Director
I have lived in Northumberland since 1980 and am married with 2 children, both of whom attended Heddon First School, Richard Coates Middle School and Ponteland High School.
I am a retired headteacher, having led three North East schools over 22 years, ranging from small village to inner city (300 plus) in Northumberland, Newcastle and Sunderland. My area of expertise is within Early Years/Primary schools and I was also seconded for two years to Newcastle LEA as Primary Adviser (Early Years). In that role I provided support and guidance on teaching and learning and organised training events.
I have served as a Governor of Heddon C of E Primary School since 2013, five years of which was as Chair of Governors. As a member of the interim Directors’ Board, I have worked closely with our headteachers and fellow governors in successfully establishing our multi academy trust. Previously, in my capacity as Primary Adviser for Newcastle LEA, I have worked with individual headteachers and governing bodies, providing advice and support, including taking part in school inspections and in the appointment of new headteachers and deputy headteachers. I have also acted as External Adviser to the governing bodies of a group of North East primary schools on school standards and headteacher performance management.
In addition to my work with schools, I have also done voluntary work with Northumbria Citizens Advice, helping the general public with various issues such as debt, employment, benefits as well as supporting Cancer Research UK and several local homeless charities.