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Structure of Governing Body

School governors are people who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education. They come from all sections of the community and all walks of life. Some governors are elected by parents and staff, some are appointed by the Governing body, the Local Authority or the North Tyneside Learning Trust. The Governing body has 3 core strategic functions:
 
  • that the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined
  • that the headteacher performs their responsibilities for the educational performance of the school
  • ensuring the sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources
 
The Governing body consists of 15 governors and we currently have 2 Co-opted Governor vacancies.
 
The Governing body meets every half term and has five committees who look at issues such as monitoring the school’s finances, pay and staffing matters, the quality of teaching and learning, attainment and progress data, performance management, buildings maintenance and development.
Governing Body Information 2024/25
Governing Body Information 2023/24
Governor Profiles
Mrs Helen Bruce

Headteacher

Mrs Leanne Clay

Chair of Governors

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.

Ms Jayne Wilkinson

Co-opted Governor

Mr Neil Willis

Co-opted Governor

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.

Ms Caroline Tindell

Foundation Governor

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.

Miss Debbie McGregor

Staff Governor

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.

Mrs Shahina Begum

Co Opted Governor

Mr Sean Foster

Foundation Governor

Mr David McClinton

Parent Governor

Mr Andrew Hackett

Local Authority Governor

Mrs Eve Wedderburn

Co-opted Governor

Mrs Ashleigh Willis

Parent Governor