Liz Dunn – Chair

I’ve lived in the Newbiggin and Lynemouth area most of my adult life, working at Lynemouth First School, experiencing it move from an LEA maintained school to becoming part of the NCEA Trust, and now further evolving to having its own Local Governing Board. I currently represent the Lynemouth Ward on Northumberland County Council and am actively involved in various local community organisations.

Schools need to be at the heart of our communities, promoting a sense of belonging, pride and social responsibility. A good education which is broad and goes beyond the academic, can ensure our children become the best versions of themselves possible. As Safeguarding Link Governor I believe that children will thrive if they feel secure, safe and confident in their environment. As a Governing Body our vision must be to provide equality and opportunity for all our pupils.

I’m delighted to be part of the Newbiggin & Lynemouth Governing Body and see it as an opportunity to make a contribution to not only the schools but also the local communities they serve.

Heather Turner – Governor

I have a career background in Project management and governance having worked as civil servant for a number of years.

As a current parent of two children in the academy I understand the local demographic and have a strong interest in SEND and performing arts.

Ensuring quality first teaching across our LGB is a key priority for me.

Anthony O’Grady – Governor

I am Vicar of Woodhorn with Newbiggin and feel blessed to be serving in such a beautiful community- by which I mean the people as well as the place! My life has been quite the adventure so far. I’m a forces child and was brought up in Germany, which explains my love of the country and my continued visits there.

I’ve lived in the North East for over 15 years, although did spend three years at the College of the Resurrection in Yorkshire where I studied for the priesthood and lived alongside a monastic community. I am also a mental health nurse by background and spent some years in the drug and alcohol services, and still have an interest in mental wellbeing.

I am a keen traveller and have seen some interesting places. Aside from of course Germany and the UK I have been to the Holy Land, to the USA and Poland to name but a few.

History is my passion, and I believe that part of the reason for this is because of the way it was taught to me at school and by others. I can talk a fair bit about German history and also have an interest in elements of church history. My Musical taste is rather eclectic- I can just as easily enjoy Kylie, Kraftwerk and Bon Jovi in equal measure.

I live with my long suffering partner John and our two cats.

As a governor and as vicar I am enthusiastic about serving a church school and advocating worship and pastoral care, which includes working with our Chaplain. I also believe that the academy is a hub for community relations and wish to support the campuses in celebrating their presence in this region.

Sharon Cole – Headteacher (Grace Darling) – Governor

After 11 years in Secondary School leadership, I made the move to the Primary sector in 2016. I have experience of working with children from the ages of 2 to 18 and this serves me well in my current role as Headteacher at Grace Darling Primary School and Governor at Duke’s Secondary School. Our Vision states that we are a family at Grace Darling and I hope that our family values are evident in all that we do.

At home, I like to relax by baking and our staff room is often full of my ‘Sunday bake’s’.

Amy Thompson – Headteacher (William Leech) – Governor

I have worked in education since 2002 and have been at NCEAT in a senior management role since it opened in 2009. More recently, I have become a facilitator on the National Professional Qualifications for the Church of England and the Catholic Education Service. 

I believe that education can make a huge difference to a child, their family and community and we are able to be a part of this transformation through the work we do and the opportunities we provide.

I am married with two children and we enjoy a variety of sports as a familyincluding walking, swimming and rugby.

Jonathan Brady – Governor

I recently retired as an NHS consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist after 21 years working in Northumberland and North Tyneside. Prior to that, I worked in London (where I grew up), Southampton and Manchester. I am married with two grown-up children. Being married to a teacher, I have a long-standing interest in education, and I was heavily involved in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education throughout my career. Now that I have retired, I want to continue using the skills and experience I have obtained to help children develop and reach their full potential.

I look forward to working with the other governors, staff, parents and children to achieve this. I am particularly happy to be a school governor in the Newbiggin and Ashington area, where I have spent much of my working life

Kate Davidson – Governor

I have been teaching for 11 years. I have had the pleasure of working in a variety of schools in the UK and abroad and currently teach a Year 2 class in Newcastle. I have taught all year groups across the primary age range but my specialty is Key Stage 1 and Early Years. I have led a variety of subjects including PE, Computing, Reading and Phonics. I am passionate about; foundation subjects within the curriculum, outstanding reading and writing teaching and a classroom ethos of high expectations and creativity.

I look forward to using my experience and knowledge of primary education to contribute towards the governing body.

Toni Self – Parent Elect

I have two children, one at Grace Darling in year 4 and one recently transitioned to Dukes. 

I have worked in the NHS for 20 years and a local charity supporting autistic children, young people and their families. Together with my own experiences, I have a keen interest in the strengths and challenges of neurodivergence and the importance of equality and inclusion within the education system. 

I believe being a parent governor will hopefully give me the chance to contribute in some way to establishing strong inclusive foundations for all children.

Louise Stewart – Staff Elect

I have worked within the Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust since its opening in 2009. I have had the privilege to be part of its successful journey. During my time, I have gained a vast knowledge and experience of our children, our schools and the community that we serve. I have taught across all year groups; I am part of the senior leadership team and lead Literacy at Grace Darling Primary. I am passionate about developing and supporting children’s mental and emotional well-being and being active. I am a run leader for the local running club, in which I support other runners to achieve their personal goals. I am at my happiest when I am outdoors and believe that outdoor learning in our community can enhance the learning experience for all our children.

I am very proud to be a teacher at NCEAT and I look forward to being part of the Governing Board and ensuring each child reaches their potential and finds their own way to shine.

Victoria Walker – Parent Elect

My name is Victoria and I am a mother of three wonderful children – my youngest currently attends Grace Darling Primary school and my two eldest attend Dukes Secondary school. I have worked for the NCEA Trust a while now and I am currently based at Grace Darling Primary school working in the main office as an Admin Assistant which I absolutely love.

I was raised in Newbiggin by the Sea and have lived in Northumberland for the majority of my life. Due to the fact I live and work in the community I feel uniquely placed to understand what the local community want and hope for their children and I hope I can help in any way to deliver on that for them.I know how important my own children’s education is to me so I feel privileged to be part of something that can make a difference. I look forward to taking on this challenge and aim to fulfil my role as a Parent Governor with passion and enthusiasm.