Structure of Governing Body

I am Leanne Clay and I am an Assistant Headteacher at a local high school. I was previously a parent governor and was appointed as Chair of Governors in January 2019 and I am involved in the performance management of the Headteacher.

As a biology graduate I started my working life as a marine biologist which brought me to the North East many years ago. I later qualified as a secondary science teacher at Newcastle University teaching and moving into middle and senior school leadership for the next 17 years. As a STEM education consultant I supported department improvement along with a wide range of other education based contracts. I currently work for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership leading work across the region in bringing industry and education closer through meaningful engagement. I hope that my skills and experience can contribute to supporting our excellent staff in ensuring all our children achieve their potential in a stimulating learning environment.

I am very happy to be joining Appletree Gardens as a governor, appointed through North Tyneside Learning Trust. After completing my degree in Human Resource Management, I went on to do my PGCE with North Tyneside SCITT in 2007. I was then lucky enough to spend 10 years as Teacher, Key Stage Lead and Assistant Head Teacher in a wonderful North Tyneside School. With three energetic sons of my own, my teaching career has changed pace for the meantime and I feel that becoming a governor will enable me to draw upon the knowledge, skills and experience I have built over the last decade whilst continuing to learn and develop in a profession that I love. I look forward to making a positive contribution to the Appletree Gardens community.

I am Debbie McGregor and I have worked at Appletree for 11 years. I am DSL, Maths Lead, Mental Health Lead and Key Stage 2 Lead. I am currently a teacher in year 4 and have taught in all key stages accross school.

I moved to the Whitley Bay in 2019, and I have been a Matron at the Freeman since then. Prior to this I was a Matron in Haematology at Guys and St Thomas’ in London. I absolutely love living in Whitley Bay and I feel that the family and I really take every advantage of seaside life!

There are many similarities between healthcare and education and I am hopeful of bringing my over twenty year experience within the NHS to AppleTree.