Duncan Aldred (Chair)

I joined as a co-opted governor in 2017 and became chair of the governing board in July 2020. I was a partner in a City law firm for over 30 years, and now work as an executive coach. Like other Ambler governors, I was seeking to do something useful in the local community and being a school governor has enabled me to use my skills to make what I hope is a positive contribution. It has also enabled me to learn a huge amount about the school system and about what a vibrant, outstanding place Ambler is. I work closely with all of the Governors’ Committees and with our Safeguarding Governor. During my time as a Governor, I have seen Ambler make a huge contribution to the community during the Covid crisis; I had the privilege of working with Ambler’s previous Head Teacher, who was instrumental in transforming Ambler; and I led the Board that was responsible for recruiting our current Head, Sandy McNicholl, who has built on what was achieved before and who, together with her colleagues, has taken the Primary School and Children’s Centre through outstanding reviews with Ofsted.

Ahmed Edwards (Vice-Chair)

I joined as a parent governor in late 2023, just after my son started in Reception. Growing up in a low socio-economic background in inner London, I understand the value of education on a personal level, and am keen to ensure the best outcomes for all Ambler pupils.

I have a respect for the great work happening within the school and am happy to contribute in some small part. Working in the civil service, I specialise in finance, and have previously worked in both the private and charity sectors. I have enjoyed getting to know more about education through this governor role. On the Ambler Board, I am part of the People & Communications and Business committees, and my key area of focus is IT.

Please don't hesitate to stop me for a chat if you see me on the school run (or anywhere else!)

Soola Georgiou (Safeguarding)

I feel very privileged to be a co-opted governor at Ambler School as I consider Islington my ‘home’ patch, having been born in Islington and worked as the principal safeguarding lead in education in Islington for a number of years.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far as a governor working with the talented and dedicated staff.

I admire the conscientious attitude of all the staff and will continue to bring my experience, knowledge and skills to the school and the childrens’ centre to ensure all of our children have the best possible outcomes.

In my capacity as Safeguarding Governor I work closely with each of the governors’ committees. I have a particular interest in staff and pupil wellbeing. I believe in the benefits of lifelong learning having been called to the Bar as a very mature student and I therefore have an interest in continuing professional development and co-ordinate and encourage governors’ training and development.

Robert Amey

I joined as a co-opted governor in 2024. I live near Ambler and work as a barrister.  Having benefited from a good state education myself, and having reaped the rewards, I wanted to do what I could to ensure as many young people as possible have the same opportunity.  It is a privilege to play a part in governing such an amazing school.

Joanna Bouloux

I was elected Parent Governor in March 2023, and serve as the Chair of the Development and Learning Committee. I have 3 children at Ambler. 

Professionally, I am a corporate and commercial lawyer. My background equips me with expertise in compliance, governance, and analytical oversight which I apply to my work on the governing board. I am dedicated to driving transparent communication and supporting the school's leadership and staff to ensure the best possible outcomes for all pupils.

Nicky Dawkins

I was appointed as an Associate Member to the People & Communications Committee in 2025, and I now act as its chair. 

My connection to Ambler runs deep; I have been a parent at the school for over 10 years and know from this what a special school it is. I was also very involved in Friends of Ambler for a long time, including being the Chair for a number of years. This experience gave me a wonderful, firsthand understanding of our vibrant school community, its families, and the incredible dedication of our staff.

Professionally, I work as a lawyer in the Government Legal Department. I am incredibly excited to combine my professional expertise with my long-standing passion for Ambler, working alongside the rest of the board to support the school's strategic vision, helping every pupil achieve their full potential.

Amundeep Dhanoa

I joined Ambler as a co-opted governor in 2018 and was vice chair between 2020-2023. Having spent most of my career working for The Key Group, providing guidance, tools and services for schools, I understood the important role school governors play and was keen to support my local school and community. My areas of expertise are Human Resources and operations, and I work with the governing board and SLT on staff wellbeing, engagement and school communications. 

