People and teams

Accounting Officer

Name: Dr. Alexandra Thorp
Appointment date: 02.09.2024
Term of Office: Until cessation of CEO role
Appointed by: Ex officio (Chief Executive Officer)
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None

Board of Members

Name: Geoff Norris
Appointment date: 01.09.2021
Term of office: N/A
Appointed by: Members of the Trust
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Underscar Owners Club Ltd, Board Director of a non-profit-making company responsible for managing 25 timeshare apartments, since 2010.
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: Jackie Slesenger
Appointment date: 01.09.2022
Term of office: N/A
Appointed by: Board of Members
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Trustee of the West End Food Bank Charity since 2004. Co-opted Member of Sacre Advisory Group since 2008.
Attendance 24/25: 3/4

Name: Judy Storey (Chair)
Appointment date: 25.10.2018
Term of office: N/A
Appointed by: Original (signatory) member
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Registration Officer in Democratic Services at Newcastle City Council since April 2023. Two granddaughters attend Gosforth Junior High Academy.
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Members who stepped down in the last 12 months

Name: John Hall
Appointment date: 13.10.2021
Term of office: Resigned 31.10.2024
Appointed by: Members of the Trust
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None
Attendance 24/25: 1/1

Name: George Snaith
Appointment date: 01.11.2023
Term of office: Resigned 31.12.2024
Appointed by: Members of the Trust
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Son has worked for Blackwell Books since 2017, which is a potential book/stationery supplier. First cousin, once removed of Lindsey Ferrie, who is a Trustee.
Attendance 24/25: 1/2

Trustees

Name: Zarqa Akhtar
Appointment date: 1.9.25
Term of office: 31.8.29
Appointed by: Members
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Employed by Square 4 since October 2024. Child attends Gosforth Park First School
Other role(s): Finance and Premises Committee
Attendance 24/25: N/A

Name: Lesley Bowes
Appointment date: 15.12.20 reappointed 14.12.2024
Term of office: 13.12.2028
Appointed by: Members
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Spouse is David Bowes, who is a Governor
Other role(s): Vice Chair of Trustees, Chair of Curriculum and Standards Committee, Finance and Premises Committee, Chair of Great Park Governing Committee, Junior High Academy Governor
Attendance 24/25: 8/8 (Board) 4/4 (Curriculum and Standards) 3/4 (Finance)

Name: Dr. Julie Crumbley
Appointment date: 20.05.2021 reappointed 20.05.2025
Term of office: 19.05.2029
Appointed by: Members
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None
Other role(s): Audit and Risk Committee, People Committee, Callerton and North Gosforth Academy Governor
Attendance 24/25: 7/8 (Board) 4/4 (Finance)

Name: Roger Edwardson
Appointment date: 19.02.2018 reappointed 19.02.2022
Term of office: 18.02.2026
Appointed by: Members
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Owner and Managing Director of Roger Edwardson Education and Childrens Services Ltd since 2005
Other role(s): Finance and Premises Committee, People Committee, Chair of Jesmond Park Academy Governing Committee
Attendance 24/25: 7/8 (Board) 0/1 (Staffing, Salaries and Performance) 3/4 (Finance)

Name: Dr. Lindsey Ferrie
Appointment date: 02.06.2023
Term of office: 01.06.2027
Appointed by: Members
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Newcastle University – Employee since 2008. Sheffield Hallam University – Employee – External Examiner, January 2022 to January 2026. First cousin, once removed of George Snaith, who was a Trustee
Other role(s): Audit and Risk Committee, Curriculum and Standards Committee
Attendance 24/25: 3/8 (Board) 4/4 (Curriculum and Standards)

Name: Prof. Nick Girdler
Appointment date: 02.06.2023
Term of office: 01.06.2027
Appointed by: Members
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Newcastle University – Senior academic since 2006. Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Consultant, since 2006. Dunstan Steads Management Ltd – Director since 2021. Barnard Castle School, Board Member, since 2024
Other role(s): Curriculum and Standards Committee, Callerton Academy and Gosforth Academy Governing Committee Chair
Attendance 24/25: 6/8 (Board) 3/4 (Curriculum and Standards)

