Current Governor Profiles

Jeremy Bell

Job title / organisation: Retired

Length of time as a governor: Since Oct 2008

Governor role: Co-opted Governor

Committee involvement: 

Vice Chair of Governors

Chair of Admissions Committee

Finance & Resources Committee

Staffing Committee

SIP working group - Reading

Background information: 

 

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

 

Main interests/hobbies:

 

David Brocklehurst

Job title / organisation: Director, Cussins

Length of time as a governor: Since Dec 2020.

Governor role: Parent Governor

Committee involvement: 

Finance & Resources Committee

Link Governor for Pupil Premium

SIP working group - Enterprise

Background information: 

I am a chartered town planner having studied at Newcastle University from 1995-2000. I am currently the planning Director for housebuilding company Cussins based in Alnwick.  I have a child in year 5 and second child joining next year.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

I am passionate about inclusion and every child having the same opportunities to make the best of themselves academically, physically and socially.  As a parent governor I hope to have some influence on the success of the school. 

Main interests/hobbies:

My hobbies and interested are centered around sports, whether that is watching or playing or encouraging others.  I also love music and travel and walking our springer spaniel.

 

Ezinne Ezeala

Job title / organisation: 

Length of time as a governor: Since Feb 2023

Governor role: Co-opted Governor

Committee involvement: 

 

 

Background information: 

 

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

 

Main interests/hobbies:

 

Vic Good-Bruce

Job title / organisation: Head Teacher, Chopwell Primary

Length of time as a governor: Since June 2022

Governor role: Co-opted

Committee involvement: 

Staffing Committee

Background information: 

I've worked in Primary Education for 19 years (16 as a teacher) across 5 schools & 3 Local Authorities. I'm currently in my 6th Year of Headship and I'm acting Head at a second school. 

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

I'm looking forward to using my experience of the education sector to support GCMS in providing the best education possible for it's pupils.

Main interests/hobbies:

Golf - I started to play in my 30s and have never looked back- the most addictive sport possible.

Cooking - I love to cook for friends and family, trying something new and perfecting it always keeps me entertained.

Music- I began playing the piano again as an adult- I find practicing is one of the few times I can switch off from work and really relax.

   

Chris Haves

Job title / organisation: Data Manager, Smart Multi-Academy Trust

Length of time as a governor: Since June 2021

Governor role: Co-opted Governor

Committee involvement: 

Curriculum & Pupil Performance Committee

SIP working group - Remote learning

Background information: 

I am an experienced education data analyst who has worked in the education sector for 16 years. This includes working with both maintained and academy schools in roles that have included school performance analysis, population forecasting, data protections, IT and finance.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

I hope that my experience in working in the education field will allow me to understand and support the school in a diverse range of areas

Main interests/hobbies:

I enjoy cycling (as much as time allows!), gaming (including owning several vintage arcade machines), and spending time with my family (including touring in our VW camper van).

  

Paul Herbertson

Job title / organisation: Value for Money Audit Principal at the National Audit                                                    Office

Length of time as a governor: Since Nov 2020.

Governor role: Co-opted Governor

Committee involvement: 

Chair of the Finance & Resources Committee

SIP working group - Remote learning

Background information: 

I am a Chartered Accountant with a background in financial audit. In my current role I lead value for money audits of the government and its major spend programmes. I moved to the Gosforth area from London with my family in January 2020.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

I hope to use my knowledge of finance and public sector service delivery to ensure that GCMS makes the best use of its funds to provide improved outcomes for its students.

Main interests/hobbies:

Playing and watching sports, particularly rugby.
Spending time with my three year-old daughter.
Following politics.

 

Rachel Hiscott

Job title / organisation: Governance and Assurance Lead, HMRC

Length of time as a governor: Since June 2022

Governor role: Co-opted Governor

Committee involvement: 

Finance Committee

 Background information: 

I have worked for HMRC for nearly 20 years in a range of roles. My main experience is within customer service, project delivery and communications. I have worked predominantly in Tax before moving to EU Exit following the referendum. My work since then has been focused on infrastructure and communications.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

My aim is to be able to offer insight into a wide range of issues. Whilst I do not have an education background. I have experience of a wide range of roles which I hope will allow me to offer support in various areas.

Main interests/hobbies:

Cricket - I have a 12 year old who has a passion for all things cricket so I spend my time taking and fetching him to training sessions and matches as well as watching England and Durham whenever possible.

Films - Specifically Star Wars and Marvel.

Reading - My degree is in English Studies and I'm always happy when reading a book.

 

Lucy Johnson

Job title / organisation: Enterprise Coordinator North East LEP.

Length of time as a governor: Since Oct 2020.

Governor role: Co-opted Governor.

