Meet the Local Governing Board: Calthorpe
Welcome from the chair.
The Current Chairs of the Local Governing Body are: Emily Wilcox and Alan Townsend
Mail can be sent directly to:
Emily Wilcox and Alan Townsend, Thrive Education Partnership, 3rd Floor, 18-19 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5QJ.
Alternatively, they can be emailed via:
Emily Wilcox - Chair of Governors
Emily has taught in the primary department at Calthorpe for 5 years and after leaving in 2020 to have her second child was elected as a co-opted governor. Emily has found working at the school a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Emily’s time as part of the team at Calthorpe has given be an invaluable insight into the needs of the children and their families as well as staff at the school. As a new member of the governing body, she hopes to use this knowledge to inform discussions and decision making.
Alan Townsend - Vice-Chair of Governors
Having worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years it has allowed Alan to meet and interact with a wide variety of people. This includes adults and children with special needs. As a parent governor being part of the governor board helps Alan to give back to the academy and community. Alan has seen even before becoming a governor the amazing work the whole staff do because of how his son has developed whilst being lucky enough to attend Calthorpe. Alan feels he is very lucky to be able to bring a parental perspective to discussions and help to shape Calthorpe with the current governors to continue to succeed with support for the young learners and staff that work there.
Yasir Iqbal - Governor
Yasir is currently working as a Senior Digital Project Manager within the Healthcare sector. Yasir has over 16 years of working within the Education Sector as a qualified Careers Advisor and his previous roles which involved delivering national projects to support disadvantaged young people into employment. Yasir is passionate about supporting the pupils at Calthorpe Academy to achieve their full potential as well as being a champion on behalf of staff and parents, ensuring that Calthorpe Academy continues to meet the high standards it has set itself. Yasir’s varied experiences have taught him much about cultural diversity and he is keen to help grow the school in his role as Governor.
Idowu Oloye - Parent Governor
Having worked in a few establishments, not limited to finance and health, the education sector appeals to Idowu the most, and she has made immense contributions within this sector both home and abroad. Idowu has the potential and aspiration to succeed as a parent governor. Idowu is a highly motivated, ambitious, energetic, and focused person, and vehemently believe her strengths lie in her determination to progress further in their career coupled with their achievements to date. Having achieved a B.Sc. (Hons) in political science with Education, Idowu has taught and served at the capacity of director of studies, with over 8 years of teaching experience that spans across primary and secondary levels of education in Nigeria.
Currently, Idowu is a staff member at Belgravia School, which is part of Calthorpe Academy. Idowu took part in ‘’Be Empowered Workshop Early Support Programme’’ for Parent /Carers of CYP with SEND in 2020. In addition to this, she has volunteered and supported the elderly in the UK as part of her unending service to humanity and society. Idowu is enthusiastic about helping and supporting pupils in the academy with the aim of them transforming to be the best of themselves. Calthorpe Academy, where Idowu's son studies, has helped him activate his potential with evidence of continuous improvement in academics. Idowu looks forward to this growing stronger for her son and all pupils within this establishment to their maximum capacity. As a parent governor, Idowu will continue to support all staff and pupils of Calthorpe Academy, ensuring that the Academy continues to be stronger and exceptional, whilst supporting parents as they are partners in collaboration with their children's education and development.
Mounir Meghalsi - Ex Officio
Mounir has lived in Birmingham for 18 years and is married with two children. Mounir’s last job was Deputy Head and he has also worked in mainstream primary and secondary. Mounir has some experience with governance, as he is a governor for Greet Primary School. Mounir enjoys cooking, movies and various sports.
Louise Vaughton - Governor
To follow
Gareth Dawes - Staff Governor
Gareth has been teaching for twelve years and is in his eighth year working at Calthorpe. He has worked in the Engagement for Life, Post 16 and Learning for Life departments and has led the MOVE program during this time. Prior to his time at Calthorpe, Gareth worked in mainstream secondary as an English teacher and literacy intervention teacher while holding the role of deputy designated safeguarding. Gareth has degrees in Psychology and English Literature in addition to his Secondary English PGCE.
The move to Calthorpe represented a return to the area of teaching that inspired his passion to work in education and he is eager to give back to the school that allowed him to work in this area. Gareth is driven by a desire to offer each learner an education that allows them to be the best version of themselves in an environment that nurtures their personality and supports them on their journey to adulthood.
Elliott Williams - Governor
Elliott joined the board in 2024 and is proud to take on the role of a health and safety link governor. He is passionate about creating a safe and fair learning environment which empowers everyone in the school’s community to achieve and grow. Outside of governance, he balances work and family life and commits his time in a Birmingham-based counselling charity in service delivery. Elliott also works in NHS England’s workforce training and education directorate, and he has lived in the Birmingham metropolitan area for most of his life. He has spent time as an English language teaching assistant in the public education system in Chile. His personal and professional experiences drive his dedication to helping Calthorpe deliver outstanding educational opportunities, ensuring our school is resilient and meet community needs.