Name: Jeff Lough
Appointment date: 19.02.2018 reappointed 19.02.2022
Term of office: 18.02.2026
Appointed by: Members
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Knightsbridge Management Group –Director since 2004. Hawthorn Primary School – Joint Vice Chair since 2017.
Gosforth East Middle School – Governor since 2017. Newcastle Bridges School – Chair of Local Advisory Committee since 2017.
Excelsior Academy – Chair of Local Governing Body since 2017. Northern Counties School – Chair of the Local Governing Body since February 2023. Percy Hedley School, Chair of the LAC, since September 2024
Other role(s): Safeguarding link, Chair of Finance and Premises Committee
Attendance 24/25: 8/8 (Board) 1/1 (Staffing, Salaries and Performance) 4/4 (Finance)

Name: Dr. Ally Memon
Appointment date: 02.06.2023
Term of office: 01.06.2027
Appointed by: Members
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Northumbria University – employee since June 2021. Child attends Great Park Academy
Other role(s): Curriculum and Standards Committee, People Committee
Attendance 24/25: 5/8 (Board) 2/4 (Curriculum and Standards)

Name: Julia Morrison
Appointment date: 01.11.2024
Term of office: 31.10.2028
Appointed by: Members
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Director at Morrison & Mann
Other role(s): People Committee, Audit and Risk Committee, Jesmond Park Academy Governor
Attendance 24/25: 5/6 (Board)

Name: Chris Nicholson
Appointment date: 15.12.2020 reappointed 14.12.2024
Term of office: 13.12.2028
Appointed by: Members
Relevant business and pecuniary interests:None
Other role(s): Chair of Trustees, Audit and Risk Committee, Curriculum and Standards Committee
Attendance 24/25: 8/8 (Board) 4/4 (Curriculum and Standards) 4/4 (Finance)

Name: Mark Patton
Appointment date: 1.9.25
Term of office: 31.8.29
Appointed by: Members
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None
Other role(s): Chair of Audit and Risk Committee
Attendance 24/25: N/A

Trustees who stepped down in the last 12 months

Name: Sophie Ashcroft
Appointment date: 25.10.2018 reappointed 15.11.2022
Term of office: 14.11.2026 resigned 3.7.25
Appointed by: Members
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: 56º North - Director and employee since April 2022. Clusa – Director and owner since March 2014. Spouse is Key Stage 3 Lead at Callerton Academy since September 2023.
Other role(s): Staffing, Salaries and Performance Committee
Attendance 24/25: 4/8 (Board) 1/1 (Staffing, Salaries and Performance)

Name: George Snaith
Appointment date: 01.11.2023
Term of office: Resigned 31.12.2024
Appointed by: Members of the Trust
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Son has worked for Blackwell Books since 2017, which is a potential book/stationery supplier. First cousin, once removed of Lindsey Ferrie, who is a Trustee.
Attendance 24/25: 1 / 4 (Board)

Callerton Academy Governors

Name: Julie Crumbley
Appointment date: 31.12.19 reappointed 01.01.24
Term of office: 31.12.2027
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests:None
Other role(s): Trustee, Chair at North Gosforth Academy
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: David Bowes
Appointment date: 07.05.21 reappointed 07.05.25
Term of office: 06.05.29
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Spouse is a Trustee, Lesley Bowes
Other role(s): Governor at North Gosforth Academy
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: Nick Girdler
Appointment date: 02.06.23
Term of office: 01.06.27
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Newcastle University – Senior academic since 2006. Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Consultant, since 2006. Dunstan Steads Management Ltd – Director since 2021. Barnard Castle School, Board Member, since 2024.
Other role(s): Chair, Trustee
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: Stacy Jones
Appointment date: 10.11.21
Term of office: 09.11.25
Appointed by: Staff
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Staff member
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 3/4

Name: Matthew MacDonald
Appointment date: 6.12.24
Term of office: 5.12.28
Appointed by: Staff
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Staff member
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 2/2

Name: Shona Taylor
Appointment date: 6.12.24
Term of office: 5.12.28
Appointed by: Parents
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Child attends Callerton Academy. Employed by Newcastle College. Member of steering group for Newcastle Parent Carer Forum.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 1/2

