Dr Gurdeep Singh Jagbir is a distinguished scholar, educator, and media personality whose work spans literature, linguistics, and Sikh theology. Born in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, he moved to London in 1984. He pursued his early education in New Delhi, earning a doctorate from the University of Delhi on the poetic dimensions of Nanak Bani. A former University President at both his college and university, Dr Jagbir also holds qualifications in community interpreting and linguistics from institutions in London.

A multi-award-winning orator and writer, he has received accolades for his contributions to Punjabi debate, poetry, and short stories. His long standing career at Guru Nanak Sikh Academy as a teacher and former governor reflects his commitment to education and Sikh values.

Dr Jagbir is also a renowned preacher, having delivered sermons globally. Since 2000, he has been a key figure at Panjab Radio, leading religious programming, and currently presents on the Akaal Channel. A prolific author, his novels and albums—such as Mittar Pyare Nau and Bing Kassaya(n) Dha—explore themes central to Sikh heritage and philosophy.

Deeply respected for his linguistic mastery, oratory skills, and cultural insight, Dr Gurdeep Singh Jagbir continues to inspire across generations and communities.

As the CEO of Guru Nanak Sikh Multi Academy Trust, I am deeply committed to ensuring every child has access to the highest quality learning opportunities. With over 22 years of experience as an educator and eight years as a senior leader, I have dedicated my career to shaping environments where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

My academic background in Business and Commerce, along with a master’s in IT, provides me with a strategic and innovative perspective on education leadership. Completing the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) has further strengthened my ability to lead with impact, ensuring that schools under my leadership achieve excellence in both education and governance.

Having served as a director and governor, I understand the importance of strong leadership in driving positive change. I am passionate about building and empowering teams of professionals who cultivate a culture that enhances every child's overall well-being.

I firmly believe in values-driven education, where children succeed academically and grow into responsible, compassionate individuals who contribute meaningfully to society. By instilling strong ethical principles, we can help young people flourish and support others in fulfilling lives.

I feel truly blessed to be in this profession and part of GNS MAT, where our mission is to inspire, nurture, and develop the next generation.

Arun Thakur is well known in the local community due to his previous role as the President of the Shri Ram Mandir (Hindu temple) from 1999 to 2010 and currently holds the post of Treasurer. He is an active member of the community and has promoted interfaith relationships. Arun is also a member of the Southall Faith forum and a director of the Hindu council UK reflecting diversity in our membership. His previous experience as a GNSA governor has allowed him to build his understanding and experience of the education sector and his membership of the Personnel Committee has given him a unique insight into school staffing matters. Arun has a great passion for education, community cohesion and would be honoured to be part of the Strategic Board to move the school towards further excellence.

Amarpal Singh Gakhal graduated from Aston University with a BSc. in Computer Science and Management followed by a Masters Degree in Computer Science from the University of Wolverhampton. He has extensive (approximately 18 years) experience in the IT industry having undertaken a variety of roles. He currently works in a senior position for the Lloyds Banking Group and also provides consultancy to the Association of Project Management. He will contribute his successful business and management skills to strengthen our Strategic Board.
Amarpal upholds the ethos of our schools with the concept of giving service in the community by his involvement in Sewa (voluntary service) at a local Sikh Gudwara. Current responsibilities include wedding registrations, kirtan and membership of the management committee which looks after the day to day running of the Gurdwara. He also manages the Punjabi language and Kirtan schools within the Gurdwara with the Head Teacher and 10 staff reporting directly to him. . 

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I’m currently an entrepreneur running my own Readymix Concrete Plant and Road Haulage Business (Amazon AFP Partner since 2020). Being a Qualified Accountant (FCCA) and having worked in finance, tax and audit fields equipped me with strong analytical, budgeting, and problem-solving skills that I believe would be valuable on a governing board. I’m interested in becoming a school governor because I want to give back to the community and support the next generation in gaining the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Although I don’t have prior experience in governance or education, I can bring a practical, business-minded approach and a commitment to learning and contributing meaningfully. I hope to help the school make sound financial decisions and support its strategic development.

Whilst I have not actively been involved in the community before, I have three daughters all of whom have gone through their respective school time, so I know how financial shortcomings can make or break a student’s school experience and can affect their education. At the heart of this role are the students, so I want to make sure that as a financial director I manage the funding and budget to allow them the best opportunities and experience possible.

Donald Lawrence is a partner at strategy consultancy Genesis Corporation, advising financial services firms in cash/derivative OTC, ETFs, exchange traded products and risk management. Donald has extensive senior management experience in positions based in the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asian regions for Citibank, Bank of America, American Express. He is affiliated with the ACI-FMA, AFME, CFA Institute, SIFMA, and serves governance roles with CISI, PRMIA and The Foundation for Fund Governance. D.C.

In addition, he is the director of UCL’s bespoke internship/graduate apprenticeships programme that encompasses all tier 1 financial institutions.  Lawrence’s interests are in investment banking, behavioural finance, software    engineering, risk management and quantitative finance. Often matching creative talent to the aforementioned environments in which better solutions can arise that benefit the wider community.

Amandeep Tamber has a wealth of knowledge and experience of Primary Education having been in the teaching profession for over 25 years. She is a senior leader and has experience of not only teaching but also leading a school. Her role has incorporated a number of responsibilities at a senior level including leading on assessment, Safeguarding and Special Educational Needs.

Amandeep’s passion is to do the very best for all children and for them to achieve the very best at school so they go into adulthood with the skills and qualifications needed to lead a successful life.

As a Director Amandeep hopes to use her knowledge, experience and skills and work with GNSMAT to ensure all children receive the support they need to succeed.

