Governance (ID 1017)

• Sarah Newman,
  Chair of Governors
  Sarah Newman,

  ,

  Sarah Newman is a communications and PR professional with nearly 25 years of experience, much of it in the education sector. As Associate Director of PR at the London & South East Education Group, she leads media relations, reputation management and crisis communications, helping to shape impactful strategies across digital and traditional platforms.

  Sarah has a strong background in stakeholder engagement, speechwriting and thought leadership, having worked closely with the Department for Education, local authorities, and policymakers. Passionate about education and community engagement, she brings her expertise in strategic communications to support BTA's vision and mission.

• Pavan Polavaram
  Community Governor
  Pavan Polavaram

  ,

  Pavan is a seasoned expert in the financial services industry, bringing over 20 years of experience across payments, banking, fintech, and regulatory technology. Currently serving as a Senior Consultant in Solution Management, Pavan leads product strategy and go-to-market execution for global payments solutions and partner integrations.

  Throughout his career, Pavan has held senior roles at major banks and financial institutions, with a strong focus on real-time payments, open banking, compliance, and digital transformation. He is known for his ability to build scalable and secure payment ecosystems, often collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver complex solutions in fast-paced, regulated environments.

  With an academic foundation in engineering and management, Pavan continues to stay at the forefront of industry innovation through ongoing professional development in fintech and emerging banking technologies.

• Joan McClymont
  Community Governor
  Joan McClymont

  Joan McClymont is a dynamic and community-driven professional with over two decades of experience spanning social housing, adult education, and learner support. Her work is grounded in the belief that empowering communities through communication can transform lives—particularly for those who face barriers to education, housing, or opportunity.

  She holds an MSc in Housing Management from the London School of Economics and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Housing. Over the years, Joan has developed and led programmes in pre-tenancy support, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and Functional Skills, helping individuals gain the tools they need for independent living. Her work has included supporting Afghan and Ukrainian refugees through dedicated resettlement programmes, ensuring they had access to language skills and the confidence to build new lives.

  Her work has included supporting Afghan and Ukrainian refugees through dedicated resettlement programmes, ensuring they had access to language skills and the confidence to build new lives.

  As the Founder of Pinehill Training, Joan delivers community-focused education that promotes social value by helping individuals gain skills, confidence, and greater independence. She has worked in partnership with housing associations, local authorities, and community groups to make sure learning is inclusive, responsive, and impactful.

  As a Community Governor, Joan is proud to contribute this experience to the school community—championing equality, supporting lifelong learning, and helping all learners and families feel seen, heard, and empowered.