Parent consultation on PSHE/RE guidance for 2026
Jennie King
I am a committed educator who has enjoyed a strategic role in many of the schools I have worked in. I have been involved in bidding for large funding opportunities and managed numerous successful education sector projects to broaden student experiences and to maximize their exposure to broader cultural experiences and increased opportunity to maximize their outcomes and reach their full potential.
I have always wanted to give back to the poorer students of our community even when working in the independent sector. At a stage of my career where I no longer hold any additional responsibility in my employment capacity, I wanted to offer my experience, expertise and enthusiasm to another school. Norham High School is facing challenging circumstances in difficult times and I am looking forward to supporting the SLT, the students and their parents to help make a difference.
David Bartlett
Head of Business Change and Technology at Nexus responsibility driving change through the business by the better use, and introduction of new technologies.
David’s recent track record has seen him head up the implementation of the most successful Smart Ticketing Technology outside of London.
David now plays a key role in the wider rollout of the next generation of ticketing and information technologies including real time information and its dissemination across the whole NE region.
David is also heading up future payment options on Metro including payment by contactless bank card payment and mobile devices. David was appointed as Nexus’ HR Director in 2006 and has over twenty years’ experience in HR and change management, predominately in Manufacturing and Engineering.
Jane Core
With 38 years professional experience in roles around education, lifelong learning and student support I have experience in senior institutional leadership roles involving strategic oversight and planning and have held significant responsibilities for both capital projects and revenue plans.
I have had the opportunity to lead teams and projects to transform the way students are supported in their learning, and also in their wellbeing and future careers and ambitions.
My personal focus has always been on the student as a learner held at the centre of everything our organisations offer. My satisfaction in my career has been drawn from being able to help students realise their potential irrespective of their social, economic, educational or family background. I hope that my interests and experience help me to make positive contributions to Norham and the community that it supports and nurtures.
Christina Neal
North Shields has been my home for nearly forty years and it is a community and place I feel proud to belong to.
Part of my role working with trainee teachers at Newcastle University meant that I visited Norham on many occasions and always found it to be a welcoming and supportive school for young teachers starting on their careers. Consequently, I was very happy to be co-opted to become a governor at Norham.
As a retired teacher I enjoy being able to use my experience in education in the school system. It is very rewarding to work alongside the staff at Norham who are always so supportive of the role of governor and also to witness the initiatives in action which are providing the thriving students with opportunities in their education and beyond.
Nick Cubley
Nick has a vast amount of experience in the education field.
Beginning his career as a Secondary English teacher, Nick went on to become a senior leader in secondary schools, before training as a Teacher of the deaf.
Nick has now led sensory service provision in 2 local authorities, before taking up his current role as Sensory Service manager for schools and settings across North Tyneside; a post he has held for the last ten years. Having worked in North Tyneside for a considerable amount of time, Nick has a robust knowledge of systems and processes, particularly in the SEND field.
Tom Walker
I am passionate about education and strongly believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. Throughout my career I have worked in a variety of schools and settings, including alternative provision, which has helped me develop a strong understanding of the different challenges young people can face.
I particularly enjoy curriculum development, digital learning and finding creative ways to engage students in education. Alongside teaching, I have delivered staff training in digital literacy and supported colleagues with teaching and learning strategies across school. I also enjoy getting involved in wider school life through extracurricular activities and student enrichment opportunities.
Becoming a governor gives me the opportunity to support the school community beyond my day-to-day teaching role and contribute to the continued development of Norham High School. I care deeply about ensuring that all students feel supported, challenged and inspired to achieve their potential.
I understand the importance of creating an environment where young people feel safe, valued and encouraged to succeed both academically and personally. My ambition for Norham is to continue building a school community where high expectations, strong relationships and opportunities for personal growth help every student thrive. I hope to use my experience in education, pastoral care and curriculum development to support the leadership team and contribute positively to the future direction of the school.
Carli Black
I worked as a registered Learning Disability Nurse until from 2007 until 2018. I left nursing to care for my daughter who has additional needs. I have recently started my own business which allows me to attend all of my daughters appointments and be flexible where needed.
I wanted to be a governor to bring my own professional and personal experiences to support Norham in any way I can. I am passionate about helping and supporting others, I enjoy working with like minded people and to help ensure Norham remains a fantastic place to work and to learn.
We are from all walks of life and I really enjoy seeing this embedded within Norham.
Helen Telford
I am Director and Principal of Move It Studios, a community dance studio based in Wallsend.
I have worked with children from a variety of backgrounds from age 3 to 18 years for almost 20 years, and in addition I am a qualified Examiner and a Director of the Northern Counties Dance Teachers Association.
In my day to day work with children I teach classes, take them through exams and shows as well as leading competition squads locally and nationally. I am a promoter of Stage and Freestyle competitions and Championships.
I have a degree in Drama, and my professional background comes from years working in HR. I have a CIPD qualification and experience of HR Management for over 10 years, as well as Recruitment (National Recruitment Manager for Home Group) Health & Safety (NEBOSH qualified) Payroll, Coaching & Development.
Working within my field I see how important a role school plays in a child’s life and how essential it is for those at all aspects of a child’s life to be placing them at the heart of everything they do. Every child matters, every child deserves every opportunity to be the best version of themselves. I am excited to be joining and fantastic team of Governors at Norham.