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 6 years. I am currently a teacher in year 1 having previously worked in both Nursery and Reception.

I’m Lucy and I have two children at Appletree in Year 2 and Year 3. I have a degree and PhD in Chemistry and a PGCE in Secondary Education (Science) and I have worked in science communication and education roles for many years. Currently, I work at Northumbria University helping academics create real-world impact from their research. I have lived in the North-east since 2010 (except for a 3-year stint in Munich, Germany) and moved to Whitley Bay in January 2020. I am passionate about equality and diversity and ensuring that every child has the opportunities and the confidence to follow the paths they want to. I am particularly keen on challenging stereotypes, e.g., on gender or STEM careers, and on promoting the benefits of a varied education and extra-curricular opportunities – especially as I have so many hobbies that have provided me with transferable skills and experiences.

I'm Caroline and I'm married with two children.

I am originally from the East Midlands and moved to Newcastle in 2007 to read English at the University of Northumbria and then completed my PGCE at Nottingham University. I left teaching whilst I was pregnant with my second daughter to take up a role with Puddle Ducks and I then worked for them as both a swimming instructor and an administrator until April 2018.

I am currently taking a career break but volunteer as a befriender for Age UK, listen to Class 8 read weekly and spend a lot of time walking our dog. I am also a keen bridge player, love going to the theatre and seeing live music.

Whilst not currently working in education I am extremely interested in keeping up to date with developments and policies and am likely to return to education in some capacity in the future.