Maggie Cameron-Ratchford

Co-opted Governor

Held

Margaret has been a governor at both Kensington and Ranelagh Primary Schools, and also at Rebecca Cheetham Nursery and Children’s Centre. She has also worked  for the Every Child a Musician programme within a number of schools. She is committed to ensuring that all children receive a broad and balanced curriculum, which places value on sport and the arts, alongside the core subjects. 

Rashmi Makwana

I am currently retired with 28 years experience working in the public sector working with the Metropolitan Police Service. I was part of the Senior Management team within the IT department. During my time at the MPS I have acquired a vast range of skills including IT, Management, Human Resources and Finance. I am able to deal with people of all levels and backgrounds. Whilst working I have also completed several further education courses which include a diploma in IT and Management and higher level certificates in HR.

I also do voluntary work for a local charity and I am currently the assistant secretary having previously worked as the chair and treasurer. I have good interpersonal skills and able to deal with sensitive issues.

Over the last 12 months I have worked as a parent governor being actively involved during term time and at meetings. I believe I have the requisite skills for this role 

Hannah Rizki

With a MSc in stochastics modelling and a BSc in maths and statistics Hannah is currently head of coffee research at a commodities trade house – ED&F Man, head quartered in London, as well as being a mentor for young women in the workplace.

Noting the widespread impact the pandemic has had on children and their families I was inspired by the work that Kensington Primary School staff were undertaking to support their students which included providing basic essentials including food parcels as well as extra academic support to vulnerable children and their families. Subsequently, I helped raise money for a vulnerable family fund to help continue the work longer term.

“I’m delighted to be a part of Kensington Primary School and look forward to taking on my responsibilities.”

Kalsoom joined Kensington Primary School as a governor in 2023. She currently works as a Deputy Headteacher in Newham; she specialises in Whole School Curriculum.  Having worked in secondary education for 10 years, she has experience in Staff Development, Teaching and Learning and Mathematics Curriculum. Kalsoom grew up in Newham herself and is passionate about improving students' life chances through excellent quality teaching

Ben Levinson

Ben has been at Kensington for over 10 years. He worked previously in Hackney and Enfield. Prior to becoming a teacher, Ben was a senior executive at private and third sector organisations, leading marketing teams nationally and internationally.

Ben has significant experience in leading change, transforming organisations, building productive cultures, and improving standards. He has led Kensington to its current status of a flagship school in all manner of areas from inclusion to wellbeing. 

Beyond Kensington, Ben leads both assessment and safeguarding across The Tapscott Learning Trust. He is the Primary School's representative for the Local Safeguarding Children's Board; chairs the Health, Social Care and Early Help group for the secondary and primary head teachers in Newham; is a Youth Sport Trust ambassador; a founding Board Member of the Well Schools Movement, and sits on the NewDAy board, a government Innovation funded project looking at new approaches to support victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse. He is also currently a member of the Department for Education's Expert Advisory Group on school staff wellbeing.

Moji Omole

Moji has a wealth of experience in teaching, having started straight from university. She worked in schools in both Newham and Thurrock for 10 years before starting here in 2006 as a Deputy Head, supporting Ben as he leads Kensington.

Moji has played a major role in raising the profile of issues around provision for Mental Health and ensuring that our staff have access to a wealth of information and support to refer to for themselves and our children & their families.

As one of our Safeguarding leads,  Moji works closely with some of our most vulnerable children and their families to achieve the best possible outcome.

Ruqayya Suleman 

Valentina Pettenati

Valentina has a degree in marketing communication studies. Having worked in advertising and media for 20 years and with a proven track record in leading geographically dispersed teams, with full-funnel expertise across brand building and demand generation, Valentina is currently Vice President of B2B Strategy at Essencemediacom.

 As she has a real passion for people development, Valentina chose to train as an NLP coach, gaining valuable skills to help everyone fulfil their potential.

Valentina says “We chose Kensington for our daughter because the ethos of the school stood out to us and we believe in it, so I am excited to be in a position to help Kensington succeed.”

Amardeep Panesar