Academy Council Attendance Record

Register of Interests

Terms of Office

	Paul Carvin (Chair)
	I've worked in and around schools for many years in such varied roles as geography teacher, school inspector and head of education for a local authority. I have been a trustee for over 8 years and was chair of the board for 6 of them. Both my children went through the Morpeth school system and it won't be long until my grandchildren start. It is partly for there and everyone else's future that I have taken on the role of climate champion for the Learning Trust. This role challenges me to make sure that climate change remains at the forefront of our collective consciousness. Lots has already been achieved but there's still a long way to go. Beyond this role with the Learning Trust, I have a passion for the outdoors; be it working on our allotment, walking our dog through the fields and woods around Morpeth or exploring further afield. I also love upcycling things - it's amazing what you can make from a discarded pallet!
	Jon Haines (Parent)
	With two daughters currently in The Three Rivers Learning Trust, I am delighted to have been appointed as an Academy Councillor at Newminster Middle School. I am Co-Founder & Director of VEO Ltd, an innovative startup company, using video and data to help improve professional development of staff in educational, clinical, commercial and industrial settings, both in the UK and overseas. I am also a teacher trainer at Newcastle University, working with 100+ Secondary and Primary ITT trainees each year as they undertake their PGCE. I have 12 years’ experience of teaching Science and leading the Science department at Longbenton High School (2001-2013) having trained as a Biology teacher at Newcastle University in 2000. My career started as an environmental consultant with Northumbrian Water Group back in 1992 following a degree in Environmental Science at Sheffield University. I have a genuine interest in the effective use of technology in the classroom to support high quality teaching and learning, value highly the non-academic opportunities that students are offered within the Trust, and look forward to working with the school and its staff to maintain, and build upon, the excellent quality of provision that my own children have experienced.
	Chris Tedder (Colleague from another school in Trust)
	I have taught in three schools across Northumberland and North Tyneside for over 20 years. I studied Chemistry at Newcastle University and teaching chemistry is still the part of my job I enjoy the most! I have been Head of Chemistry/Science and Year Leader (across Years 10-13) and an Assistant Headteacher in my previous schools - I am currently Deputy Head at KEVI where I have enjoyed spending the last 10 years. I am married with two boys and enjoy spending as much time with them as I can.
	Manjit Perkins
	I started my teaching career in high school over 30 years ago and now teach Year 6 in Upper Primary. I am originally from West Yorkshire and moved to Newcastle when I went to University. I studied Religion and History and went to Lancaster to get my teaching qualification. Once I came back and started working in the North East I never left! I have had a varied teaching career; teaching A-Levels to now working with young people in Year 6. It was always my ambition to be a teacher and I have worked hard to help students fulfill their potential and have the best choices in life they can. I have worked at Newminster Middle School for 20 years and have been privileged to work with some amazing young people, staff, and parents. I look forward to working as part of the Academy Council to keep providing the best education for our children. I am married and have two sons who love sports; I love to spend time watching them and cheering them on as well as traveling the world and going on new adventures.
	Claire Brind
	I have lived and worked in Northumberland all my life and both my children attend schools in Morpeth. I am a Sales Manager for my family owned car dealership. I have been involved with apprenticeships all my working life and enjoy helping them reach their true potential as they develop both professionally and personally. I also ran a dance school for 15 years where it was wonderful to see the children thrive as the gained confidence and ability. I also have previous experience in schools as I was Chair of Governors at Pegswood Primary School for over 10 years. I am also a Rotarian and have been involved with many projects involving schools over the North East. I am looking forward to my time as an Academy Councillor for the Three Rivers Trust.
	Joanne Campbell
	Joanne qualified in 2002 with a BA Joint Hons degree in Professional Practice and Disability Studies, then went on to achieve a PG Certificate in Primary Education. She has been a teacher since 2003; starting her journey at Abbeyfields as a teacher in the 'Language Class', working for the Communication Support Service. She then moved on to Newsham in Blyth and worked as a teacher in Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 throughout her time there, as well as being the SENCo. In 2008, Joanne commenced her post as KS1 class teacher at Whalton CE Primary School with the responsibility for SEND. In 2016, she moved to Longhorsley St Helen's CE Schools as a Class Teacher, Assistant Headteacher and SENDCo, Joanne also has 3 boys, all within Morpeth Partnership Schools, 2 of which are part of the Three Rivers Learning Trust.
	Sarah McMillan
	As Assistant Director of Policy at Northumberland County Council Sarah leads the development of strategy and policy at a large rural Local Authority, where she has been instrumental in the response to and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic in the County, and across the region. In a career of over 20 years Sarah has worked at the local, regional and national tiers of Government, leading large scale national programmes and developing and influencing economic and social policy in the areas such as education, skills and economic growth. Sarah lives in Morpeth with her husband and three sons, who are happily progressing through Three Rivers Trust schools.
	Colin Pearson
	My professional background was within the Civil Service for 35 years where I managed large numbers of staff and IT equipment including what was then the largest civil computer centre in Europe. I have considerable experience of managing large budgets, and delivering services to pre-set standards and targets. Latterly I specialised in Risk Management and Contingency Planning. My own three children and our long-term foster child completed their school years within the Morpeth Partnership of Schools. I was a Governor at Abbeyfields First School from the mid 1980’s to 2017 including 15 years as Chair. I was also a Governor for a number of years at Newminster Middle School. Along with everyone who respects and values state education, I strive to ensure that in the Three Rivers Learning Trust and the wider Morpeth Partnership we maintain high ambitions for our schools (and for state education generally), to promote the development of future citizens who possess intellectual capacity, social awareness and emotional intelligence in equal measure.
	James Pickford
	Originally from the Northwest, I moved to Morpeth with my wife in 2013. We now have two boys who attend school within the Three Rivers Trust. I am currently Assistant General Legal Counsel for a large multinational company. After completing a PhD in molecular microbiology and biochemistry at the University of Sheffield, I completed a diploma in Intellectual Property Law before starting as a trainee Patent Attorney in Belgium. Upon return to the UK, I qualified as European Patent Attorney and then a UK Patent Attorney and am a Fellow within the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys. Whilst I am not an Educator, I feel that all young people should have the equal opportunity to reach their fullest potential and find the path that is right for them. A great education is the foundation that makes this happen, and a great education requires a great school run by motivated and skilled staff and which strives for constant improvement. I can’t make this happen in the classroom but I can bring the skills and strategic thinking that I have obtained during my career to make a positive difference to the governance of the school. I’m looking forward to my time in the Academy Council and hope that I can bring value to the role.
	Lucy Whitehead
	I am currently a Deputy Headteacher at a Primary School in North Tyneside. I have experience in teaching across the Primary age range and leading Pedagogy and Curriculum, English and Phonics and I am Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. I have recently taken on the role of acting SENDCo. I look forward to supporting Newminster Middle School on its journey of continual improvement. My eldest daughter is currently in The Three Rivers Learning Trust and my youngest daughter will begin her journey in the next few years. I live in Morpeth and having experienced the Morpeth school system myself as a child, I am delighted to be given the opportunity to give something back to the community and schools who provided me with such a brilliant start to my education.