Sue Whitfield – Chair of Governors

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.

Barbara Billingsley – Vice Chair

Upon retiring from my role as Headteacher of a primary school for children aged 2 to 11, just outside the city of Liverpool in Merseyside, I moved to North Tyneside to be closer to my family in 2015. Shortly after, I became a Governor at a local Middle School as I wished to keep abreast of educational developments and use my experience to contribute to the area which I was about to make my home. More recently, to broaden my experience of school governance, particularly governance within multi academy trusts, I volunteered to become a governor within the NCEA Ashington Hub and was delighted to be accepted onto the LGB.

Throughout my years working in education, I gained many skills and a wide range of experience. Investing in school improvement and in particular, the professional development of colleagues, is an area of special interest to me. I find it extremely rewarding to be able to put the experience and knowledge gained in my professional life to good effect in my role as a school governor and to be part of this new, growing and flourishing community with a bright future ahead.

Helen Gordon – Parent Governor

I have over 18 years’ experience of working in education and now work within the Justice sector.

My previous roles whilst working in education have provided me with vast experience and knowledge of the daily business running of a school and the curriculum side. I wanted to be a Parent Governor to support the school that continues to flourish with the growing local industry.

I live locally with my son, and we love getting out and about, adventuring across the County and enjoying the superb coastline.

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.

Natalie Cain – Governor

I have worked in education over the past 14 years both in the North West and more recently in the North East.

My previous roles in education have provided me with experience and knowledge when working with a range of learners from 5-18 in the local area.

I am passionate about the importance of careers in the curriculum and highlighting all of the opportunities our amazing region has to offer. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and working with the board to continue the progression of your school.

I live in Northumberland with my daughter and when I am not working we enjoy spending much needed down time with family and friend’s

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 (futureproduction 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.

Tanya Barlow – Governor

I am a dedicated professional currently serving as the Primary Director of Special Educational Needs at NCEAT. My teaching and leadership career is deeply rooted in promoting inclusivity and supporting the diverse needs of students, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to my role as a co-opted school governor.

In my professional capacity, I am committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or abilities, receives the support they need to thrive academically and personally. My work is guided by a belief in high expectations for all students, fostering an environment where every child can reach their full potential.

Beyond my professional endeavours, I am actively involved in the local community, exemplifying my dedication to serving others. As a school governor at Thomas Bewick, I advocate for policies and practices that enhance the educational experiences and outcomes for all pupils.
In my spare time, I find joy in attending theatre and musical events and walking along the beach, appreciating nature and art as sources of inspiration and enrichment. This passion for cultural activities also reflects my broader commitment to providing pupils with well-rounded personal development that includes exposure to service and the arts.

With a strong belief in collaboration and continuous improvement, I strive to contribute positively to the development and success of the schools within the trust. My leadership is characterised by empathy, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making me a valued member of the educational community.