Meet Our Local Governing Committee
Alex Burdon
Trust Member – Local Governing Committee Chair
About Alex
I am a former Walkergate pupil and I’m very proud of the start in life the school and its community gave me. Throughout my career I’ve worked in education including in secondary teaching and more recently working in leadership roles for awarding bodies. I currently lead an Apprenticeship End Point Assessment Organisation. I am married with two young children.
What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?
I’ve seen first hand the impact of governance on school improvement and I wanted to offer my experience to support continued progress at Walkergate. You only get one chance at a primary education and being able to help make that a really positive experience for as many young people as possible led me to become a governance volunteer. Schools rely on volunteers for this work and there is always a shortage of available people.
What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?
Firstly, I really enjoy governance and feel privileged to chair the LGC at Walkergate. I enjoy the opportunity to continue my involvement in schools despite moving on from teaching. Governance needs a range of skills and its difficult to get the opportunity to develop that skill set. Being a governance volunteer means I get to meet our pupils and staff, NEAT colleagues, advisors and a range of other stakeholders, strategically questioning and observing. By doing this we drive continued improvement for our young people. Developing these skills has helped further my career and is extremely rewarding. As a parent, experiencing primary education in this way has helped me better understand what my children are doing, how they are progressing and what I can do to support them.
In three words, how does being a governance volunteer make you feel?
Inspired, happy, empathetic.
Anne-Marie Blackburn
Trust Member
About Anne-Marie
I’ve lived in the school community for 30 years. and have 4 young children who attend a nearby school. I grew up in a similar community and when I decided to become a governor it was important to me that I did it in a school with the same challenges I had growing up. I spend a lot of my time taxi’ing my kids around, but when I get the chance I like to cycle. I also have a season ticket for the best football team in the north east!
My day job is a Civil Servant, delivering and assuring government projects. I love the variety it brings, having recently worked on EU Exit, Judicial Reform and now improving the way government lawyers support the government in policy decisions.
What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?
I fundamentally believe that where you come from in life should not dictate what you do. I’m really grateful to the people who have supported me, whether that be a good teacher at school, a good friend at work, or a mentor – they’ve all played a part in who I am. We are all different and as a governor at Walkergate I want to support (and challenge) the school to have a positive impact on its young people – celebrating differences, providing inspiration, removing blockers – to help the children have the best start to education they can.
What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?
Firstly, I enjoy doing it. I love working with a wide team from all different specialities to help support the school and the wider Walkergate community. To be honest, I didn’t really understand what I’d signed up for at first. But 3 years in, I feel I’m much more confident and know most of the time what is expected. Apart from being a parent, I’ve no connection to the education world. Being a governor has allowed me to learn new things – how the education system works, how we can support our children, and even things like health and safety procedures!
In three words, how does being a governance volunteer make you feel?
Proud, supportive and lucky.
Laura Bridges
Parent Member
About Laura
I live now in Walkergate but have grown up and lived in lots of places, from the East End to as far away as New Zealand. For many years I was a theatre maker, and most loved creating stories and performances with and for children and families. During COVID I re-trained in Psychology. I now work for an NHS therapy service, both researching and helping people with their mental health.
What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?
My child, Joss, is a pupil at Walkergate. I first wanted to get involved to help the school in return for the help it gave him when he started. But from my work with lots of schools across the North East, I also had a sense of how wide the range is of school experiences, benefits, needs and challenges, for individual schoolchildren, staff, families and communities. I wanted to become a governor to help the school think about and make sure that it works in the best way it can for all the different people that are part of it.
What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?
The best bit is getting an inside look at how the school works day-to-day and seeing the brilliant work that is happening everywhere. It feels so special and heart-warming as a parent to walk down the corridors, see into classrooms, talk to the staff, and see for myself the imagination, dedication and thoughtfulness that’s going on – especially when otherwise it can all too often be just “What was school like today?” “Good”(!). It also feels really good to be able to speak out about things that are important to me and see them acted on. I think that the idea of being a Parent Governor can seem a bit intimidating, but it’s definitely given me confidence, and I’d welcome any parents/carers that are interested to join in. (And I’m always happy to chat with anyone who’d like to know more 😊).
In three words, how does being a governance volunteer make you feel?
Proud, connected, active.
Holly Busson
Parent Member
About Holly
Holly is a Chartered Surveyor specialising in commercial property valuations. She has worked in this field for nearly 15 years and is based in Newcastle city centre. Holly also lives in the Walkergate community and has volunteered locally with the elderly.
What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?
I have witnessed how happy the children are to go to Walkergate and I hope to be part of ensuring that continues and the children thrive to their best potential.
What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?
I am inspired by the hard work that goes into running and maintaining our local school and community. This hard work ultimately benefits us all.
In three words, how does being a governance volunteer make you feel?
Engaged, passionate, welcome.
