Governance

Local Governor

Dr Jo Gooding is a design researcher with a strong track record in inclusive innovation, creative education, and community engagement. As a governor at Sedgefield Community College, she brings deep experience in design-led learning and is passionate about enriching the student experience through enquiry-led learning 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 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 championed an initiative to support access to school uniform, helping all families feel confident and included in school life. This work links with wider community efforts, including the Sedgefield Development Trust’s Friendly Fixers and the school’s Swap Shop, joining the dots between sustainability, dignity, and practical support. By working collaboratively across these local networks, Jo is helping build a more inclusive and resourceful environment for everyone in the school community.

Interest and date interest commenced

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

Chair of Governors

Chris has been on the Board at Sedgefield Community College since 2017, previously a parent Governor. Chris has enjoyed working as part of the SCC governing body team and is currently an associate governor.

Both of Chris’s children are currently at SCC and his wife is a primary school teacher, so Chris has a good insight into both the challenges of providing a great educational experience and of high parental expectations.

Since graduating from University in 1995, Chris has had leadership roles within the retail, telecommunications and insurance industries. Several of Chris’s recent roles have focused on providing exceptional customer satisfaction and achieving a variety of business and customer targets.

Chris believes that many of the same principles of delivering a great customer experience in business also apply to how we communicate and treat our parents.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

Local Governor

Mark is a secondary school Headteacher in County Durham and has a child who currently attends SCC. After graduating from Sunderland University in 2006, Mark began his teaching career in 2007, working across a number of local authorities in the Northeast. Throughout his career, he has held several teaching and leadership positions and has been a serving Headteacher now for over 5 years.

Mark has gained invaluable experience of school Governance through his various teaching and leadership roles and is excited to work with such a superb team of staff, senior leaders, fellow Governors and Trust staff in service to a wonderful community. In his governor role, he is responsible for monitoring Careers, information and guidance.

Mark enjoys time during the school holidays with his family, touring in their camper van. He is also a keen trail runner, taking part 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 has previously been a parent Governor at Sedgefield Community College. After graduating from Lancaster University in 1998, Chris returned back to the North East to focus on teaching primary education. Throughout his career, he has held several teaching and leadership positions across two Local Authorities and has been a serving Headteacher for over 10 years.

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

Chris has no other relevant business interests and pecuniary interests that impact his role as a governor.

Interest and date interest commenced

Howden le Wear Primary School (Headteacher - January 2011)

Parent Governor

I am delighted to be elected Parent Governor at SCC.

My Daughter joined Sedgefield Community College in Year 7 in September 2021, I am committed to support the schools future growth and development. I believe each child should be treated as an individual and be given the opportunity to maximise their potential in a school where they feel happy and safe. A thriving school is one where leadership is strong at all levels and where staff are supported and enjoy their working environment. 

I have several years of governing experience, starting as a member of the local governing body at Wynyard Primary from its inception in 2014 helping with the original free school application. I joined the Board of Directors at Melrose Academy Trust in December 2020 and am currently the Vice Chair.

I have worked in the Med Tech Industry for the past 18 years, currently employed by Beckton Dickinson where I hold the position of Senior Sales Representative for Surgery.

Interest and date interest commenced

Melrose Academy (Board of Directors - 2013)

Local Governor

Originally from the South East, Tom moved to the area for University over 20 years ago and loved the region so much that after graduating from Durham in 2002 he decided to make it his home. He currently resides in a village near Gateshead, but retains many connections to County Durham and is thrilled to be appointed to this role.

Tom has been a teacher for 12 years, working in both state and independent sector, and currently works at the Royal Grammar School in Newcastle where he runs the Physics Partnerships programme, working within partner state schools to support and upskill non-specialists, develop curricula, run exam and other academic interventions and provide opportunities for young people with an ability in STEM to explore in more depth through open ended, regionally contextualised engineering projects. During his career he has held a number of roles in addition to classroom teacher, including EPQ Coordinator, Head of Year and Assistant Head of Middle School.

Tom is passionate about equality of opportunity in education, especially around access to meaningful co-curricular activities which allow students to develop transferable skills, raise aspirations and encourage the development of the whole person.

Tom also undertakes several 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 a parent of four children, with his eldest having already attended Sedgefield Community College and his second eldest currently studying here. He is also a former student and employee of the College, having first joined as a student in 1990 before beginning his IT career at Sedgefield Community College in 1999.

Paul now works as a Senior Technical Account Manager at Amazon Web Services, with a career that has spanned the education, local government, and private sectors. Despite this broad experience, he has never forgotten where his career began.

Paul is passionate about supporting and inspiring young people to explore opportunities in technology. He volunteers through programmes such as Amazon Future Engineer, in partnership with the Smallpiece Trust, Inspiring the Future, and the Sage Foundation. Through these initiatives, he delivers STEM-based activities, class talks, and supports events such as the LEGO League and EmPowerCyber.

“I wasn’t highly academic at school, but I was fortunate to turn my interests into a lifelong career that began here at SCC. As a parent of SEND children, I understand first-hand the challenges that education can bring.

I’ve had the privilege of working with – and hopefully inspiring – students from a wide range of backgrounds across the UK to become the next generation of technologists and engineers. I want to show them that, regardless of background or academic ability, everyone has the potential to succeed.”

Interest and date interest commenced

Amazon Web Services (Accounts Manager - November 2020)

Associate Governor

I am delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of the governing body of Sedgefield Community College. It will be a privilege to contribute to a school that consistently provides high-quality education and fosters a supportive and inspiring environment for both students and staff. I am excited to work alongside a dedicated team that shares a commitment to maintaining the school’s standards of excellence and supporting its ongoing success.

Since completing a PGCE at Sunderland University , I have worked as a teacher at Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy. As an Upper Key Stage Two teacher, the last two years of which have been in Year 6, I have firsthand knowledge of the academic journey and challenges that students face as they transition from primary to secondary education. I hope my position as a teacher and now a governor will further strengthen the relationship between the two schools and also enhance the transition experience for the children. I am passionate about helping children with special educational needs unlock their full potential, ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they deserve. Every child has unique strengths, and I'm dedicated to empowering them to thrive and succeed in their own way.

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 Durham Energy Institute where he takes the lead role for STEM education and outreach. He has extensive experience of delivering large, long-term, multi-disciplinary research programmes and directly collaborating with industry.

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

In his Governor role he is responsible for STEM education and has several years of governing experience as a foundation governor at St Michaels C of E Primary School, Bishop Middleham and helping the school to transition to be part of the One Excellence multi-Academy Trust.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil