Profiles
Councillor Paul Driscoll, Local Authority Governor
Why did you decide to become a Governor at Khalsa Primary School?
I have a long-standing interest in education and wanted to support a local Primary School. Undertaking the role of a Governor has helped me to understand the challenges that local schools are experiencing.
What do you think that Governors can bring to Khalsa Primary School?
Governors offer the opportunity to reflect on the strategic decisions and direction of the school. Governors offer a range of experiences and backgrounds that can inform their input into the school’s direction and how the challenges that are encountered can be addressed.
What are your interests in Education?
I have worked in a wide range of educational settings throughout almost thirty years including universities, sixth form colleges and schools. I have fulfilled a number of academic and different support roles. I am currently a teacher in a local comprehensive high school which has enabled me to appreciate at first hand the current financial and educational climate that schools are facing.
Brief history of your career, life and background.
I have worked in universities, sixth form colleges and high schools for almost thirty years. In addition to being a secondary school teacher I am also a practicing artist and I have exhibited in both the UK and USA.
Committees: Full Governing Body, Resources Committee
Ms Parmjeet Kaur Sehmi, Headteacher
The opportunity to be the headteacher and a governor at Khalsa Primary School is precious. I will always be grateful for this gift.I bring vast experience to the role, having worked as a deputy, headteacher and local authority adviser in multicultural, inner city areas. As a practising Sikh, I thoroughly enjoy being able to bring together my personal beliefs and professional knowledge and skills for the best of Khalsa Primary. Central to all my work as headteacher and governor is my enthusiasm, drive and passion to be an effective and successful leader and for our school to be excellent. I have a very clear vision and am always focused on high standards in every aspect. As headteacher and governor, I encourage and welcome opportunities to work in close partnership with staff, parents and carers, governors, the local community and the LA in order to make sure that Khalsa Primary is an exceptional school where pupils excel in every aspect. Working together will ensure that Khalsa Primary becomes an outstanding school.
Committees: Full Governing Body, Resources Committee, Teaching and Learning Committee
Parvinder Samra
Why did you decide to become a Governor at Khalsa Primary School?
Having worked at Khalsa Primary School for over 13 years, it feels like more than just a workplace to me, it is a community. I have built strong relationships with both staff and pupils, and care deeply about the school and its community. Becoming a Governor felt like a natural step, as I wanted to give something back and be more involved in supporting the school’s future and direction.
What do you think that Governors can bring to Khalsa Primary School?
Governors bring a fresh perspective and help to both support and challenge the school so that it continues to improve. They help make sure that decisions are always centred around what is best for the children. As a staff governor, I feel I can bring an honest and realistic view of what day-to-day school life is like, and help ensure that staff and pupils’ voices are represented.
What are your interests in Education?
I genuinely enjoy working with children and find it really rewarding to see their progress over time, not just academically, but in their confidence and independence as well. I love being part of those moments when something finally “clicks” for a child or when they discover something new that excites them. I am particularly interested in creating engaging lessons and giving children opportunities to be creative, express themselves, and feel proud of their achievements.
Brief history of your career, life and background
I have been teaching at Khalsa Primary School for over 13 years and have taught across a range of year groups, from Reception through to Year 5. I am currently a Year 5 teacher.
Between 2022 and 2024, I worked as a supply teacher across a range of schools in Yorkshire, gaining experience in different settings and working with a wide range of pupils. During this time, I also took on a longer-term role as a Lower Key Stage 2 Phase Leader in one school, developing my leadership skills.
Since returning to Khalsa, I have continued to take on additional responsibilities including Art & DT Coordinator, English Coordinator, and I am currently the Whole School Project Coordinator.
Monica Nanda
Why did you decide to become a Governor at Khalsa Primary School?
I decided to become a Governor at Khalsa Primary School because I wanted to make a positive contribution to the local community and help ensure children receive the best possible education. Primary school is a particularly important stage in a child's development, as it lays the foundations for their future learning, confidence, and wellbeing. I felt that my skills and experience could help support the school's leadership team in making strategic decisions, while also providing appropriate challenge and oversight. I am passionate about helping young people succeed and believe that being a governor is a meaningful way to support both pupils and the wider school community.
What do you think that Governors can bring to Khalsa Primary School?
Governors bring a range of skills, experience, and perspectives that helps support the school's success. Their role is to provide strategic leadership and accountability, working alongside the Headteacher and senior leaders rather than being involved in the day-to-day running of the school. Governors can bring expertise from different aspects to ensure that decisions are well-informed and in the best interests of pupils.
Governors also provide both support and constructive challenge to school leaders, helping to maintain high standards of teaching, learning, and pupil wellbeing. They act as a link between the school and the wider community, ensuring that the school's vision, values, and priorities reflect the needs of its pupils and families. Ultimately, effective governors help create an environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
What are your interests in education?
My interests in education mainly focuses on helping children develop the knowledge, skills, confidence, and values they need to succeed in life. I am particularly interested in ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. I believe that primary education is crucial because it provides the foundation for future learning and personal development.
I am also interested in pupil wellbeing, inclusion, and safeguarding, as children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and valued. In addition, I am interested in how schools can work effectively with parents, carers, and the wider community to support children's progress and development. As a governor, I would be keen to support the school's efforts to maintain high educational standards while ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Brief history of your career, life and background.
