Members of the City of London Corporation’s Education Board have elected Naresh Sonpar to chair the body.

The board oversees the City Corporation’s strategies for education, skills, and cultural and creative learning, and its programmes offering Londoners jobs, work experience, and apprenticeships.

It also supports the City Corporation’s Family of Schools.

The City Corporation sponsors 10 high-performing academies across Hackney, Islington, Newham, and Southwark through the City of London Academies Trust. 

It is also the local education authority for one maintained primary school in the City of London, and the proprietor of four independent schools. 

Five out of the 10 City of London Academies Trust schools hold an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating, and two are rated ‘good’ with ‘outstanding features. 

City of London School for Girls was the top performing independent school for GCSE results in 2022 and 2023.

The City of London Freemen’s School is consistently placed among the top five co-educational boarding schools in the UK based on A-Level outcomes.

And the City of London School is ranked as ‘excellent’ by the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate for both quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements, and for quality of pupils’ personal development.

Mr Sonpar is a university lecturer and consultant. He was the Founding Director of Guildhouse Business School and a member of their Senior Leadership Team, making an impact on students through teaching and supporting each student to achieve beyond their personal expectations.  He is also a Teach First Ambassador.  

Prior to teaching, Mr Sonpar worked in the City for 18 years as a Hedge Fund Manager, Derivatives Trader, Portfolio Manager, and Investment Banker.

Chair of the City Corporation’s Education Board, Naresh Sonpar, said:

“It is an honour and a privilege to be elected as Chair of the Education Board.

“First class education is something that should be available to every child no matter their background or ability.

“As chair of the board I am determined to do everything we can to ensure our schools and their pupils can attain even greater success.

“I am focused on ensuring that the resources we provide help take our schools to the next level and support their staff and pupils to give them the best experience through their educational journey.”

John Griffiths was elected as deputy chair of the board.

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk.