Governance

Before retiring, David Gould was Executive Principal of Ark Boulton Academy, which opened in September 2015, and former Principal at Ark St Alban’s Academy, which opened in September 2009.  He was also Regional Director of Secondary Education for Ark in Birmingham.  As Principal at Ark St Alban's, David improved student outcomes over 16 years with significant improvements in GCSE results. His tireless and focused work resulted in the school being named as one of the country’s best schools on the value-added measure, with pupils making outstanding progress during their time at the Academy.  He also helped the Academy to build a strong community presence - forging strong links with Birmingham Central Mosque and with other local religious groups.  Prior to joining Ark, David was the Head Teacher of St Alban’s CE Specialist Engineering College. David was awarded a OBE for services to education in 2017.

Ghufran has worked in education for over 20 years and is currently Assistant Headteacher at a local secondary school (Saltley Academy). He has previously worked as a Governor for almost seven years at a neighbouring primary school, having held roles such as SEN Link Governor, Chair of the Finance Committee and Vice Chair of Governors. As a resident within the local area (and a parent of children at Ark Victoria Academy) Ghufran understands the determination of every parent to see their child fulfil and exceed their potential. He hopes to play an important role in further strengthening the link between the school and its local community.

In his spare time Ghufran enjoys playing football, cricket and boxing (although he says age is slowing him down!).

Mubarek is an undergraduate computer science student and intern at Aston University, assisting with various projects such as auditing the organization's sustainability policies and supporting efforts to become a more disability-conscious and inclusive employer.

Mubarek is also an Alum of St. Albans Academy where he was a recipient of the Marshall Wace Scholarship towards his university costs. The academy's motto of "giving back to the community" resonated with him and contributed to his decision on becoming an ARK Nominated Governor.

Catherine has worked extensively with vulnerable children including those with SEND and EAL. She has managed and led on inclusion and safeguarding in numerous educational settings. Catherine currently volunteers at Samaritans and is undertaking a PhD in education.

Jordan is an experienced practitioner currently working for Birmingham City Councils, Special Educational Needs Assessment and Review (SENAR) Service, as a Case Officer. His achievements include a MA Education (Inclusion & SEND), BA Honours Youth & Community Work Degree (with National Youth Agency accreditation). Jordan has worked in multiagency settings for more than 15 years, delivering pastoral work and some lecturing in further and higher education. By joining the board of governors Jordan hopes his young person-centred approach, and advocacy skills, and SEN specialism will support the schooling and lifelong learning experiences of pupils.

Steve is a Senior Relationship Manager at Allied Irish Bank and is involved in several Birmingham and West Midlands professional business groups. He brings many years experience in business and finance to his role as Finance link governor. 

Sue has been a teacher in inner city Birmingham schools for the whole of her career and so is aware of the issues that face families in Birmingham with regards to education. Before Sue retired, she was vice principal at Ark St Alban's Academy and for the two terms before becoming an academy, acting headteacher. Sue has also worked with Teach First helping to improve the teaching of those young people joining the profession. Retirement has allowed her to be a governor at Ark St Alban’s and Chair of Governors at Ark Rose.  Sue has been the link governor for Safeguarding and, most recently, changing to SEND link governor. Sue is an active member of the LGB ensuring she visits the academy regularly to have a clear picture of what is happening, particularly in her area of responsibility. Sue has recently been asked to be Chair of Governors at Conway School (a local primary school).  Sue has an interest in all kinds of sports as a participator (netball and basketball), spectator (football, rugby, and speedway) and administrator (netball and basketball). Sue feels proud to state that she manages all the basketball finals organised by the British Basketball League.  The highlight of her sporting interest was working at the Commonwealth Games in 2023 where she interviewed prospective volunteers, auditioned candidates for the drama and dance sections of the opening and closing ceremonies, managed a commonwealth team at these ceremonies and then worked at one of the sporting sites for the remainder of the event.  This experience has led Sue to volunteer at many major sporting and community events.