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JOSH NGONDO Co-Chair
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A father of three children (two of whom attend Chestnut Grove Academy), Josh was instrumental in re-igniting the CGA basketball program and in 2024 helped lead CGA into the Junior NBA playoffs for the first time in their history. Josh brings over 17 years’ experience in solution based consultative selling. This skillset has been nurtured in a variety of sectors, including energy, insurance, telecoms, finance, AI and education. What has enabled Josh to be so successful across all of these different environments is his unique ability to create a “win, win” situation that forms the bedrock of solid business relationships moving forward. Having achieved his Certificate in Company Direction with the Institute of Directors, Josh has gained a unique insight into: the characteristics of an effective board; issues and processes involved in formulating strategic business plans; and how leaders create influence and impact within and beyond their organisation. A visionary leader committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, he currently sits as a Non-Exec for two companies. |
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JACQUES SZEMALIKOWSKI Co-Chair
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Jacques is Balham born and bred, and his four children all attended Chestnut Grove Academy (as well as Ravenstone Primary School). He works as a specialist for the Association of School and College Leaders. Prior to joining ASCL, Jacques spent 38 years in seven comprehensive schools, culminating in 17 years of headship, with 14 years as Headteacher at a large secondary school in north London. Jacques has been a governor in four secondary schools, a primary school, on the corporation of a Further Education College, and the Court of Imperial College, London. He has had experience as Lead Inspector for School Improvement Partner, as well as chairing the London Heads Forum, and representing London nationally for ASCL. He was also a founding Director of Camden Learning. Jacques has an MA in Education, the National Professional Qualification for Headship, and the Professional Qualification for School Inspection, as well as his original degree in astrophysics. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. |
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EMMA OLIVER Vice Chair |
Emma is currently Co-Head of Thomas's Putney Vale. Emma read History at the University of Exeter before starting her teaching career via Teach First. Emma spent 11 years working in the maintained sector, as a Head of Department, then as a Head of Faculty, as well as Deputy Director of Sixth Form and a Lead Practitioner. Of those 11 years, she spent the last six working for two of the largest multi-academy trusts in the UK - ARK and the Harris Federation, before starting at Thomas's in February 2021. |
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MOHAMMAD ASIF LAC member
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Mo has recently joined as a Local Committee member and is part of the Safeguarding team. He currently works within the Home Office as a Higher Officer and serves as a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the Defence Serious Crime Unit (Army Reserve). In the past, he has also served the country in varied roles, being part of the British Army, Met Police, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Mo is passionate about education and the welfare and protection of children and young people. He strives to ensure that every child is given equal opportunities to help them grow into well-rounded individuals and members of society. |
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ALEX DIXEY LAC Member
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Alex is a lawyer in the City and specialises in commercial contracts, intellectual property and IT. He has experienced both state and private education via scholarship, and has also worked in different educational backgrounds, spending his summers working with students learning English as a foreign language. In his role as a LAC member, Alex is keen to ensure that students feel represented and that they excel, whatever their background and personal identity. |
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TERENCE KALOMBO LAC member
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Terence is a Tech professional with experience working for early to mid-sized startups. Having read Economics at Kingston, he has over 6 years’ experience working in Ops and Data for Fintech focussed companies to E-commerce brands. Having been educated in Wandsworth for the majority of his young adult life, Terence is eager to ensure that students are given all opportunities to springboard them into adulthood, without hindrance from societal stereotypes or obstacles. |
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NIK NICOL LAC member
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A father of three, including his youngest child at Chestnut Grove, Nik is a barrister and judge, specialising in housing (tenancies and homelessness) and property but also with some knowledge of education law. He is a former Chair of Governors at an outstanding inner-city primary school. Both his work and his former role as a governor have involved working as a team with diverse communities – a large proportion of his clients and the school population have been disadvantaged (finances, disability) and/or from minorities. He has been trained and has experience with childhood trauma and SEND provision. |
