Mike Samuels – Chair of Governors

Unlike most governors, my background is not in the education sector, which allows me to provide a different perspective on the effectiveness of the school. I am a program and technology manager for a large multinational coatings company Akzonobel which produces a diverse portfolio of products from the Dulux paint you use on your homes, through to the coating used on the McLaren F1 steering wheel.

My passions in work are Innovation, culture and continuous improvement. As governor it allows me to not only work with the school to develop and improve their plans and pupil outcomes by bringing my own skills, experience and tools, but also for me to learn from the education sector itself to develop my own personal ways of working.

Outside of school and work, I am coach and chairman at the local swimming club Alnwick Dolphins, which at 80 swimmers has a number of the same issues and obstacles to overcome as the school. I enjoy the challenge of making the club successful, not only through the results of today, but more importantly on ensuring the club is successful and sustained for future generations to come.

Paul Blackburn – Parent Governor

I’m a Procurement Manager for a national British bakery chain, where I’m responsible for sourcing utilities and managing our fleet. With over a decade of experience in procurement, I’ve developed a broad skill set—from commercial and financial acumen to project and people management.

I’ve spent most of my life in Ashington, where I now live with my wife and our four children. It’s a vibrant community, and I’m proud to give back by serving on the governance team.

Outside of work, I enjoy motorcycling, scuba diving, and spending quality time with my family—often hiking or camping in the beautiful British countryside.

Sue Whitfield – Governor

I have been in Primary education throughout my career, teaching in Manchester, Shropshire and Cheshire. I was a Headteacher for 18 years, for 5 years in a one form entry Primary School then 13 years in a large two form entry C of E Primary School in Cheshire.

Three years ago I qualified as an Executive Coach and started my own Coaching business. I now coach senior leaders in schools across the country and Headteachers in the North West.

I moved to Northumberland two years ago and I am enjoying it so much. I have two grown up sons.

Annie Newlands – Governor

I am Annie Newlands. I spent most of my working career as a nurse with patients who have learning disabilities. I recently qualified as a Licenced lay minister in the Church of England.

Whilst doing my training I had a chaplaincy placement. I loved the feel of the school and the ethos, the children feel safe and are enthusiastic about learning. When the opportunity arose I became a governor so I could give back to the school and also see children thrive in many different ways.

Jess Hodson – Headteacher

In 2009, I started as a newly qualified teacher at the Trust and have worked across the different schools. For the past 4 years, I have been headteacher of Thomas Bewick. Over my time within the Trust, I have seen it grow and develop and I feel honoured to be part of its journey. Being part of the Thomas Bewick governing body, gives me the opportunity to share the incredible things the staff do in order to ensure the children reach their full potential. I feel very privileged to be the headteacher of Thomas Bewick and I am proud of the staff and children we have in the school.

For the past 14 years I have lived in Northumberland, and there is nothing better I like doing than going for walks on the beach with my daughter and partner.

I hope that I can continue to develop myself professionally and eventually broaden my horizons to be on another governing board for a different school within the Northumberland area.

Cheryl Craggs – Parent Governor

I am a stay at home married mother of one. Originally from Portsmouth in Hampshire, my family and I relocated to Ashington in 2018. I have previous experience of working within education recruitment. I enjoy a variety of hobbies including gaming, photography, video editing, and all sorts of crafts.

I decided to become a parent governor as I had some free time in which I wanted to give something back and be a part of the community.

David Franklin – Governor

Following his retirement David moved to Northumberland in 2023 (where he has had family connections for nearly 30 years) after 16 years as minister in the Church of England, most recently as a vicar in a former mining community in South Yorkshire. He first served as a parent governor in Nottinghamshire during his ordination training, and has also been a governor at a total of 6 schools/academies since. He is committed to giving every child every opportunity to reach their full potential, whatever that might be.

Prior to ordination, he worked as a petroleum engineer for 16 years, travelling extensively overseas. During that time his responsibilities included line and project management and in
the latter years his main area of responsibility was company-wide reserves estimation (future production quantities of oil & gas), regularly advising on decisions accounting for risk and uncertainty. More recently he has been interested to find ways to minimise his carbon output
in an affordable manner.

In his leisure time David enjoys natural history (especially birdwatching) and Parkrun every (well almost every) Saturday morning.

Rachel Lightley- Staff governor.

I have been with the academy trust since its formation, working in four out of five schools in and around Ashington. I became a teacher at 28, following a career with The Salvation Army, as I felt called to work with children. As a committed Christian, I lead children’s ministry and outreach at The Salvation Army, organising Sunday schools, Messy Church, and larger divisional events.

I’m married and have two children who attend schools within the trust. In my free time, I enjoy family outings, especially at the beach, and I have a passion for music. I play the piano, trombone, and recently took up the clarinet, performing with my church choir and band.