Governance

Scott is Project Manager at DeepOcean UK and has a diverse career spanning geophysics, offshore engineering, emergency planning, and international development. He previously worked as a Seismic Data Processor at Svitzer Ltd and Veritas CGG, as a Geotechnical Engineer at CTC Marine, and as Business Unit Director at Geomarine.

Scott studied Geophysics at the University of Leicester and completed an MSc in Geotechnical Engineering at Newcastle University. He spent two years travelling internationally, including roles with Raleigh International as Project Manager in Ghana and Deputy Expedition Leader in Costa Rica. He also worked as Emergency Planning Officer for Hartlepool Borough Council, reviewing civil emergency plans for Teesside’s industrial sites. Scott has two children at a LST Academy and is married to Jo, whom he met in 1998 while volunteering at Canterbury Cathedral.

Interest and date interest commenced

Durham Community LGC (Close family relationship - 10/11/2026)

Chris has supported the Governance of LST Academies since 2017, having previously served as a Parent Governor.

Chris’s children have attended 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

Andrea is a retired CEO and Executive Headteacher with extensive experience as a teacher, parent, senior leader, and Headteacher. She brings this expertise to her role as a Governor on the Durham Community LGC to make a positive contribution to children’s education.

Andrea has worked with and within governing bodies for over 20 years. She is committed to supporting the Headteacher and leadership team in setting the vision, ethos, and strategic direction of the school, holding the Headteacher to account for educational performance, and overseeing financial performance.

Interest and date interest commenced

The Legacy Learning Trust (Member - 1/4/2023)

Gemma works in Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and is passionate about supporting trainee teachers as they begin their careers in primary education. She is currently a science tutor for High Force Education SCITT and a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) for primary science with a National Teaching School.

Gemma was previously ITT Lead at High Force Education SCITT, based at Green Lane Primary, Barnard Castle. Before this, she taught for six years across Key Stage 2 with additional Teaching and Learning responsibilities and developed a strong interest in teaching science. She brings these skills and expertise to the Durham Community LGC at LST.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

Dr Jo Gooding is a design researcher with extensive experience in inclusive innovation, creative education, and community engagement. As a Governor on the Durham Community LGC, 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 LST, 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

Durham Community LGC (Close family relationship - 10/11/2026)

Mark is a secondary school Headteacher in County Durham and has a child currently attending a LST Academy. 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 to meet the full potential of the Academy.

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)

Interest and date interest commenced

SCC Exam Inviligator (Business/Finance Interest - 22/4/2024)

Interest and date interest commenced

Feeding Families (Employee - March 2021)

Stockton Citizens Advice Bureau (CEO)

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. 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. He brings these skills and expertise to his Governance role at LST.

Interest and date interest commenced

Amazon Web Services (Accounts Manager - November 2020)

Chris is a primary school Headteacher in County Durham and previously served as a Parent Governor on the SCC LGC. 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 passionate about maintaining high standards in teaching and learning.

Interest and date interest commenced

Advanced Learning Partnership (Headteacher - 5/1/2022)

Ofsted (Business/Finance Interest - 1/5/2021)

Interest and date interest commenced

EMG Solicitors (Director - August 2023)