It is an honour to be elected to be part of the Board of Directors at GNSMAT as a parent representative. As an ex-student of the school and now a parent of a child at Nanaksar Primary, I feel I am equipped to understand the concerns and suggestions from the parental community. I will be very glad to offer my time and take on this role to support and ensure our children receive the best possible provision from the MAT.

Working on community events in the past has allowed me to tap into experiences that can drive our children and society at large into success stories within our community. Being an ex-student I wholeheartedly know the humble beginnings of this fine establishment. I want to work together with you so that collectively we can be the voice, full of positive suggestions and ideas knowing the future of our children is made bright by your input.

Peter Ryerson brings the experience of Primary school teaching as well as having a strategic view of education gleaned from his years as Labour Spokesperson for education. He went onto become the Chair of the Education Scrutiny Committee. He has over 40 years of  experience of governance at both Primary and Secondary level and presently is a Governor at Guru Nanak Sikh Academy with responsibility for Child Protection and Safeguarding. Since leaving the Council he has been a member of Hillingdon Schools Forum that determines the formula to distribute funds to schools. He was also a member of the Hillingdon Children Safeguarding Board that reviewed policy and practice in Safeguarding in schools.

My name is Gurdial Singh and I have been part of the GNSA parent community since 2014. Guru Nanak Sikh Academy is a  fantastic school with talented and supportive staff and a strong community spirit between teachers and families from varied backgrounds.  

Being a self driven professional and someone from a working-class upbringing who has built a career within the Arts, I believe, my hands-on experience, exposure and ‘think out of the box’ attitude will bring great value to the MAT.  

As a restaurant owner at Moti Mahal and real estate sole trader, I have experience in communications,  organisational restructuring, data analysis, financial planning and reporting, managing teams, mentoring  new starters and implementing procedures. 

In addition to this, I work with many charitable organisations especially with those who are  working towards reducing the use of plastic and encouraging wildlife by gardening or planting schemes.  

I would draw on my experiences and perspective to ensure that the MAT is exceeding overall  expectations to create a stable environment which will enable our children to prosper without any  hindrances.  I can be that critical friend with no excuses as I want what is best for our children and I will  not rest until I reach this attainable goal.  I can support and challenge the MAT’s leadership team as the children are my top priority.  Like most parents, my children’s safety takes precedence and I would do  whatever it takes to guarantee them a safe place where they can thrive into the best possible version of  themselves as children may be 6% of our population but they are 100% of our future.

I am a local business owner and director as well as being an experienced local councillor who has served the local community for over 24 years. One of my most notable achievements as a former Cabinet Member for Hillingdon Council would be the reshaping of services for all 17 libraries across the borough of Hillingdon, spearheading a modernised service that introduced new initiatives such as the school reading scheme to encourage young people into libraries. I also secured funding for the first 50-metre pool in London for over 40 years, allowing the possibility for young people to have a clear pathway to excellence. Furthermore, I created a partnership with QPR Community Trust enabling young people across the borough the opportunity to benefit from active learning skills, showcasing my philosophy for young people to have access to a well-rounded education.

Becoming a school governor would be a great privilege to be able to positively shape young people's lives, securing high-quality standards for our young people through the experiences and vast knowledge that I have acquired over my many years as a business owner and councillor. As someone who has extensive knowledge of governance, finance, and operational efficiency, becoming a school governor would afford me the opportunity to positively shape young people's lives for the better.

Whilst campaigning for the GLA elections, I was able to engage with so many different people in Hillingdon and Ealing. My fondest memory was attending the celebrations of the Southall Kabaddi club at Hillingdon Sports Centre last year and being presented with a trophy as an honorary guest.

I work in IT Security, with a professional background in safeguarding digital infrastructure, risk management, and data protection. My expertise includes strategic planning, compliance, and cybersecurity—skills that are increasingly important in today’s educational landscape. I am passionate about supporting young people and creating safe, forward-thinking learning environments. I would like to become a school governor to contribute my technical knowledge and strategic insight, particularly in areas such as digital safety, data security, and future-proofing school systems. I have previously volunteered in youth mentorship programmes within the Sikh community and helped deliver digital literacy workshops to support families with online safety. My personal interests include mental health advocacy, especially relating to dementia awareness, and I am committed to bridging the gap between technology and community well-being. I believe in inclusive education and want to ensure all students have equal access to opportunities and support.

I am a secondary school teacher at St Benedict’s School in Ealing, with over 12 years of experience in education. My background in sports and coaching has shaped my commitment to the health and wellbeing of young people. I currently serve as a councillor in the London Borough of Hounslow, where I hold the shadow portfolio for Children and Young People, with a focus on those in care—a cause close to my heart as someone who grew up in the care system.I am a trust governor at Chiswick School and a trustee of the London Basketball Association. Having come to the UK at age 12 without speaking English, I understand the vital role schools play in supporting pupils where English is a new language. I know the importance of stability in school as far as staffing is concerned. It is the key to delivering a consistent educational programme and enabling all pupils to thrive.

I am applying to become a school governor because I am passionate about contributing to society and supporting education, particularly within my local community. Living in the London Borough of Hillingdon and sharing the school's Sikh values, I feel a personal connection to its ethos and mission. I bring a wealth of experience from my current role as an Assistant Valuer at the Valuation Office Agency, and my previous position as a Senior International Business Development Manager, where I developed key skills in negotiation, strategic planning, commercial awareness and communication. I also hold a Bachelor of Commerce and a Chartered Institute of Marketing certificate, which support my ability to make sound financial and organisational decisions. I am committed to using my professional expertise and lived experience to support the school in achieving its vision and goals, and see this as a meaningful way to give back to the community.