David White
David is the interim Chair of the Academy Council with experience in the corporate sector. As Principal, ESPN Solutions at the Walt Disney Company. David leads a strategy consultancy that works with global sports organisations to develop content, marketing and monetisation strategies. Prior to joining Disney, David worked at Bain & Company, a leading global strategy consultancy, where he supported executives across industries, including in the education and education technology sectors. David graduated with a BA Economics & Management from the University of Oxford.
Anna Howell
Anna has over 10 years experience in the Education Sector as a School Business Manager/Bursar and holds a Certificate in School Business Management and a Diploma in School Business Management. Prior to this Anna worked as a Facilities Manager for a charity (Livability – previously known as The Shaftesbury Society/John Grooms) that delivers a wide range of services for disabled people including education, community projects, care homes and residential care. Anna is looking forward to working with the Wandle Valley team and playing a part in ensuring pupils meet their full potential.
Stephen Simpson
Stephen has worked for over twenty years with 3–18-year-olds in creative indoor and outdoor learning environments. He runs a SEMH-focused Forest School with Alternative Provision at a primary school in South West London. He is a passionate believer in using alternative learning methods with children who need help coping with the pressures of the modern curriculum and that the environment plays a crucial part in being able to access successful learning. Stephen has a son at Wandle Valley Academy.
Anne Sturman
Anne worked in education from 1988 until her retirement in 2023. She spent 23 years working in AP, 19 years as Headteacher during which Anne led the team through 4 successful Ofsted inspections. She has extensive experience of supporting pupils, families, colleagues and primary schools in the area of SEMH and for 18 years was also part of a behaviour support advisory team – which also included delivering CPD to schools, SENDCos and newly qualified teachers.
For the last 2 years of her service, Anne was part of the PLT Central Team – leading on Primary Education, Safeguarding and Literacy.
Lal Babu Mahato
Babu is a Chartered Accountant and working as an Audit Assistant Manager. He has extensive experience in financial oversight, risk management, and compliance, gained through work in the UK corporate sector. He is passionate about education and community service, and is committed to helping Wandle Valley Academy deliver high-quality outcomes for all pupils. As a school governor, he aims to support responsible resource management, strategic planning, and the creation of a safe, inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive.
Vanessa Frances
Vanessa is a parent governor who has had a number of years experience with children and young people with a variety of needs. She has first-hand experience of supporting children who have experienced trauma and neglect. She has navigated the care system and worked as a foster carer for a local authority. Her passion lies with helping children and young people to become the best version of themselves, nurturing positive self-esteem and self-belief. She works in schools on a project to help parents/carers of autistic children and schools to work closer together for the best outcomes for the pupils. She also helps in a reception class weekly and on a Saturday morning you will find her leading the Rhyme time for 30 toddlers in her local library.