Committee involvement: 

Curriculum & Pupil Performance Committee

Link Governor for Careers & Enterprise

SIP working group - Enterprise

Background information: 

I currently live on a farm in the countryside of rural Northumberland where we have both cattle and sheep. Having worked in the education and enterprise sector for the past 8 years both here in the North East and North West I was keen to use my experience to support the staff and pupils at GCMS.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

Using my experience and knowledge of the North East, skills priorities in the region as well as the education sector, as a governor I hope to support decision making and help shape key issues and priorities within the school with a focus on careers and enterprise education.   

Main interests/hobbies:

My main interests and hobbies include singing, listening to country music and going on walks making the most of the beautiful coastline in Northumberland.

     

Rosie Rai

Job title / organisation: Member Engagement Manager

Length of time as a governor: Since Nov 2021

Governor role: Parent Governor

Committee involvement: 

Not applicable

Background information: 

I am the parent of two boys, one currently in Year 6 at GCMS, and the other at college (who also attended GCMS). I line in Newcastle and work for a Social Housing Membership Organisation, representing the views of social housing providers across the North to influence Government Policy on housing, ensuring that everyone has a safe and warm home.

I host a child poverty network, am a trustee of Child Poverty Charity, and am a STEM Ambassador.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

I want to build on the skills and knowledge that I have developed through my working career to make a positive difference to the education of GCMS pupils - to achieve the best possible schooling experience for our children, to provide a safe, happy and healthy environment, and to prepare them for the next stage of their educational pathway and beyond.

Main interests/hobbies:

I enjoy running, spending time with my family, socialising with friends, watching films and listening to a good audio book.

  

David Slipper

Job title / organisation: Head of PE, GCMS

Length of time as a governor: Since Sept 2016

Governor role: Co-opted (Staff) Governor

Committee involvement: 

Admissions Committee

Finance & Resources Committee

Background information: 

I have been a member of staff at GCMS since 1986 and have held various positions of responsibility - presently, I am the Head of PE.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

I will represent the views of the staff on the governing body, and hopefully contribute from my 30 years of teaching experience.

Main interests/hobbies:

Sport in general, sports coaching, and socialising with friends and family.

  

Deeanne Smith

Job title / organisation: Headteacher, GCMS

Length of time as a governor: Since Oct 2016

Governor role: Associate

Committee involvement: 

Admissions Committee

Curriculum & Pupil Performance Committee

Finance & Resources Committee

Background information: 

I started at GCMS as Assistant Head in 2013 and became Deputy Head in 2016. I became Headteacher in April 2022, ably supported by the amazing GCMS team.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

Over 20 years experience in education, accountability, and understanding of working in high pressure environments from a previous career in neurosurgery nursing.

Main interests/hobbies:

Books are my passion, alongside long dog walks and dancing. Spending time with family and friends is a must and I endeavor to do so as often as possible.

 

 

Jayne Thorpe

Job title / organisation: Retired Teacher

Length of time as a governor: Since May 2014

Governor role: Co-opted Governor

Committee involvement: 

Chair of Governors

Admissions Committee

Chair of Curriculum & Pupil Performance Committee

Finance & Resources Committee

Staffing Committee

Link Governor for SEND

SIP working group - Reading

Background information: 

I have had 3 job titles - Nurse, Mother and Teacher. I nursed for 9 years, then had 6 children - all of whom attended Gosforth Central Middle School, and was a teacher at a Gosforth first school for 12 years. I have been retired from teaching for 2 years.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

The skills and experiences from teaching, my knowledge from 17 years involvement with GCMS both as a parent and governor, my understanding of the Gosforth community, a desire to ensure all children achieve their potential - not just academically - from their time at GCMS and to fulfil all governor requirements effectively.

Main interests/hobbies:

Walking, theatre and music, reading.

   

Rachel Usher

Job title / organisation: Head of Year 5, GCMS

Length of time as a governor: Since Feb 2023

Governor role: Staff Governor

Committee involvement: 

 

 

Background information: 

I am currently the Head of Year 5 at GCMS,  having been Head of PSHE previously. I currently teach Years 5 and 6 but have previously taught all years. I am currently completing an NPQLBC and am working on developing the behaviour and learning culture in our school.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

I hope to bring the voice of our dedicated staff team to the governing body, as well as contributing to effective change in school.

Main interests/hobbies:

I love yoga and practice regularly, I enjoy swimming (in the pool but mainly wild swimming outdoors when the weather allows!) and walking/exploring in Northumberland (where I live), the Lakes and further afield.

 

Karen Willis

Job title / organisation: Adult and child Safeguarding in the NHS 

Length of time as a governor: Since Oct 2016

Governor role: Parent Governor

Committee involvement: 

Staffing Committee

Link Governor for Safeguarding

SIP working group - Well-being

Background information: 

I have 3 children, 1 at GCMS. I am safeguarding link governor and work in adult and child safeguarding in the NHS and as a GP locally.  

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

I’m interested in child and staff wellbeing and also am involved in student teaching and bring these interests and my expertise in safeguarding to the governing body. 

Main interests/hobbies: