Governance

Alastair is a qualified solicitor and works for the Solicitors Regulation Authority (based in Birmingham) in their in-house Legal Department, specialising in regulatory law. His work is concerned with disciplinary proceedings against solicitors and prosecuting solicitors at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. Before moving to the SRA he worked as an employment solicitor in private practice representing both businesses and individuals.

Alastair studied French and Spanish at The University of Liverpool and spent the third year of his degree teaching English in a school in Avignon. Whilst working as a Legal Assistant at Birmingham City Council, Alastair became involved with projects run by Education Business Links and BXL in local schools and colleges. He remained committed to the project when he left Birmingham City Council to continue his career and continued to mentor students at "Practice Interview Days" and "Skill Days" at an Academy in Birmingham.

Marion Cole is a highly experienced and dedicated educator who currently serves as the Staff Governor for Ark Kings Academy. With over two decades of experience in various primary and secondary settings, Marion has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with working in the education sector.

In her current role as KS3 Interventions Lead, Marion leads bespoke interventions in 1-1 and group format, covering a wide range of issues such as conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, anger management, behaviour in the classroom, mediation, friendship issues, social skills, bullying, and respect for all. Her expertise in these areas has helped countless students overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.

Marion's passion for education extends beyond the classroom. She has headed a Roma Gypsy project for Birmingham City Council and has appeared on a documentary TV programme, where she showcased her expertise in creative reading and writing at an alternative education setting. Her work has helped to promote the empowering benefits of reading for young people in society.

Marion's academic achievements are equally impressive. She holds a Degree in Teaching in the Longlife Sector EAL/English from Worcester University and a Degree in Mentoring from Sheffield University. Her qualifications and experience have made her a valuable asset to the Ark Kings Academy community.

Marion is committed to working closely with staff, families, and the wider community to ensure that every student at Ark Kings Academy reaches their full potential. Her dedication and expertise make her an invaluable member of the team, and she is determined to help Ark Kings Academy and its community reach new heights of success.

Sarah has the pleasure of being a full-time mum. She has a keen interest in local groups and initiatives and will use this knowledge and experience to aid the positive work already being done by the governing body. Sarah loves travelling, outdoor pursuits, cultural activities and spending time with friends and family. She has been a member of her local Housing Liaison Board and the constituency Tenants' Group with Birmingham City Council. Sarah's children have all attended Ark Kings and gone on to higher education including university. Being a parent governor will give Sarah the opportunity to give back to the school and help other governing members to provide a happy, safe and fun learning environment for everybody.

Tom Cragg is a former Principal, Senior Leader and MFL Advanced Skills Teacher with over 22 years' experience working in secondary and all-through schools. He is currently Education Specialist and Head of Client Success at an EdTech company, where his work with hundreds of leaders of education around the country gives him a unique insight into teaching and learning as well as data analysis in schools. He is strongly motivated to be a governor because he wants his significant experience in schools to benefit the pupils in his home city.

Marketing graduate and successful communication assistant intern, from the University of Bedfordshire. Currently, studying for a master’s in psychology at Coventry University.  

Career and personal development focused, and an aspiring educational psychologist. Experience working with children as a self-employed behaviour support tutor, working across the Birmingham area with pupils with ASD. With 3 years’ previous experience working in a secondary school in a busy academy in Birmingham as a receptionist and administrative assistant. Nzingha enjoys working with children and young people and has a strong passion for SEND, inclusion, representation, and mental health in schools and the community. Enthused to give back to the community and make a positive difference in children’s and young people’s lives. Nzingha has a specific drive to work in schools and the  wider community to improve educational outcomes for all children and young people. 

Claire is a parent of two children at Ark Kings Academy. Claire plans on bringing a perspective from both angles as one of her children is on SEN and so she sees the struggles he has faced every single day, academically and socially. Claire has lived in the surrounding area of Ark Kings Academy for many years and she hopes to bring new ideas that will help support pupils and parents too.

Arthur is Assistant Vice Principal at the University of Birmingham School, with specific responsibility for securing outcomes for pupils with SEND and those who attract Pupil Premium funding. Prior to this, Arthur was part of the successful Leadership Team at Ark St Alban's. A history teacher by training, Arthur studied History and Politics at the University of York and has a Masters in Education.

Mubarak is a recent graduate from the University of Manchester, where he studied Economics and Philosophy. He works for KPMG in their Deal Advisory business stream, specialising in advising corporations on integrating and separating business assets. He’s also working towards his ACCA qualifications, to become a chartered accountant. As an Ark School Alumni, Mubarak is passionate about paying things forward and ensuring young voices and opinions are heard at the board level, by bringing in fresh perspectives from his lived experiences, but creating the space for the lived experiences of others as well.

Kiran works for the Department for Education. Prior to this role Kiran worked for Ark schools, one the UK’s leading multi-academy trusts for nine years. He is a former Vice-Principal, working as part of the leadership team at Ark St Alban’s in securing outstanding outcomes. As a Future Leaders participant, he has also supported other schools nationally in improving outcomes and ensuring curriculum structures align cohesively for achievement. Kiran studied Computer Science & Software Engineering at the University of Birmingham and has a Masters in Educational Leadership.

Sarah is an MSc Postgraduate with experience in health and safety and coordination, currently working part time in a varied role as facilities and experimental officer for a University research department. Sarah has three young children, which has led to her wanting to be more involved with working to improve schools for future generations.