Governors
School governors are volunteers who help to run the school. Most schools work with a group of school governors – together they’re called the ‘governing body‘. They’re involved in decisions about all aspects of managing the school – such as running buildings and budgets, supporting staff and setting standards of school discipline.
We are looking for parents to join our governing body. If you are interested and would like to know more, please email the school office (office@elmgrove.harrow.sch.uk).
Misha Upadhyaya
Chair of Governors
Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elmgrove Primary School
Term of Office: Appointed 17/09/18 term expires 25/03/26
Committees: Headteachers Performance Management
Responsibilities: Chair of the panel and SEN and Health and Safety
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025: 7/9
Children at Elmgrove: No
I joined as a Governor because I wanted to volunteer in my local community and give my time to a cause that was important to me. What I loved about Elmgrove was that, alongside ensuring all the pupils received an education, they are also nurtured to develop skills, emotions and an understanding of how they can be the best in society. Giving my time to such a worthy cause is very empowering, and I have learnt so much since being a Governor. As Chair of Governors, I am incredibly privileged to lead the school and support the headteacher to make the right choices for the pupils, staff and the wider community.
Arvind Halai
Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 22/09/2025-22/09/2028
Committees: None
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025: n/a
Children at Elmgrove: No
I’ve been teaching since 2007, mostly in Brent and have loved working with children and families from diverse backgrounds. I’m passionate about helping every child feel valued, confident and curious about the world. Since joining Elmgrove in 2024, I’ve really enjoyed the school’s nurturing and inspiring approach. With previous governor experience and strong community ties, I’m excited to support Elmgrove’s continued success.
Sarah Neary
Headteacher
Governor Type: Headteacher
Appointing body: N/A
Term of Office: Permanent
Committees: Headteacher Performance Management
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025: 9/9
Children at Elmgrove: No
I attend all the Governor Committee meetings and enjoy working with fellow governors who bring a wide range of different skills and expertise to the groups.
Sneha Jain
Vice Chair * elected September 2025
Governor Type: Local Authority Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 06/03/2023 to 06/03/2026
Committees: Pay Committee and Appeals
Responsibilities: Website
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: No
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025: 6/9
Children at Elmgrove: No
As an Elmgrove governor, I aim to empower young children with the opportunities and skills that they can leverage for many decades ahead, as I believe that a well-balanced education is one of the most empowering assets that children can grow up with. I am keen to contribute to the community with my skills as a strategic consultant and hope to have a positive impact on the students and wider community at Elmgrove.
Rahul Thakker
Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by the Governing Body
Term of Office: 22/09/2025-22/09/2028
Committees: None
Responsibilities: IT and Cybersecurity
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025: N/A
Children at Elmgrove: No
I have become a School Governor at Elmgrove Primary and Nursery, bringing experience in commercial management, governance, and compliance. I’m committed to supporting the school’s leadership in creating an empowering environment where every pupil can thrive.
I am passionate about education and believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Katrina Vessey
Governor Type: Staff Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by staff
Term of Office: 22/01/2024-22/01/2026
Committees: None
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025: 5/9
Children at Elmgrove: No
I started teaching in 2011 and gained most of my experience of teaching in Barnet. I have really enjoyed working with different families and children from around the world and ensuring that all children are seen, heard and supported in school, giving them a start in life where they are curious about the world, aware of themselves and being the best they can be to feel fulfilled and lead happy and successful lives. I started working at Elmgrove this year and have enjoyed the nurturing, fun and inspiring ways of teaching here that are instilled in the children. I look forward to being able to support Elmgrove as a governor and contribute towards its future achievements.
Toby Bownass
Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 13/11/2023 to 13/11/2026
Committees: Headteacher Performance Management
Responsibilities: Safeguarding
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025: 6/9
Children at Elmgrove: No
I have joined Elmgrove as co-opted governor, having just moved to Harrow. As a teacher and having worked in schools in a number of roles for ten years, I am a firm believer in the good primary education can do for young people and their communities. I am looking forward to using my knowledge and skills in education to help Elmgrove continue to flourish as a school.
Shilpi Kumari
Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 15/09/2025 to 15/09/2028
Committees: None
Responsibilities: Curriculum
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025: N/A
Children at Elmgrove: Yes
I believe education is a lifelong journey, and learning never truly stops. Education is the process of development from womb to tomb, and every stage of life helps shape who we are.
I began my teaching career in India, teaching Mathematics and Science in government schools, where I learned how children learn in different ways and how important it is to make learning engaging and meaningful. Before moving to the UK, I also taught postgraduate students online, preparing them for the UGC NET Paper 2 in Education. I guided them through learning theories, curriculum design, educational psychology, inclusive education, and assessment, helping them grow as future educators and researchers.
I hold a Master’s in Education (Educational Management), a B.Ed., and a B.Sc. (Honours) in Physics. As a governor, I am passionate about student-centred learning, and I look forward to working with staff, parents, and pupils to help every child become confident, curious, and independent, reaching their full potential.
Parent Governor Vacancy
Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office:
Committees:
Responsibilities:
Declared Interests:
Governance Roles in Other Schools:
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025:
Children at Elmgrove:
Trupti Patel
Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 11/11/2024-13/11/2026
Committees: Headteacher Performance Management
Responsibilities: Curriculum
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025: 5/8
Children at Elmgrove: Yes
My name is Trupti Patel, and I am the mother of two children. My daughter is in Year 4 at Elmgrove School, and my son is in Year 8. Professionally, I work as a Test Engineer, where I am involved in the software development process. As a Parent Governor, I am committed to supporting the school’s mission and vision, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment. I am excited to contribute to the school’s continued development and success in this important role. I hope to bring a parent-focused perspective to the governing body and work collaboratively with staff to achieve the school’s goals.
Neil Patel
Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by governing body
Term of Office: 28/04/2025 – 28/04/2028
Committees: Pay Committee
Responsibilities: Behaviour
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025: n/a
Children at Elmgrove: No
I became a Governor to contribute my experience in finance and technology to the local community and support the school in providing the best opportunities for its pupils. With a background in leadership and working with large financial institutions, I understand the importance of strategic decision-making and collaboration. I am passionate about education and ensuring every child is nurtured to reach their full potential. It is a privilege to support the headteacher and staff in shaping a positive learning environment that benefits students, families, and the wider community.
Kowsar Abdi
Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by governing body
Term of Office: 02/12/2025 – 02/12/2028
Committees: Pay Committee
Responsibilities: Finance and Pupil Premium
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025: 4/7
Children at Elmgrove: No
I became a governor to play an active role in supporting early education and development and give back to my local community. As a young professional working in finance and someone who is passionate as well as the recipient of improved social mobility for underrepresented children, I am committed to making a meaningful impact from the outset.I want to utilise my profession and my work of championing social mobility - I want to support Elmgrove as a space where every child can be seen and set up for success with the highest standards of safeguarding and opportunity.
Governors Resigned:
Ankita Saini (Resigned September 2025)
Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 11/11/2024-13/11/2026
Committees:
Responsibilities: SEND
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025: n/a
Children at Elmgrove: Yes
Ruby Rai (Resigned September 2025)
Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 13/11/2023 to 13/11/2026
Committees:
Responsibilities:
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2024-2025: 5/9
Children at Elmgrove: No
Justine Ball (Resigned July 2025)
Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by the Governing Body
Term of Office: 23/09/2019-23/09/2023
Committees: N/A
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: 6/8
Children at Elmgrove: No
Rohini Shah (Resigned July 2025)
Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 15/11/2021 to 14/11/2025
Committees:
Responsibilities: Pay Committee
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: 7/8
Children at Elmgrove: Yes