Name: Cherri Blissett
Appointment date: 07.05.21 re-elected 03.07.25
Term of office: 02.07.29
Appointed by: Parents
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Child attends Callerton Academy. Rocket Science UK Ltd – Director since March 2020. Fuel Research - Company Director since August 2024.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 3/4

Gosforth Academy Governors

Name: Naveen Athiraman
Appointment date: 07.05.21 reappointed 07.05.2025
Term of office: 06.05.29
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Royal Victoria Infirmary - Consultant Neonatologist since 2013. Children attend Gosforth Academy.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 1/4

Name: Steve Davison
Appointment date: 06.12.24
Term of office: 05.12.28
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Spouse is PA to the Principal at Gosforth Academy. Daughter is a Senior Learning and Pastoral Supervisor.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 2/2

Name: Nick Girdler
Appointment date: 21.03.24
Term of office: 20.03.28
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Newcastle University – Senior academic since 2006. Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Consultant, since 2006. Dunstan Steads Management Ltd – Director since 2021. Barnard Castle School, Board Member, since 2024.
Other role(s): Chair, Trustee, Chair at Callerton Academy
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: Mark Harrison
Appointment date: 01.09.23
Term of office: 31.08.27
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 1/4

Name: Amy Bonello
Appointment date: 01.05.24
Term of office: 30.04.28
Appointed by: Staff
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Staff member. Mother is a Governor at Great Park Academy and co-ordinator at Gosforth Academy.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: Giovanna Gentile
Appointment date: 18.07.25
Term of office: 17.07.29
Appointed by: Staff
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Staff member
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: N/A

Name: Sarah Rae
Appointment date: 09.01.23
Term of office: 08.01.27
Appointed by: Parents
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Child attends Gosforth Academy. North Gosforth Primary Care Network, Local GP, since July 2019.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: Olumuyiwa Oshungboye
Appointment date: 22.01.25
Term of office: 21.01.29
Appointed by: Parents
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Child attends Gosforth Academy. Director, Dabrosh Solutions Ltd.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 2/2
Name: Jeff Lough
Appointment date: 17.10.2025
Term of office: 16.10.2029
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Knightsbridge Management Group –Director since 2004. Hawthorn Primary School – Joint Vice Chair since 2017.
Gosforth East Middle School – Governor since 2017. Newcastle Bridges School – Chair of Local Advisory Committee since 2017.
Excelsior Academy – Chair of Local Governing Body since 2017. Northern Counties School – Chair of the Local Governing Body since February 2023. Percy Hedley School, Chair of the LAC, since September 2024
Other role(s): Safeguarding link trustee, Finance and Premises Committee Chair
Attendance 24/25: N/A

Great Park Academy Governors

Name: Dave Vero
Appointment date: 01.01.20 reappointed 01.01.24
Term of office: 31.12.27
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None
Other role(s): Chair at Junior High Academy
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: Barbara Bonello
Appointment date: 09.07.21 reappointed 08.07.25
Term of office: 08.07.29
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Gosforth Academy – Exam Invigilator since November 2021. Daughter has been employed as a teacher at Gosforth Academy since 2021 and is a staff governor.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: Lesley Bowes
Appointment date: 07.05.21 reappointed 07.05.25
Term of office: 06.05.29
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Spouse is David Bowes, who is a Governor.
Other role(s): Chair, Trustee, Governor at Junior High Academy
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: Dan Talbot
Appointment date: 06.12.24
Term of office: 05.12.28
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Vice Chair of Governors, Dinnington First School. Keepmoat Homes, Engineer Manager.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 2/2

Name: Katharine Pringle
Appointment date: 09.07.21 reappointed 09.07.25
Term of office: 08.07.29
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Emmanuel College – Teacher, Head of Social Science. Connectment Ltd – Spouse a Director since 2013.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 3/4

Name: Michael Richardson
Appointment date: 24.09.24
Term of office: 23.09.28
Appointed by: Staff
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Staff member
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 3/3

Name: Jo Lisgo
Appointment date: 24.09.24
Term of office: 23.09.28
Appointed by: Staff
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Staff member
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 2/3

