Our Board

Board of Directors

The Trust is led by a Board of Directors. The Board meets at least six times a year and is responsible for overall governance, setting strategic direction and monitoring performance. There are 10 Directors on the Trust Board and 5 of those represent Trust Schools. Learn more about our Directors below.

	Jonathan Heath – Chair & Secondary Schools Representative Jonathan has been Headteacher at John Spence Community High School since September 2018 and joined the Trust Board in September 2019, he became Chair in September 2020. Jonathan is committed to providing the very best quality of education for all so that every individual who leaves has the skills, attributes and qualifications needed to be successful in life. Jonathan is also fully committed to providing staff with a safe and enjoyable working environment where all are encouraged to develop through high quality support and training. Jonathan recognises the importance of partnerships and in previous roles has developed considerable business networks in order to provide young people with quality careers education and opportunities.
	Graham Wynn – Higher/Further Education Partners Representative Professor Graham Wynn is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at Northumbria University and was appointed to the Trust Board in September 2022. As PVC Education, Graham is responsible for leading and shaping the University’s Education Strategy, enhancing the quality and distinctiveness of the student experience and building a portfolio of high-quality, taught programmes that provide an excellent student learning experience and strong student outcomes. A professor of theoretical astrophysics, Graham’s research is focused on the study of astrophysical accretion and has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles and has been principle or co-investigator on over £10M of research grants.
	Laura Baggett – Primary Schools Representative Laura Baggett is Headteacher at Monkhouse Primary School and was appointed Primary Director on the Trust Board in October 2017. Monkhouse is a school that is committed to real life and global learning opportunities that ignite pupil’s passions so they can achieve highly. As a school, staff are active learners, researching and trialling new and innovative ways to teach and learn; redefining education and preparing children for the world of tomorrow. Laura is also the chair of the Great North Maths Hub Strategic Board.
	Stephane Bommel – Primary Schools Representative Stephane is the Headteacher at Hazlewood Community Primary School in Wideopen and appointed Primary Director on the Trust Board in July 2021. Stephane is passionate about children’s education. At the heart of our school, all individuals have opportunities to thrive in their own unique ways. By igniting passion and embracing difference, we can unlock limitless potential for all in our community. Through nurturing and trust, we can open the door to exciting new adventures, challenges and experiences to spark dreams for every child. Stephane has a passion for musical theatre and has produced and directed many musical theatre shows in the North East of England, as well as conducting the NTLT Musical Extravaganza at Sage Gateshead. Stephane is delighted to be part of an inspiring and dedicated team of individuals at the Trust.
	Gill Wilson – Special Schools Representative Gill Wilson is the headteacher at Woodlawn Special School and was appointed Special Schools Representative on the Trust Board in September 2021. Gill has 33 years teaching experience in both mainstream and specialist settings. The last 18 years in leadership roles in special schools. Gill has been headteacher of Woodlawn School since 2015. The school is fully inclusive catering for pupils from 2 ½ to 18 years with physical, medical, sensory needs and / or moderate learning difficulties. Woodlawn School encourages all students and staff through a curriculum offer which ensures students leave the school with the skills, qualifications and aspirations on a journey to achieve their life dreams. With a focus on coaching and mentoring both staff and students are encouraged to have high aspirations in all they do. The school philosophy is centred on team working and supporting each other recognising learning as a collaborative activity. The school promotes community-based learning supporting pupils to have a fulfilling role within North Tyneside and beyond.
	Paul Johnson – Secondary Schools Representative Paul is our secondary schools representative and is currently the Headteacher at Churchill Community College.
	David Hodgson – Employer Partners Representative David Hodgson is a graduate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Newcastle with a 36 year career in the Fine Chemical Industry. Throughout his career he has been based on the site currently operated by Sterling Pharma Solutions at Dudley in Northumberland. David’s experience includes process engineering, design, project engineering and operations management. For the past 28 years he has specialised in Health, Safety and Environment Management. He has worked in USA, South American, East Africa and mainland Europe. David is Director of Regulatory Compliance and a member of the Shasun Pharma Solutions Management team. He is also a member of the CIA UK Strategy Board and a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers.
	Margie Burdis – Employer Partners Representative Margie is a 30% Club mentor and a member of The Girls Network, which works with schools to match 14- to 19-year-old girls with strong female professionals to act as mentors. She returned to work in the north east after several years working away. She lives in Durham and has two grown-up children. Her background is working in and with the public sector. She has previously been Sales Director for Capita’s government services division. Margie was UK Sales Director for Sodexo’s healthcare business and prior to that was a Vice President at BT, leading the team that ran major bids across public sector businesses and heading BT’s central government business for a time. She was also Chief Executive Officer for BT’s partnership with South Tyneside Council for its first three years. Margie started her career in local councils, training as a CIPFA accountant at South Tyneside and then working at Newcastle City Council for ten years before joining Agilisys where she worked in the public sector business for two years.
	Terry Gurr – Chair of Governors Representative Terry Gurr is a retired Civil Engineer with over 40 years experience in the mining industry and local government having worked for British Coal, Newcastle City Council and Blyth Valley Borough Council. The last 12 years at Blyth Valley held the position of Borough Engineer and Head of Direct Works. He is actively involved in the training and accreditation of civil engineering students. He is a member of the Industrial Advisory Board at Northumbria University and Joint Board of Moderators for the Institution of Civil Engineers, carrying out accreditation inspections at universities throughout the UK. He received the Freedom of Northumberland and Blyth for services to local government and recently received the Queen’s Maundy Money for enriching the lives of young people in the community. Terry has served as a governor at Burnside College for over 30 years with the last 3 years as Chair of Governors. He has a strong interest in STEM , further and higher education, the provision of employment opportunities and after school activities.
	Cllr Steven Phillips – Local Authority Representative Steven is the Cabinet Member responsible for Education, Inclusion, Employment and Skills at North Tyneside Council and joined the Board in 2022.
	Nick Preston – Employer Partners Representative Nick is a Director for Capita who are currently in a long term partnership with North Tyneside Council to deliver a number of services. He is responsible for delivery of the Highway Services within the partnership. Nick has over twenty years’ experience as a civil engineer in both the public and private sector and also acts as a mentor for Civil Engineering Apprentices within the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE). Nick is excited to be working with the board in this new role and continuing the excellent work being delivered.