Governors genuinely care about the school, its pupils, staff and local community
Ofsted, 2019
Anne Welsh has been Chair of Governors at Monkseaton High School since January 2012. She also has experience of being a governor in a local primary school. Anne retired from full time employment in education in 2009, having spent the last 25 years of her career in North Tyneside schools, latterly as the Headteacher of another local secondary school. Since her retirement Anne has worked as a Leadership Consultant in a number of secondary schools across the North East. Anne is passionate about the education of young people and delighted to be part of a happy, inclusive learning community like Monkseaton High School where every young person is encouraged, challenged and supported to achieve in all that they do.
David Baldwin "David Baldwin joined the governing body in November 2023. He has wide experience of being a governor over the last 30 years. Currently he is Chair of Governors in a couple of primary schools in North Tyneside. David retired from full time employment as Headteacher of a North Tyneside school in 2021. Since then he has worked for North Tyneside Learning Trust as their Education Strategic Lead. He also chairs the Newcastle Promise Board supporting schools across Newcastle. He is passionate about careers support for young people and sits on the board of the national Careers and Enterprise Company. David is honoured to support Monkseaton and help secure the best outcomes for its young people."
Patrick Gray: "I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to be a governor for Monkseaton High School. I have a background of coaching, mentoring and developing individuals and teams within commercial roles which spans the last 20+ years. My background is mainly in Tech, but I have recently also spent a period working within STEM. I’ve a vested interest in the schools in the local area with two sons of my own currently at local middle schools. I have acted as Trustee with a national Grief Charity, a role I held for 18 months, and with that volunteer experience, along with my commercial background I hope can add much value to the governor team."
Shona Watson "My son started at Monkseaton High School in September 2018 and I am delighted to have this opportunity to be a parent governor. As Governor I look to build on the links between parents and the school, working with the Headteacher and her team. As a parent I have a vested interest in the school provision, and have a particular interest in SEND and STEM. I have an understanding of curriculum and am keen to help encourage every child to meet their potential. I am currently employed with the Civil Service, previously having been a nurse, teaching assistant and further education tutor."
Kathryn Furness "I have worked at Monkseaton High School since January 2000 and have held a number of different positions. I am currently Assistant Headteacher for Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Assessment. Alongside my leadership role, I also teach English and Media Studies. I am fully committed to Monkseaton High School and its community of students, parents, carers and staff."
Victoria Solomon "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to be a governor at Monkseaton High School. I have worked in education since initially qualifying in Nursery Nursing in 1990. My work experience has been varied within primary schools and early years settings and I also have experience of working with children with additional needs. I have been manager of an early years setting for over 16 years now and have vast experience of working with a large team, managing budgets and overseeing the curriculum and care of the children and much more. I have a very keen interest and passion for health and well-being for children, young people and adults and would love to support this important area of work within school. I feel that I can bring both my life and work experience to the role of school governor and support head teacher and team well."
Angela Towes "In my working life I have always been involved in education. I have worked as a Careers Adviser for Connexions for 12 years in many schools and have acted as a link for Monkseaton High School for the last 6 years. I help young people plan their future lives and ensure they are engaged in education, training or employment. I was born and brought up in Whitley Bay and now live in Monkseaton and have two children, one is at university and one is studying A levels."
Beverley Oliver "I was delighted to be invited to join a team of experienced and dedicated individuals that make up the governing body here at Monkseaton High. The dedication, passion and professionalism demonstrated during my meetings with the Head Teacher and Chair of Governors left me in no doubt that the school was in safe hands and was on a focused path of progression and improvement, with the interests of their students at the heart of each decision they made.
Most of my career has been spent in the automotive industry in key operational, customer service and sales position with national and international organisations and more recently working in the ethics, governance and compliance sector."
Gemma Robinson "I am thrilled to be joining the governing body here at Monkseaton High School. Education is truly a passion of mine and I look forward to supporting the school’s development and progression. I am a qualified teacher and have experienced working within a wide range of schools and provisions, from Early Years through to High School. The majority of my career was spent teaching within a primary school setting. This broad scope helped me to develop a wider insight into education and supporting pupil welfare and attainment. I currently work as a qualification designer for a large awarding body which I believe will be of value in supporting pupils for life after High School and beginning adulthood."
Interested in becoming a parent governor?
As a parent, you have a unique perspective on the education system and the needs of students. Becoming a parent governor is a great way to get involved and make a difference in your child's school. You'll have the opportunity to work with other governors and school leaders to shape policies and make decisions that will benefit all students. Contact school to find out how you can become a parent governor today: office@monkseaton.org.uk