004, but it is also at Tufnell Park School that I began my career in 1990. In 1995, I left to teach English in Japan for three years, eventually returning via teaching jobs in Bristol and Kings Cross. I lead on the curriculum and enrichment amongst other things, and have organised curriculum planning days for staff and governors together. A proud father of two young boys, I enjoy running, swimming and spending time on my allotment. My misfortune in following the ups and downs of West Bromwich Albion FC is balanced by the great joy and pride I feel in the successes of the children at this school.

• 

  Aarti Joshi

  Co-opted Governor

  I am a co-opted governor and am looking forward to supporting the state school system in London. I attended comprehensive state schools within the London Borough of Brent, and have spent much of my life in London. I am passionate about social justice, and am a Board Trustee and Treasurer for a small UK-registered Charity that helps safeguard deaf children in challenging international settings. I work in finance/tax within the Technology Industry, and am passionate about start-ups in London. I am hoping to utilise my skills to help support the school's vision to provide an excellent rounded education for all its children.

• 

  Nesim Mohamed

  Co-chair of Governors - Equality and Diversity Link (Parent Governor)

  I am a co-opted governor with one child currently at Tufnell Park Primary. I was initially drawn to the school due to its strong community feel and its dedication to providing a holistic education. In addition to my enthusiasm about the school's approach to learning, I am also a teacher at an inner-city primary school which I feel aids in my role as a governor. I have always been interested in education and have a passion for supporting children with disadvantaged backgrounds. I also have a special interest in promoting diversity and inclusion in education which is why I am the Equality and Diversity Link Governor. I wanted to become a governor to help with the wonderful work that Tufnell Park is already doing, as well as provide a different perspective by increasing the representation of people from ethnic minority backgrounds within the governing body.

• 

  Duncan Robertson

  Chair of Teaching and Learning Committee (Co-opted Governor)

  I’m now into my fourth year as the link governor for nursery and reception classes. Early Years is a real strength in the school and I’m keen to support Ven Stefanou, our new Early Years lead, and the team in their efforts to improve it still further. I have a daughter in Year 5 and another in Year 1, so will be here for a good while yet. Feedback from Early Years parents is always welcome. I used to be a Fleet Street journalist and am now an educational consultant.

• 

  Martin Scarborough

  Headteacher

  I took up my role as headteacher in September 2014, via many other Islington primary schools. I grew up in Leicestershire but came to London to enjoy a varied career as a musician: playing drums, singing and writing. Becoming involved in a music project for young people in Tower Hamlets convinced me that teaching was the way forward—and to date I’ve yet to be convinced otherwise! It's an incredible privilege to lead this community, and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved so far - but our ambitions stretch further, and that's exciting! I live in Walthamstow with my partner and two young sons, and continue to enjoy making music, as well as cooking and football. And yes, it’s true—I’m Spurs…

• 

  Benjamin Kafri

  Chair of the Resources Committee (Co-opted Governor)

  I am a parent governor with two boys in KS1 and KS2 at Tufnell Park. I joined the governing board last year and currently chair the Resources Committee. Professionally, I lead innovation and stakeholder engagement at a leading global financial and media company, focusing on research on the transition to a low-carbon economy. My background spans finance, sustainability, innovation, project management and mentoring, and I’m particularly interested in supporting the school’s work on sustainability, financial planning and inclusion. I am passionate about helping every child reach their potential and about fostering a strong partnership between parents, teachers and governors to create an inclusive and supportive school community.

• 

  Katrin McEntee

  Chair of Children, Families and Community Committee (Co-opted Governor)

  I am a co-opted governor and the link governor for safeguarding. I have a daughter in year five at Tufnell Park Primary and my son moved into year one in September. In my day job I work as a Policy and Programmes Lead for a human rights charity that aims to enable positive social change through the practical use of the Human Rights Act in the UK. Prior to that my background was in advocacy and I have extensive experience of working together with disabled people, older adults and women who have experienced domestic violence. Term of office from 4th December 2023

• 

  Richard Hall

  Outdoor Learning and Sustainability Link (Parent Governor)

  I am a parent governor with the link role of Outdoor Learning and Sustainability. I have a son in KS2 at Tufnell Park Primary and know from experience how a good solid state education and school environment can set you up for the future. I have very much enjoyed the journey the school has been on since its redevelopment and am looking forward to supporting the school and its pupils to grow even more! Day to day I work for a Professional Services consultancy called Jacobs and get involved in lots of activities as part of my Bid / Proposal Manager role. I have been an Environmental Manager for over 15 years and address environmental and social value requirements as part of my role and look forward to bringing this and my wider experience to the school.

• 

  Zoe Korsner

  SEND Link (Parent Governor)

  Hi, I’m a Parent Governor with a son who started in Year 5. As the Link Governor for SEND, I am keen to support Tufnell Park Primary’s commitment to ensure that every child - including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities - can thrive in school and reach their full potential, by continuing to foster inclusivity, removing barriers to learning and maintaining high aspirations for all pupils. My career as a TV Production Manager has equipped me with helpful skills and experience including working with tight budgets, forward planning, problem-solving, communication and teamwork and I’m excited to be an active member of the school community.