School Governors have a varied and important role.  

The governor role is strategic rather than operational. Governors don’t get involved with the day to day running of a school, instead supporting and challenging the school’s leadership team to drive forward school improvement.

“As stated in the DfE’s Governance Handbook, the responsibilities of the governing body are:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and
• Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent”

Mr Scott Rowland; Chair of Governors / Co-opted Governor

Since 2018, I've had the privilege of serving on the Governing Body, first elected as a parent governor and advancing to Chair of Governors in December 2021. My journey in governance is deeply intertwined with my personal life as a father of five. My three eldest children, former students of Parkhead, are now thriving in secondary school.

Professionally, I have spent 17 years leading and developing small businesses, cultivating the ability to pinpoint key success factors, streamline complex challenges, and apply strategic insights. This expertise is supported by 28 years of management experience across diverse sectors, including hospitality, live events, and creative services.

My passion is fueled by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the community. My commitment to Parkhead's core ethos remains unwavering, as I strive to foster an environment that nurtures growth and opportunity for everyone involved.

Mr Rob Bulmer; Co-opted Governor

I have twin girls who both attended Parkhead Primary School from Reception through to Year 6. They have now moved on to secondary school and are thriving, with their experiences at Parkhead being a key part of their accomplishments. The opportunity to get involved with the school again as a Governor was welcomed, as I am encouraged to see it doing so well and want to contribute, in a small way, to this continuing.

 I am originally from Yorkshire (and still support Leeds United, although I have a soft spot for Newcastle United when they are not playing us), but moved up to Newcastle in 1991 to attend University and didn’t leave. I love the north-east, enjoying all that it has to offer. There never seems to be enough free time these days, but when there is, as a family, we love to head to the coast, up to Northumberland or over to the Lake District for fresh air and some exercise!

 I am a structural engineer, working for a large American company. You will unknowingly have experienced many of the projects I have been involved in, having sat in traffic jams during the construction of the bridges which my colleagues and I have designed.

Miss Karen Ward; Co-opted Governor

I have worked in education for just over 3 years now, as a secondary school teacher and as a tutor and have recently joined the governing body of Parkhead Primary school. I am passionate about helping children achieve their best through education, and I also really value wellbeing in education. I am looking forward to supporting the children and staff at Parkhead Primary School.

Mrs Sophie Leach; Co-opted Governor / Deputy Head Teacher

I have been a member of staff at Parkhead Community Primary School since 2007, at first as the 5/6 Phase Leader and then as Deputy Head since 2016. I have been a member of the Governing Body since 2017. It is my job to work alongside Mrs Chard; Head Teacher to report back to governors on a whole range of areas. As part of my role as Deputy Head, I am English lead and I enjoy working with the other members of the governing body to ensure we provide a curriculum, which is engaging, challenging and inspiring. I love working with the pupils, families and staff in our community and aim, through the work of the governing body, to continue to make Parkhead a place where children can learn, thrive and become the best they can be.   

Rev Alison Stewart Smith; Co-opted Governor

I was born and raised in Northumberland and worked in various roles in education before training to become a priest in the Church of England. I became the priest-in-charge of the parishes of Ryton and Winlaton in February 2020 and was co-opted onto the governing body of Parkhead Primary School in December 2021.  Having worked variously as a Modern Languages teacher, a teaching assistant and in school administration, I am passionate about education and the opportunities it gives to all children. I am looking forward to becoming part of the school community as a governor and getting to know and supporting our wonderful staff and students.

I am married to Richard who works in IT and sound engineering. In my spare time I am a keen musician and I enjoy playing in a ceilidh band and singing, I love dancing and my two cats, and I spend most of my time off trying to subdue the overgrown Rectory garden!

Councillor Julie Simpson; Local Authority Governor

I am proud of having served Parkhead Primary School for over a decade, seeing it go from strength to strength.

I serve as a local ward councillor, hold a number of national roles, and am a former local government manager, having served as a school governor in the area for 25 years.

I have been chair of governor for two schools, and vice chairperson for 1 school, also having supported some schools through special measures.

Delivering a first class education to our local children is what motivates me to be a school governor. Education, free at the point of delivery, everyone being treated equally. Local schools play a pivotal role in the wider community, through their links working with the local libraries, community centres, church and uniform groups. Many families seek valued support from their local school, including having the choice for their children to receive an affordable hot nutritional meal.

It is important to me, that everyone gets the best start in life, and this is why I am a school governor.

Mr Carl Black; Co-opted Governor

I have been a teacher for over 12 years, teaching across the entire primary phase, and I bring a wide range of skills and experiences to my role as a governor. I spent five years at Parkhead as both a teacher and the school’s SENDCo, and during that time developed a strong connection with the school community. This attachment inspired me to continue supporting Parkhead as a governor, ensuring that I can contribute to its ongoing success and development.

I hold both the National SENDCo Award and a Masters in Education (Inclusion), and I have extensive experience working with children with special educational needs and disabilities. More recently, I have taught in an alternative provision, supporting children who have been permanently excluded or who face significant barriers to learning. This work has deepened my understanding of the challenges many pupils face and strengthened my commitment to inclusive practice.

Currently, I am working as an Early Years teacher, where my true passion lies. Alongside this, I am also a trained Senior Mental Health Lead, giving me the skills to support the emotional wellbeing of children, staff, and the wider school community.

Beyond the classroom, I believe strongly in the value of enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities for children. Personally, I am passionate about figure skating, which reflects my belief that dedication, creativity, and enjoyment are just as important outside of the classroom as they are within it.

As a governor, I am committed to using my knowledge and experience to help ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive both academically and personally.