David Coe
Trust Member
About David
I have lived in the North East of England for 14 years (and counting) after originally growing up in Northwich, Cheshire, in the North West. In my time here, I have predominantly worked in the Education sector, firstly as a Tutor, Mentor and then Careers Leader at a large FE College, followed by five years in a role supporting careers programmes across a range of secondary schools and colleges in the region, recently merging into the North East Combined Authority. Outside of work, I am a Father to two young girls (4 and 1 ½) and am a keen runner, part of a local running club and having completed 10 marathons since 2011.
What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?
I discovered more about the governor role through a campaign at my current place of work and a couple of colleagues who already volunteered in this capacity. Keen to do something a bit different to the day job and develop new skills, especially around strategic thinking, I applied for a vacant position at Walkergate Community School and was accepted to join the team!
What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?
There are so many benefits to being a governance volunteer, from learning more about everything and everyone involved in running a primary school and the incredible amount of work that goes on to ensure children have the best possible experience and outcomes, to being part of and playing an active role in a team of fellow Governors, which helps you to develop skills that benefit you both personally and professionally.
In three words, how does being a governance volunteer make you feel?
Valued, Part of a Team, Pride.
Beverley Collins
Staff Member
About Beverley
I am a staff governor and also a class teacher and Maths Lead. I didn’t start teaching until I was 42 after leaving a job as a Senior Commercial Underwriter for a large insurance company. After leaving this job, I initially helped out in my daughters’ school which is when I decided to become a teacher. I have two grown up daughters and a granddaughter.
What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?
As a member of staff, I felt it was important to have someone on the governance team who could represent the staff and give them a voice in the wider decision making process. I hope to contribute and ensure that governance has a positive impact upon the pupils and the staff at Walkergate to ensure that our school develops happy, positive and confident children.
What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?
I am excited to learn more about governance as it is the first time I have had this role. I believe as a member of staff, I will be able to make a positive contribution to the governance team and effectively contribute to the strategic decision making about our school to ensure it remains a positive and effective environment for all.
In three words, how does being a governance volunteer make you feel?
Excited, curious, happy.
Ruth Cowen-Bell
Parent Member
About Ruth
I have two children and cat. For work I am a project manager. In my spare time I love gardening.
What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?
Wanting to invest in my local community.
What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?
Learning more about the school, meeting new people, access to development opportunities and strengthening skills and experience in governance.
In three words, how does being a governance volunteer make you feel?
Part of something.
Jak Hogg
Co-opted Member
About Jak
I grew up in Ashington, and lived in Canada for a while, but have spent the last 10 years living and working in Newcastle. For the past 6 years, I have worked for the Newcastle United Foundation and my current role is the Area Development Manager for Newcastle, Gateshead and County Durham.
What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?
Having worked in Walkergate as part of my role with the Newcastle United Foundation, and living just 2 minutes away from the school, I wanted to increase my awareness and involvement within the overall school organisation. My job allowed me a sneak peak into the inner workings of school life at Walkergate, which made me believe there was an amazing opportunity to extend my own passion for high quality education and inclusivity into the governance team. The staff at Walkergate go above and beyond to try and generate the most equitable environment for young people to flourish and grow and I wanted to see if I could help that continue.
What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?
So far, I can say that there are many amazing benefits to being a member of the governance team at Walkergate. I have gained some incredible knowledge and insight into the strategic processes involved in making the school the best possible place for children to be safe, learn and enjoy their time in education. Furthermore, I have had many brilliant training opportunities that have helped me professionally and as a governor.
In three words, how does being a governance volunteer make you feel?
Fulfilling, rewarding, impactful.
Amber Loizou
Co-opted Member
About Amber
I have been a primary school teacher for almost eight years and I absolutely love working with children to improve their learning and provide them with lifelong skills. I hold a degree in Media, Culture and Society as well as a degree in Primary Education, and I am also a school SENCO, a role I am deeply passionate about as it allows me to advocate for children with additional needs and ensure every child has the support they need to succeed. I was raised in a small village in County Durham but have lived in Newcastle for around 13 years, and I am proud to support education within the local community through my role as a school governor.
What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?
I was inspired to become a governance volunteer because I wanted to contribute further to the development and success of a school beyond the classroom. Education has always been incredibly important to me, and becoming a governor allows me to support the school at a strategic level. I wanted to use my experience as a teacher and SENCO to help ensure that all pupils receive high-quality education and opportunities to thrive.
What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?
Being a school governor is extremely rewarding. It allows me to contribute to the wider direction and development of the school while gaining a deeper understanding of leadership and decision-making within education. I value the opportunity to work collaboratively with other governors and school leaders, sharing ideas and supporting positive change. It is also incredibly fulfilling to know that the work we do ultimately benefits the children and the wider school community.
In three words, how does being a governance volunteer make you feel?
Proud, inspired, fulfilled.