Governor 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
Term End Date: 20/09/2022
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
Term End Date: N/A
Dr Indervir Singh Dhandee, Foundation Governor
Why did you decide to become a Governor at Khalsa Primary School?
To support the School at a time of need when there was a vacuum of the Governing Board team / Leadership.
What do you think that Governors can bring to Khalsa Primary School?
Good Governance.
Holding School Leadership to Scrutiny and Accountability.
What are your interests in Education
I have 2 children going through the education system.
Brief history of your career, life and background.
I studied locally at Norwood Green School and Isleworth & Syon School for Boys.
I went on to study at Medical School in Tooting.
I have 10 years’ experience working in hospitals including Ashford Hospital.
I also have 15 years’ experience as a GP.
Committees: Full Governing Body, Resources Committee
Term End Date: 22/01/2022
Name - 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.
Tejinder Paul Singh Chandhyoke 
Why did you decide to become a Governor at Khalsa Primary School?
I strongly believe that education plays a very important role and is instrumental in laying the foundation for the making and shaping the life of any child. The early years during the primary school education are critical in preparing the future of the child. In order to effectively manage this need, the role of a Governor is vital to guide and create a planned strategy. This gives me a great opportunity to be a part of the team and deliver this.
What do you think that Governors can bring to Khalsa Primary School?
Governors can bring to KPS the years of their experience and expertise to meet the aims and objectives of the governing body. Governors can help to shape the mission and vision of the school relevant to the changing and challenging the education environment.
What are your interests in Education?
My interest in education is inherited from my father who was a university teacher to degree classes for over forty years. After my graduation I have continued to achieve further models of education in order to meet the changing needs. I feel that education is a continuous process irrespective of age.
Brief history of your career, life and background.
I am a science graduate with further courses in management.My principal experience is in the pharmaceutical industry for nearly thirty years with an excellent track record working through a collaborative approach mapping both internal and external stakeholders.
I have the ability to communicate with a wide range of personnel and colleagues to work in a coherent manner.I am a strong team player.
Surinder Singh Purewal, MBE, B Sc, FCCA
Why did you decide to become a Governor at Khalsa Primary School?
I have experience of working as a governor for over 25 years. I am now retired (after nearly 41 years in the Civil Service) and felt, along with supportive pressure from my colleagues in the Executive Committee of Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall, the promoters of the Khalsa School, to use my skills and experience for the benefit of the Community and the pupils. I am passionate about the education as I am strong believer in the ethos where raw and finished products are children.
What do you think that Governors can bring to Khalsa Primary School?
Governors bring their own experience to work with the Head Teacher to chalk out a strategic direction for the school, with a view to support and provide advice where appropriate and to ensure best outcomes and monitoring the progress made in all aspect of the school life.
What are your interests in Education
I have always been interested in education for nearly 50 years and contributed as a Governor of Havelock Infants, Havelock Middle, later amalgamated to form Havelock Primary Featherstone High School for over 25 years. My primary interest is motivating, developing and encouraging children to make best use of their potential.
Brief history of your career, life and background.
I am a Science graduate and a Chartered Certified Accountant. I am married. I moved to Hounslow in 2003, after living in Southall for 35 years. I retired from the Civil Service after nearly 41 years. During these years I worked for Department of National Savings, DHSS (now known as DWP), as policy advisor to Ministers on Attendance Allowance and Invalid Care Allowance. After qualifying as an accountant, I worked in the audit filed with Dept of Health, Inland Revenue (now HMRC), Cabinet Office (No 10 & 12 Downing Street) and Met Police. I retired as Head of Systems Audit. During my Civil Service career, I acquired considerable experience of management skills.
My main passion is serving the wider community. My voluntary services, in addition School being a Governor, have included Founder and Secretary Southall Parents and Governors Association, managing charity organisations (General Secretary Sikh Missionary Society for 4 years, General Secretary, Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall, for 2 years, Chair Southall Health Improvement Project for 8 years), Justice of the Peace and Member of the Independent Management Board - Feltham Young Offenders Institute. I was awarded MBE for service to the community in June 2000.
Committees: Full Governing Body, Resources Committee, Teaching and Learning Committee
Term End Date: 22/01/2022
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
Term End Date: 12/06/2023
Mrs Pittender Kaur Sahota
Why did you decide to become a Governor at Khalsa Primary School?
I currently work within the education system and I am aware of the important role the Governors play in a school. As a mum of two primary age children and having been a teacher for over 17 years, I feel that my in-depth experience will be invaluable for Khalsa Primary School (KPS).
I am deeply passionate about supporting KPS to develop and grow with the aim of enabling all pupils to fulfil their academic potential, as well as becoming confident and successful individuals.
What do you think that Governors can bring to Khalsa Primary School?
Governors can offer different perspectives and knowledge from their own experience to benefit the school in numerous ways i.e. promoting effective methods of teaching and learning, ensure accountability and transparency to parents and the local community, as well as supporting the well-being of staff as well as pupils.
What are your interests in Education?
My main interest in education is the progress that all children make. Children should come to school feeling happy and safe in their setting and make substantial progress from their starting point.
Brief history of your career, life, and background.
- I am a Primary School Teacher who is currently based in Year 2.
- I am a practicing Sikh and have volunteered with a local community Sikh playgroup teaching Gurmat classes for the last 6 years.
I am a mother to 2 children.