Name: Nicola Borg
Appointment date: 01.12.21
Term of office: 30.11.25
Appointed by: Parents
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: C&C PLC – Employee since 2003. Child attends Great Park Academy.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 1/4

Name: Eleanor Dawson
Appointment date: 01.12.21
Term of office: 30.11.25
Appointed by: Parents
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Child attends Great Park Academy.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 3/4

Jesmond Park Academy Governors

Name: Roger Edwardson
Appointment date: 01.08.20 reappointed 01.08.24
Term of office: 31.07.28
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Owner and Managing Director of Roger Edwardson Education and Childrens Services Ltd since 2005.
Other role(s): Chair, Trustee
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: Julia Morrison
Appointment date: 06.12.24
Term of office: 05.12.28
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Director at Morrison & Mann.
Other role(s): Trustee
Attendance 24/25: 2/2

Name: Deborah Bathgate
Appointment date: 12.02.24
Term of office: 11.02.28
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: Karen Dews
Appointment date: 18.10.22
Term of office: 17.10.26
Appointed by: Staff
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Staff member. Heaton Baptist Church – Trustee since May 2022.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 3/4

Name: Stacy Gillis
Appointment date: 1.11.19 reappointed 1.11.23
Term of office: 31.10.27
Appointed by: Parents
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Newcastle University – Employed since 2004. Hotspur Primary School – Deputy Chair of Governing Board since November 2021. Children attend Jesmond Park Academy.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 3/4

Junior High Academy Governors

Name: Dave Vero
Appointment date: 01.01.20 reappointed 01.01.24
Term of office: 31.12.27
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None
Other role(s): Chair, Governor at Great Park Academy.
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: Lesley Bowes
Appointment date: 07.05.21 reappointed 07.05.25
Term of office: 06.05.29
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Spouse is David Bowes, who is a Governor.
Other role(s): Trustee, Chair at Great Park Academy
Attendance 24/25: 2/4

Name: Joe Hubbard
Appointment date: 22.09.25
Term of office: 21.09.29
Appointed by: Staff
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Staff member
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: N/A

Name: Phil Lumsden
Appointment date: 29.11.22
Term of office: 28.11.26
Appointed by: Staff
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Staff member. Spouse is employed at Great Park Academy.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 3/4

Name: Sacha McNally
Appointment date: 07.10.25
Term of office: 06.10.29
Appointed by: Parents
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Child attends Junior High Academy
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: N/A

Name: Adam Proops
Appointment date: 07.10.25
Term of office: 06.10.29
Appointed by: Parents
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Child attends Junior High Academy
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: N/A

North Gosforth Academy Governors

Name: Julie Crumbley
Appointment date: 31.12.19 reappointed 01.01.24
Term of office: 31.12.27
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None
Other role(s): Chair, Trustee, Governor at Callerton Academy
Attendance 24/25: 3/4

Name: Anthony Young
Appointment date: 02.05.24
Term of office: 01.05.28
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: PM Healthcare Ltd, Professional Consultant / Advisor / Editorial Board Member, since 2015. Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, Professional Assessor, since 2021.
Other role(s): Vice Chair
Attendance 24/25: 3/4

Name: David Bowes
Appointment date: 07.05.21 reappointed 07.05.25
Term of office: 06.05.29
Appointed by: Trustees
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Spouse is Trustee, Lesley Bowes
Other role(s): Governor at Callerton Academy
Attendance 24/25: 3/4

Name: Susan Pike
Appointment date: 30.06.20 reappointed 02.09.24
Term of office: 01.09.28
Appointed by: Staff
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Staff member
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 3/4

Name: Sarah Welford
Appointment date: 18.10.22
Term of office: 17.10.26
Appointed by: Parents
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Self-employed Hairdresser. Child attends North Gosforth Academy.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 4/4

Name: Jackie Salmon
Appointment date: 18.10.22
Term of office: 17.10.26
Appointed by: Parents
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Northumberland and Newcastle Society – Employee since November 2016. Jackie’s Virtual Bureau – Sole Trader since June 2018. Child attends North Gosforth Academy.
Other role(s):
Attendance 24/25: 3/4