Governors
Andrew Gent - Co-Chair of the Local Governing Body
A hello to all parents, pupils and supporters of Pound Hill Infants Academy. I am so pleased to have been accepted onto the Local Governing Body and hope that I can lend my experience to the academy.
I am currently the owner of a local business specialising in workplace investigations, alternative dispute resolution, complaints management and HR services. I spend nearly 40 years in public sector industries, many of which were as a senior police officer.
I was fortunate to serve as Parent / Governor between 1997 and 2003 at the local primary attended by both of my children. I am proud that during this time the school achieved national recognition for progress in its educational standards and completed a build project for an IT wing.
I am a RFU qualified coach and referee, scuba diver, a member of the British Society of Underwater Photographers and an advanced motorcyclist.
I look forward to adding my skills to the Governors and Staff to assist the academy in maintaining its outstanding rating and to develop its reputation as an establishment that has the formative years education and life skills of its pupils at the very heart of its ethos and values
Lisa Downs - Co-Chair of the Local Governing Body
I live in Pound Hill with my husband and son. In 2017 I set up my own business so that I could have the flexibility I needed to be able to be more around for my son when he started school. As my son has recently started at PHIA, and I wanted to become more involved in the local community, I decided to join the Local Governing Body in 2018.
Understanding more about the education and academy environments has been an interesting and enjoyable learning curve so far – and I’m sure it will continue!! If anyone would like to know more about the Local Governing Body, please feel free to grab me at the school gates.
Loubna Souissi
I’ve been part of PHIA for over 10 years now, as a parent Governor back in 2008, and as a parent to my 5 children who all have had an amazing start to their education through the enjoyment and successful time here. The school gave them a good foundation both as individuals and academically. As a Governor, I hope to help maintain and develop this education for future generations of pupils.
Since leaving my profession in Banking, I have supported a few of our local charities as this is where my passion lies.
I feel it is important to create an environment where each child is valued and develops their own self -esteem and confidence, so they can excel both academically and socially.
Pavitra Selat
In a career spanning 25 years I’ve worked in pharmaceutical business development, managed a small office and more recently as a medical underwriter. I took a break two years ago to focus on Education Studies and am in the final year of a BA degree in Childhood and Youth Studies. I am a lifelong learner and education is central to the purpose of my life. I enjoy walks in nature, fair weather gardening and am learning to play the piano. I’ve lived in Crawley for fifteen years and am proud to call it my home.
Vivek Shivram
Vivek Shivram is a parent representative on the Local Governing Board at Pound Hill Infant Academy. Vivek and his family have been part of the local Pound Hill community for many years now, and this is Vivek’s first stint as School Governor. Professionally, Vivek is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has held many roles as a Technology Auditor and Data Analytics professional, and currently works for a major Asset Management firm in the City.