Vijay Assani

Vijay joined Westfield Academy in 2020. He sits on both the Curriculum & Pastoral and Resources Committees and is the Link Trustee for both Sixth Form & Careers and Equality.

Starting his governor journey in 2013, Vijay is Chair of a local authority maintained junior school in Brent. He currently serves as an advisor and Trustee for a youth sports organisation and a disability charity.

Vijay is an experienced Business Transformation & Operations Manager. Having worked in the corporate sector for 25 years, on technology and governance programs, he now focusses on supporting SMEs on their strategy, change implementation, developing their leadership, and organisational governance. Outside of work, he is married with two teenage sons (one in a MAT, the other at university), and enjoys reading and photography.

Stephen Ville

Stephen received his BA from the University of Sussex, studied at University of London Institute of Education and achieved an MBA from the London Business School.

Stephen has a wealth of experience running a number of different businesses in the food industry at Director level. In particular, business development, financial control, operations, quality assurance, human resources and maintenance planning. He has particular experience of supplying own-label food products to large UK supermarkets and food service companies.

He has also been the Chairman of the British Society of Baking, a Business Mentor to small businesses as part of the "Be the Business" organisation, and provides an industry support role to the Shoreditch Trust.

Robert Preston

Robert joined the Board of Trustees at Westfield Academy as he wanted to serve in a local school. He has 47 years' experience of working in and with schools, and over 20 years as a Headteacher and Governor. Robert was delighted to receive a Pearson Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Education in 2018. He also has a Master’s Degree from Oxford University.

As Chair of the Curriculum & Pastoral Committee, Robert aims to utilise his experience and understanding of the Academy in securing the best possible outcomes for all pupils. He is very passionate about teaching and learning and the development of young people, particularly recognising the need to ensure that every single pupil has access to the best education and opportunities in life.

Robert is married with two children and four grandchildren. Together, they enjoy travelling, theatre, gardening and visiting National Trust properties. He also enjoys golf and tennis. Robert has lived locally since 2009.

As a Trustee, Robert is pleased to have the opportunity to bring his skills and experience to Westfield Academy.

Bruce Mallett

Bruce was asked to consider being a Trustee for the Academy at a Parents' Evening in 2014; he felt privileged to be asked.

For Bruce, it was important to try and help develop Westfield Academy, particularly as it was going to be a part of his family's lives for a long period of time. Whilst looking at schools for the first time for their son, Bruce and his wife were incredibly impressed with the team from the outset. It was evident that the teaching and support staff were committed to the shared value of ensuring that pupils "Believe, Strive, Achieve". It was clear to see how this contributes to Westfield's good learning record and OFSTED ratings.

Having a financial background of over 25 years working for a major financial company, the police and the MoD, Bruce applies this experience and skill set to the Trust Board and the Resources Committee, ensuring the Academy's finances and investment have sound business cases and governance processes have been followed.

Bruce believes a good education that is broad and goes beyond the academic is fundamental to ensuring all pupils become the best versions of themselves. The ethos at Westfield Academy seeks a "can do" attitude, and he wants to help support the pupils, as best he can, in achieving their goals.

Amirah Chaudhry

Amirah grew up in Watford and attended Westfield School. She graduated from the University of Leicester with a PhD in Chemistry, before embarking on a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Amirah is married with two children. She has a love for nature and enjoys it through walks, art, music and creative handiwork. Amirah became a Trustee to give back to her alma mater and support the school community to give each child the invaluable start that she had in life.

Ann-Marie Harwin

Ann-Marie Harwin became a Parent Trustee at Westfield Academy in January 2022 and sits on the Resources Committee.

Ann-Marie is an HR Business Partner for a local food manufacturer, supporting the manufacturing operation in delivering their people strategy, recruitment and team progression. She has 25 years' experience in Human Resources, in roles such as Head of Graduate schemes and UK HR Manager in brands such as Cath Kidston and Arcadia.

Married with two sons, the eldest of whom is a student at Westfield Academy and the youngest of whom is at primary school, Ann-Marie has a passion for horticulture and design. She is currently studying garden design and landscaping to improve her knowledge and skills in this area.

Gwion Williams

Gwion has been working in special educational needs for the last ten years at a secondary school in North London. He is the Autism Co-ordinator and specialises in mentoring and supporting students on the spectrum from Years 7 to 13. He is also a Child Protection Officer and co-ordinates the Teaching Assistants' support on a day-to-day basis.

Serving as a SEND Link Governor at a local primary school for the last six years has given Gwion a real insight into how important a role the Governing Body has in the day-to-day working of a school. Making sure that the students are supported in their education is the responsibility of not only the school staff on the ground, but also the Governors.

Eleni Chrysopoulou