Tim Evans

I became a co-opted governor of Ambler in 2017. I’ve worked for many years as an investment banker and I qualified as a chartered accountant before that. I became a governor as I was looking to do something voluntary in the local community where I could use my background in finance to try to make a helpful contribution. Being a governor of Ambler has provided me with an invaluable insight into the complex world of school finance and how spending can affect outcomes for pupils. I also find it interesting working with a group of governors with a broad range of experiences and perspectives.

I am chair of the Ambler as a Business committee and therefore have a particular interest in Ambler’s budget and other financial matters.

Laura Katus

I was elected as Parent Governor in October 2025.

For the last 10 years, I have worked as a research psychologist, exploring how children’s environments shape their development, learning, and well-being. As our eldest starts her own journey into formal schooling, I apply, where helpful, some of what I have learned in a practical way. Knowing how valuable support and reassurance can be during these early years, I hope to be someone other parents can turn to with questions and worries.

Aimee Lyall

I joined as Associate Governor in March 2025.

Principal of neighbouring City of London Academy Highbury Grove, I bring a wealth of educational leadership experience and a deep-rooted commitment to the local community. Passionate about fostering inclusive, high-achieving environments where every child can thrive, I am particularly excited to collaborate with Ambler to strengthen the vital links between primary and secondary schooling, ensuring a seamless and confident transition for pupils.

Katie McLellan

I joined as an elected Staff Governor in October 2025.

Within our vibrant school community, I am the proud class teacher, and serve as the Subject Lead for Religious Education (RE). Having the privilege of working directly with our brilliant pupils every day gives me a unique, front-row perspective on classroom life and teaching staff priorities. In my role on the board, I am dedicated to bridging the gap between day-to-day school life and strategic governance, ensuring our staff's voice is represented as we work together to keep Ambler an inclusive, inspiring, and nurturing environment for every child.

Katy Potts

I was appointed as Local Authority Governor in October 2025.

I bring a deeply rooted commitment to our local education community, having worked for Islington Council since 1999 as the Computing & Online Safety Lead for Schools. Before transitioning into digital education services, I spent seven years as a primary school teacher, which gave me invaluable, firsthand insight into the classroom environment.

Throughout my career, I have specialised in digital education and online safety. I am incredibly passionate about fostering safe, innovative, and inspiring learning environments for young people. I leverage my local authority expertise, digital safety background, and foundational experience in primary education to support Ambler’s wonderful leadership, staff, and wider community.

Sara Mohr-Pietsch

I was elected as Parent Governor in October 2025.

Since becoming an Ambler parent in 2022, I’ve been incredibly impressed by the strength of the school community, and the energy and commitment of its staff. I’m keen to offer my time and experience to support the school. I work as a broadcaster, and have several years’ experience of charity governance. I’m particularly interested in the arts & humanities, and act as a Link governor for music.

Tilly Rubens

I was elected as Parent Governor in October 2025.

I work as a lawyer assisting families who are homeless. I have been a trustee for a women’s refuge and an HIV charity. I am very keen to use my legal knowledge and skills to make a valuable contribution to the Board of Governors.

I am also an active member of Friends of Ambler, involved with fundraising. These roles have taught me how important strong communities are. Ambler is an excellent school and I am looking forward to helping steer the school so that it continues to thrive.

Laila Turay

I was elected as Parent Governor in October 2025.

I am a Community Improvement nurse, and very keen on ensuring the diverse demographic of the local area is represented in governance, as I believe this contributes to maintaining high standards of education.

Types of governor

Parent governors – elected by the parents of children attending Ambler from Nursery to Year 6

Co-opted governors – appointed by the governing body. Applicants are not required to have a child in attendance at Ambler but are required to have skills that will assist the governing body in being effective in delivering its core responsibilities or being wiling to undertake training to develop these (e.g. Finance, HR, marketing, leadership). Co–opted Governors are selected following a skills audit used to identify our needs.

Staff governors – working at Ambler as either a teacher or a member of the school support staff and elected by all staff at Ambler.

Local Authority governors – appointed by the governing body following a nomination from the local authority often from amongst the members and supporters of local political parties but can also be from the wider community and again must have appropriate skills to support the governing body in delivering its core responsibilities

Associate Members of Committees – appointed by the governing body from a wide group including school staff and others able to contribute on issues related to their own experience and the area of responsibility of the committee to which they are appointed.