Trustee Profiles

On leaving school, Julie trained as a pharmacy Dispenser working for Boots the Chemist.

After several years in the dispensary, she decided on a career change and joined a major airline, becoming a flight Purser, a post that she very much enjoyed.

She has two sons, both of whom attended OPGS. Whilst they were at the school, Julie joined the team of Exam Invigilators and became a Governor, serving for thirteen years, including six as Chair of Governors.

Her years of involvement have enabled a deep understanding and knowledge of Oakwood Park, and she continues to be committed to supporting the school, its staff and the students at OPGS in her role as a Member.

Tom is Director of Income Generation and Communications at St Christopher's Hospice in south east London and a trustee of two charities alongside his role at OPGS.
Tom was a pupil at Oakwood and served on  the Governing Board as a Community Governor for 7 years.  Tom is delighted to continue his relationship with, and contributions to, the school as a Trustee.

Simon has just retired after completing 50 years in technology and commercial management where he worked with a number of public and private companies. He mentors a number of professional colleagues and has a passion for preventative medicine. He is the Chair of a local Medical Practice Patients Participation Group.   

He has two sons, one of whom attended OPGS. Simon was a school governor for 7 years and assisted in many different capacities including the provision of career guidance. He is an enthusiastic advocate for the school who has a special interest in sport, music and drama

Shireen is an experienced Governor and feels privileged to have been appointed as Chair of Governors at Oakwood Park Grammar School in 2021. Prior to this Shireen was a Community Governor at the school leading the Curriculum and Pupil Progress Committee for several years. Shireen lives locally to the school and is committed to ensuring equity in opportunities for all pupils, to ensure they reach their full potential. She is committed to continuous improvement and believes excellence is about working together, always trying to be better through sharing and supporting others.

Shireen is committed to social action and believes engaging pupils in charity and volunteering helps develop their sense of worth and achievement. Her own interests include volunteering, charity support, travel, cricket and supporting Gillingham FC.

She graduated from Manchester University with a Business Studies Degree and completed her PGCE at Nottingham Trent University. She gained a Masters in Educational Management from the University of Greenwich. She has worked in the post-16 education sector for over twenty years. Currently she is Executive Principal at a family of three inner-London Sixth Form Colleges. Before this she worked in Further Education for ten years.

Steve is a former pupil at OPGS and now Vice Chair of Governors at OPGS. After leaving the school as a pupil in 2001, Steve graduated from Lancaster University with a BA in Accounting and Finance. He worked in Local government whilst completing his professional exams. Steve then moved to the Higher Education Sector where he now holds the role of Director of Finance.

Prior to being appointed to the role of Vice Chair of Governors, Steve was Chair of the Finance, Premises, Personnel and Audit Committee. Steve is committed to ensuring that the school continues to provide an exceptional learning experience for students, coupled with an outstanding staff experience.