Governance

Chair of Governors

Chris has been on the Board at Sedgefield Community College since 2017, having previously served as a parent governor, and is currently an associate governor.

Both of Chris’s children attend SCC, and his wife is a primary school teacher, giving him insight into the challenges of providing a high-quality educational experience and meeting parental expectations.

Since graduating from university in 1995, Chris has held leadership roles in the retail, telecommunications, and insurance sectors, with a focus on delivering exceptional customer satisfaction and achieving business and customer targets. He believes that many of the same principles used to create great customer experiences in business also apply to how schools communicate with and support parents.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

Local Governor

Dr Jo Gooding is a design researcher with extensive experience in inclusive innovation, creative education, and community engagement. As a governor at Sedgefield Community College, she brings expertise in design-led learning and is passionate about enriching the student experience through enquiry-led and collaborative approaches.

Jo has held lecturing and advisory roles at universities across the North East and previously served on the Disability Equality Steering Group at Northumbria University. Her work has been featured in exhibitions and media including the Science Museum, V&A Dundee, and BBC Radio 4, and she contributed to the Durham Commission on Creative Education.

As co-founder of StyleAbility, a Tech-for-Good start-up focused on accessible design, Jo was involved in the Internet of Caring Things programme at Newcastle’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing, connecting with regional and national networks that promote inclusive innovation.

At Sedgefield Community College, Jo has led initiatives to support access to school uniform, helping families feel confident and included, and links this work with wider community projects such as the Sedgefield Development Trust’s Friendly Fixers and the school’s Swap Shop. Through these efforts, she promotes sustainability, dignity, and practical support, helping to build a more inclusive and resourceful school community.

Interest and date interest commenced

Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy (Close family relationship - 30/6/2024)

Local Governor

Mark is a secondary school Headteacher in County Durham and has a child currently attending Sedgefield Community College. After graduating from Sunderland University in 2006, he began his teaching career in 2007, working across several local authorities in the North East. He has held a variety of teaching and leadership roles and has been a serving Headteacher for over five years.

Mark has developed extensive experience in school governance through his teaching and leadership roles and is committed to working with staff, senior leaders, fellow governors, and Trust staff to support the school community. In his governor role, he is responsible for monitoring careers, information, and guidance.

Mark enjoys spending time with his family during school holidays, touring in their camper van, and is a keen trail runner, participating in various ultra trail marathons each year.

Interest and date interest commenced

North Durham Academy (Headteacher - May 2022)

Associate Governor

Chris is a primary school Headteacher in County Durham and previously served as a parent governor at Sedgefield Community College. After graduating from Lancaster University in 1998, he returned to the North East to focus on teaching primary education. He has held a range of teaching and leadership roles across two Local Authorities and has been a serving Headteacher for over ten years.

During his time as a parent governor at SCC, Chris was involved in the appointment of a new Headteacher and the school’s conversion to join the Laidlaw Schools Trust. In his governor role, he is responsible for monitoring teaching and learning.

Interest and date interest commenced

Howden le Wear Primary School (Headteacher - January 2011)

Parent Governor

Jessica is a Parent Governor at Sedgefield Community College. Her daughter joined the school in Year 7 in September 2021, and she is committed to supporting the school’s future growth and development. Jessica believes every child should be treated as an individual and given the opportunity to reach their full potential in a safe and happy learning environment.

Jessica has several years of governance experience, beginning as a member of the local governing body at Wynyard Primary from its inception in 2014, supporting the original free school application. She joined the Board of Directors at Melrose Academy Trust in December 2020 and currently serves as Vice Chair.

Jessica has worked in the Med Tech industry for the past 18 years and is currently Senior Sales Representative for Surgery at Becton Dickinson.

Interest and date interest commenced

Melrose Academy (Board of Directors - 2013)

Local Governor

Tom is a teacher with 12 years’ experience in both the state and independent sectors and currently works at the Royal Grammar School in Newcastle. He runs the Physics Partnerships programme, supporting partner state schools by upskilling non-specialist teachers, developing curricula, running academic interventions, and providing opportunities for students with an aptitude in STEM to explore engineering through open-ended, regionally contextualised projects. During his career, Tom has also held roles including EPQ Coordinator, Head of Year, and Assistant Head of Middle School.

Originally from the South East, Tom moved to the North East for university over 20 years ago and chose to make the region his home. He currently resides in a village near Gateshead and maintains strong connections to County Durham.

Tom is passionate about equality of opportunity in education, particularly access to meaningful co-curricular activities that develop transferable skills, raise aspirations, and support the development of the whole person. He also undertakes voluntary roles including Duke of Edinburgh Award Assessor, Expedition Leader, and Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer with the Royal Navy.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

Local Governor

Paul is Senior Technical Account Manager at Amazon Web Services, with a career spanning the education, local government, and private sectors. He is passionate about supporting and inspiring young people to explore opportunities in technology and volunteers through programmes including Amazon Future Engineer (in partnership with the Smallpiece Trust), Inspiring the Future, and the Sage Foundation. Through these initiatives, Paul delivers STEM-based activities, class talks, and supports events such as the LEGO League and EmPowerCyber.

Paul is a parent of four children, with his eldest having previously attended Sedgefield Community College and his second eldest currently studying there. He is also a former student and employee of the College, having first joined as a pupil in 1990 before starting his IT career at SCC in 1999.

As a parent of SEND children, Paul understands firsthand the challenges education can bring and is committed to helping students of all backgrounds and abilities realise their potential in technology and engineering.

Interest and date interest commenced

Amazon Web Services (Accounts Manager - November 2020)

Associate Governor

Christopher is an Upper Key Stage Two teacher at Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy, where he has worked since completing his PGCE at Sunderland University. Over the last two years, he has taught Year 6 and has direct experience of the academic journey and challenges students face transitioning from primary to secondary education.

Christopher is a Parent Governor at Sedgefield Community College and is committed to strengthening the relationship between the two schools and enhancing the transition experience for children. He is passionate about supporting students with special educational needs, helping each child unlock their full potential, and ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they deserve.

Interest and date interest commenced

Sedgefield Primary Academy (Staff - September 2017)

Local Governor

Stuart is a Professor of Geology at Durham University and co-director of the Durham Energy Institute, where he leads STEM education and outreach. He has extensive experience delivering large, long-term, multidisciplinary research programmes and working directly with industry.

Stuart has been widely recognised for his innovative and high-quality teaching of Earth Sciences by Durham University and nationally through STEM Learning and the UK Prime Minister’s Award. He is an active champion of Earth Science outreach and the Net Zero Energy transition, regularly undertaking CPD for teachers, public engagement, and teaching activities.

Stuart is a governor at Sedgefield Community College, responsible for STEM education. He has several years of governance experience, including serving as a foundation governor at St Michaels C of E Primary School, Bishop Middleham, where he supported the school’s transition to the One Excellence Multi-Academy Trust.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil