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Governance
Westgate Hill Primary Academy is overseen by a Local Governing Committee responsible for ensuring the highest standards of teaching and wellbeing. The Local Governing Committee is a ‘critical friend’ to the Academy as well as a champion of pupils, teachers and the wider community.
As the Academy is part of the Laidlaw Schools Trust, there is a board of trustees who are responsible for the work of the Trust, including the running of the academies. Further information is available on the Governance section of the Trust’s website. To support the effective operation of the Trust and the academies, the Trust board has established Local Governing Committees for each Academy in the Trust.
Diversity is important to our governing committees and we strive to be reflective of the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for school governors from all areas of our school community. If you are interested in becoming a school governor or finding out more, please contact the Clerk to Governors.
The Governance Administrator can be contacted at rebecca.mayo@laidlawschoolstrust.co.uk, Laidlaw Schools Trust, Suite 2, 3rd Floor, St Nicholas Building, St Nicholas’ Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1RF or 0191 662 2416.
Details of the Governors at Westgate Hill can be found below:
Laura Robb
Chair of Governors
Laura is a Parent Governor with nearly eight years’ experience serving on the governing body at West Jesmond Primary School. She now brings her experience to a new school in Newcastle, supporting the development and growth of the school to meet the needs of all its diverse pupils and families.
Laura has lived in Newcastle since 1994 and has two children attending secondary school. She is committed to using her governance experience to make a positive difference in education and contribute to the school community.
Interest and date interest commenced
West Jesmond Primary (Vice Chair of Governors - 2012)
Zita Ali
Vice Chair of Governors
Zita is a self-employed professional and Parent Governor at Westgate Hill Primary Academy, a role she has held since July 2019. She manages her time between family and work, bringing organisational and leadership experience from her early career in restaurant management.
Originally from Portugal, Zita has lived in the UK from a young age. Prior to joining the governing body at Westgate Hill, she was involved in a Parents Group at Ashfield Nursery, organising fundraising events to provide pupils with enrichment opportunities. Zita has three children attending Westgate Hill Primary Academy and is passionate about supporting all pupils to reach their full potential.
Interest and date interest commenced
BKW Community Group (Business and Financial Interest 2025)
Hannah Williamson
Associate Governor
Hannah is Headteacher at Acomb First School in Northumberland. She has 14 years’ experience in teaching across the North East, working across the Primary phase and Key Stage Three. She has held roles as a Leading Maths Teacher for Newcastle Local Authority, Deputy Headteacher in Sunderland, and is a regular lecturer at Durham University on both the Primary BA and PGCE courses.
Hannah began her career volunteering to teach English in Sri Lanka, gaining early experience with children for whom English is an additional language. She has dedicated her career to working in areas of high deprivation and is committed to ensuring every child receives the best possible education. Hannah is passionate about teaching and learning and actively supports the mission of the Laidlaw Schools Trust.
Interest and date interest commenced
Nil
Bernard Clark
Local Governor
Bernard Clark is a qualified teacher and Local Governor with recent experience as a specialist adviser for a school improvement team in the North of England, following a secondment from his role as Assistant Headteacher in a large 11–18 comprehensive school. He has previously been a Subject Leader for Modern Languages and Director of Specialism, with particular expertise in Sixth Form education.
Bernard is also an Ofsted Inspector, a role he has held since 13 September 2019.
Interest and date interest commenced
Ofsted (Ofsted Inspector - 13/09/2019)
Paula Ferreira
Parent Governor
Paula is a Shiatsu and Holistic Therapist and Parent Governor at Westgate Hill Primary Academy, a role she has held since May 2023. She is fully qualified in her field and speaks three languages: Portuguese, Spanish, and English.
Originally from Portugal, Paula relocated to Newcastle in 2004. She is married with three children, all of whom currently attend Westgate Hill Primary Academy.
Interest and date interest commenced
Nil
Rebecca Sparling
Associate Governor
Interest and date interest commenced
Thomas Walling Primary Academy (Employee - 1/1/2025)