Monika Sethi (Principal)
Monika Sethi is a seasoned educator with a career spanning over two decades, marked by a diverse range of experiences and a relentless dedication to serving students with special educational needs and disabilities. Having lived and worked in three continents, her global perspective and cultural sensitivity have shaped her approach to education, making her a truly well-rounded and adaptable professional.
Monika’s journey in education has seen her transition from being a mathematics teacher to taking on various leadership roles in mainstream schools and then being a Principal of two independent SEND schools. Her passion for inclusive education and her unwavering commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs have been evident throughout her career. Her passion in special education, coupled with her strong leadership skills, have earned her a reputation as a dynamic and visionary educational leader.
Monika’s leadership style is characterized by her exceptional work ethic, unwavering commitment, and forward-thinking approach. She is known for her ability to inspire and empower those around her, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Her dedication to ensuring that every student under her care receives the best possible education and support is at the heart of her professional ethos.
As a Principal, Monika is driven by a strong sense of purpose and a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education. Her strategic vision, coupled with her hands-on approach and compassionate leadership, positions her as a driving force behind the organisation’s mission to create a nurturing and inclusive educational environment for SEND students.
Jav Malik (H&S Representative)
Jav is part of our Senior Leadership team and serves Lumen Academy as a distinguished Health and Safety representative. Jav brings a wealth of experience from both his business background and his years of dedicated service in education. His exceptional work as a mentor and tutor has helped countless students improve their Mathematics and English skills, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to academic excellence. Jav’s understanding of young people’s needs, particularly in our alternative provision setting, has been invaluable in creating an environment where students feel supported and motivated to learn.
Beyond his academic contributions, Jav’s leadership in our vocational curriculum, specifically in construction and tiling, has opened new pathways for students to explore practical skills and future careers. His business acumen, combined with his natural ability to connect with young people, makes him an outstanding role model for our students. Having witnessed his dedication to ensuring every young person has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances, I am confident that Jav’s addition to the Senior Leadership Team will further strengthen our school’s commitment to providing high-quality education and support for all our students.
Zoe Thomas (DSL and Pastoral Lead)
Zoe has joined Lumen Academy as a Safeguarding and Pastoral Lead. She is a beacon of energy and enthusiasm in our community. With a deep dedication to the welfare of students, she is always working tirelessly to ensure that every child is safe, supported, and thriving. Her heart is truly in the right place, and her passion for helping others shines through in everything she does.
Beyond the academy walls, she extends her support to students in their extended lives, whether it be at home or in other activities. Her commitment to the well-being of the students goes above and beyond, as she understands the importance of providing a nurturing environment for every child to grow and flourish.
In her personal life, she is actively involved in various voluntary roles within the community. Her wealth of knowledge and experience, accumulated over more than 20 years of working in different organizations, allows her to provide invaluable support and guidance to those in need.
As a mother of two lovely children, she understands the challenges of balancing work and family life. Her dedication to her own children has inspired her to create a similar supportive and caring environment for every child she encounters. With her unwavering commitment to the welfare of students and her passion for making a difference, she is truly a role model for the entire school community.