Governance

Laura is Chair of the Local Governing Committee at Newcastle where she is keen to support the development and growth of the Academies, to meet the needs of all its diverse pupils and families. She also served for over eight years on the governing body at West Jesmond Primary School and currently undertakes extensive volunteer work with a local organisation.  

Laura has lived in Newcastle since 1994 and has two children attending University. 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

Nil

Rafay is currently employed as a consultant at a leading engineering and professional services consulting firm, where Rafay delivers expert advisory services in the fields of Telecommunications and Cyber Security.

Rafay holds a PhD in Computer Engineering from a university in Cyprus. Following the completion of the doctorate, Rafay relocated to the United Kingdom to pursue a role as a research scientist at a higher education institution. Five years ago, Rafay moved to Newcastle to take up a position as a Senior Lecturer at a university, continuing an academic career. Recently, Rafay transitioned into the industry, bringing a wealth of academic and research experience to the consultancy domain.

Rafay is an enthusiastic volunteer in STEM outreach initiatives, dedicated to inspiring young people to explore and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. He is enthusiastic about playing an active role in supporting the Trust, with a particular interest in leveraging technology to enrich students’ learning experiences. Rafay is committed to fostering an environment at LST's Newcastle Academies where all children are inspired to achieve their full potential and supported to flourish.

Interests and date each interest commenced

Nil

Owen works in the life science innovation sector, supporting businesses across the UK and internationally to bring new healthcare innovations to market. His work involves fostering research collaborations, enabling industry knowledge exchange, and supporting high-value manufacturing within the UK.

Owen holds a BSc in Biochemistry from Newcastle University and a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Cambridge. Living locally, he serves as a Governor on the Newcastle Phase LGC, contributing his professional experience to support the community and ensure all children have the best start to their education.

He is particularly passionate about championing equality, diversity, inclusion, and skills development, recognising the vital role of education in developing well-rounded, confident, and intellectually curious children.

Outside of work, Owen enjoys walking his dog Crumble, cooking for friends, and gardening.

Interest and date interest commenced

Newcastle City Council (Business and Finance interest - 8/5/26)

Life Science Centre (Other Governor role - 27/7/26)

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)

Lisa is an academic with over 20 years’ experience in Business and Management, teaching across undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and international programmes. She has contributed to programme validations at Newcastle University Business School, including work towards AACSB accreditation, and is currently studying for a PhD in Mental Health. She holds a Masters in Human Resource Management and Development (HRMD), a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Training, a Certificate in Education, and a Postgraduate Diploma in HRMD.

Lisa is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD), Fellow of The Institute for Leadership and Management (FInstLM), Chartered Fellow of the Management Institute (FCMI), Fellow of The Society for Education and Training, and a Certified Management and Business Educator. She has held external examiner positions at the University of East Anglia, University of Wolverhampton, and the American University of Bahrain. Lisa also brings over 10 years of practitioner and leadership experience as a Senior Training Manager within financial and business service industries, including BT plc, Toyota GB, and Halifax UK Bank.

Lisa is a local Governor on the Newcastle Phase LGC and is passionate about supporting and challenging the strategic development of the Academy to ensure it achieves and maintains high standards of education. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, walking, pottery, and serving as a trustee for a mental health charity, offering advocacy and support to those in need.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

Tessy is an aspiring lawyer with a deep commitment to young people, education, and community. She brings her values directly to her role as a Governor.

She read Law with Politics at the University of Manchester, and has since built a career grounded in youth advocacy and community leadership. She currently serves as a Trustee of New Writing North and as a Youth Advisor to YoungMinds UK, alongside volunteering with a number of other organisations supporting young people. This experience in oversight, accountability, and strategic decision-making speaks directly to the responsibilities at the heart of school governance.

Tessy is passionate about diversity and about widening access to the arts and to opportunity for working-class communities. She co-founded Black Girls' Space, a national organisation supporting young women, which now has branches across the UK. She has represented young people's voices in the House of Commons and worked alongside Rape Crisis Tyne and Tees on campaigns addressing victim blaming culture in schools, generating national media attention.

Her leadership has been recognised with a place on the Powerlist Magazine Top 150 Future Leaders and the University of Manchester's Stelify Award for community service.

Interests and date each interest commenced

Nil

Miriam is a Registered General Nurse at Newcastle Hospitals and a member of UNISON, the largest trade union for public service workers. She studied nursing at the University of Dundee School of Nursing and Northumbria University and joined Newcastle Hospitals in 2004, working across multiple departments. In her current role, Miriam cares for adults and children, including those with special educational needs.

Miriam is a Newcastle City Council councillor and the first Black-African born councillor to join the council. She is passionate about inspiring children to learn in nurturing and inclusive environments, recognising the impact of school ethos and culture on personal development.

Outside of work, Miriam enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking, reading, knitting, and crocheting.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

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

Jill is Head of School at Excelsior Academy Foundations within Laidlaw Schools Trust. She gained a BA (Hons) in Education at Durham University and has over 20 years’ experience in primary education. She previously held responsibility for Teaching and Learning, the Foundation curriculum, and the Early Years Foundation Stage at Westgate Hill Primary and has worked across the Trust to support other leaders in developing these areas.

Jill is passionate about Early Years education, believing that the earliest years of a child’s life form the foundation for future achievement and life chances. She is dedicated to ensuring every child receives the best possible start to their education.

Outside of work, Jill enjoys music, is a keen pianist, and supports opportunities for children to learn musical instruments, recognising the benefits for confidence, memory, and cultural development. She is committed to supporting the Newcastle Academies as they ensure pupils thrive through education.

Interest and date interest commenced

Excelsior Academy (Employee - September 2024)

Zita is a self-employed professional and Parent Governor at Newcastle Phase LGC, 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 LST, 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)

Interests and date each interest commenced

Nil

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