I have built my career in Education as a teacher and Assistant head, whereby I have a developed deep understanding of school improvement, curriculum development, safeguarding responsibilities and the importance of creating an inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
Throughout my career, I have worked with a wide range of people and have gained experience in problem-solving, communication, decision-making, and working collaboratively to achieve goals.
I am now keen to use the skills and experience I have gained throughout my career to contribute to the school as a governor. I believe I can provide support, constructive challenge, and an external perspective to help the school continue to provide the best possible outcomes for its pupils.
Sapna Halai
Why did you decide to become a Governor at Khalsa Primary School?
I chose to become a Governor because I am deeply committed to the school and the community it serves. Khalsa Primary has a strong inclusive ethos and a clear ambition for every pupil to succeed. I am proud to be part of a school that places children at the heart of its work and values both academic success and personal development. Becoming a Governor allows me to contribute at a strategic level and support the school’s continued development and long-term success.
What do you think that Governors can bring to Khalsa Primary School?
Governors play an important role in providing strategic oversight, support and challenge. They help ensure that the school’s vision and values remain central to decision making, that resources are used effectively and that high standards are maintained across all areas of school life. Strong governance supports leadership, accountability and continuous improvement while ensuring that the best interests of pupils remain at the centre of all decisions.
What are your interests in Education?
My interests in education centre around inclusion, pupil wellbeing and ensuring that all children have access to a high-quality education. I am particularly passionate about developing staff, strengthening partnerships with families and creating environments where children feel safe, valued and supported to achieve their potential. I am also interested in evidence informed practice and how schools can continue to develop and improve in order to provide the best possible outcomes for pupils.
Brief history of your career, life and background
I have worked in primary education for over ten years across a range of diverse inner London schools and have developed extensive experience in teaching and school leadership. Throughout my career I have taken on wider leadership responsibilities including leading teams, supporting staff development and contributing to whole school improvement. I hold postgraduate qualifications in education and leadership, which have strengthened my understanding of effective teaching, inclusion and school development. My experience has reinforced my commitment to removing barriers to learning and ensuring that every child is supported to succeed both academically and personally.
Jugdeesh Singh
Why did you decide to become a Governor at Khalsa Primary School?
The School and Community are close to my heart. I feel it incumbent on me to do what is possible to help the school succeed.
What do you think that Governors can bring to Khalsa Primary School?
Astute, Accessibility, Expertise, Good practice.
What are your interests in Education?
Fundamental to the development of an intellectual and cohesive community.
Brief history of your career, life and background.
Born and brought up in Southall, in the Sikh Community.
Hold both Undergraduate and Post Graduate degrees from well established educational institutions.
Work professionally in Finance.
Ravinder Kaur
Why did you decide to become a Governor at Khalsa Primary School?
I am passionate about supporting the school’s vision and ensuring that all pupils receive the best possible education and opportunities for personal growth. As a parent, I am committed to contributing to a school environment where every child feels supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve their potential.
What do you think that Governors can bring to Khalsa Primary School?
Governors provide strategic oversight, accountability, and support to help the school succeed. I believe Governors bring valuable skills, constructive challenge, and a strong link between the school and its community. Through my professional background, I would contribute strong organisational, financial, and leadership skills.
What are your interests in Education?
I am interested in high-quality, inclusive education that supports academic achievement, wellbeing, and personal development. I am particularly keen to support effective use of resources, staff development, and pupil wellbeing to ensure the best outcomes for all children.
Brief history of your career, life and background
I am a Management and Finance graduate with diplomas in Financial Management and Business Communications from Cambridge University. I have professional experience in the Banking and Insurance sectors, which has developed my leadership, communication, and governance skills. I am actively involved in community and school-based activities and am honoured to serve as a Parent Governor at Khalsa Primary School.
Mr Randeep Singh Sidhu, Chair of Governors
Randeep S Sidhu
Why did you decide to become a Governor at Khalsa Primary School?
I have always had a great passion for education and becoming a Governor provides the opportunity to give back. What excites me about this role is being part of a team which actively helps the school to obtain excellent standards of achievement academically, but also promotes emotional wellbeing of students so that they can develop to the best of their abilities.
It’s not always apparent the hard work teachers do, or the enormous pressure they put themselves under, to make sure students succeed. Being a Governor offers a great opportunity to be able to encourage and thank the staff personally.
One of my main reasons for becoming a governor was to get more involved in the local community. The school is the centre of the community for many families, especially those who need that little bit of extra help. I’m really interested in how the school can do more to help these families so that their children can excel in education.
What do you think that Governors can bring to Khalsa Primary School?
I think it’s important for schools to have input from those of us who aren’t directly involved in the education system; to be able to provide an outside perspective, be the bridge between the local community and the school, and also act as a sounding board for the School’s leadership. This means Governors are strongly placed to assist the leadership, as well as holding it to account so that the best education and opportunities are afforded to students.
What are your interests in education?
My parents worked hard to give my siblings and me the educational opportunities which changed our lives. Education is not just about academic achievement (which is important), but also equipping students with skills and experience to navigate through life with a strong sense of self. This is a great challenge for staff of our School, and something I am excited to be a part of.
Brief history of your career, life and background.
After attaining my master’s degree, I joined one of the largest professional services firm in the world where I studied further to obtain professional qualifications. In this role as a trusted adviser, I help clients with complex issues and complicated affairs which span across various jurisdictions.
I have previously worked in government as a senior policy adviser, advising ministers on various topical issues of the day, and making policy recommendations.
Committees: Full Governing Body