Meet Our Governors

As Headteacher of Otterburn Primary School and Nursery, I have led the school since January 2023, with a strong commitment to continuous improvement and providing high-quality, inclusive education for every child. Originally from Northumberland, I trained at the University of Aberdeen, graduating with a BEd (Hons), and spent many years teaching and leading in Scotland, including as Headteacher at Craigellachie Primary School and Principal Teacher at Glenlivet Primary School in Moray.
I am passionate about small rural schools and the opportunities they provide for children to be known, valued and supported as individuals. I believe strongly in the importance of schools being at the heart of their communities and in providing children with a broad range of experiences and opportunities alongside strong academic foundations.
Alongside my role as Headteacher, I am the school’s SENCO, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Mental Health Lead. I hold the Postgraduate Certificate: Into Headship, through which I achieved the Standard for Headship and have also completed the National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (NPQ for SENCOs).
School improvement is central to my role. I work closely with staff, governors and external partners to evaluate the school’s strengths, identify priorities and continually strengthen the quality of education, provision and outcomes for pupils.
As Headteacher and a member of the governing board, I value strong and effective governance. I believe that open communication, appropriate support and challenge and a shared understanding of the school’s priorities are essential in ensuring that strategic decisions remain focused on achieving the best possible experiences and outcomes for every child.

My name is Helen. I am the year 4, 5 and 6 teacher at Otterburn Primary School and have been in post since 2016. I have been teaching for over 20 years and have taught all year groups in many different types of schools.

I am passionate about teaching children and enjoy seeing the progress they make as they learn something new or achieve something for the first time. I love the outdoors and believe this time can be very beneficial in both learning and in the emotional development of the children.

Outside of school I am married with two children. I enjoy family time especially camping, walking and gardening.

My name is Cliff, I am aged 67. I was born in Northumberland and I have also lived in Lancashire, Shropshire and Worcestershire throughout the course of my working life as an Engineering manager in the construction plant environment. After partially retiring in 2013 I moved to Elsdon, I am now enjoying being active in the local community. I am involved in several ways including being a member on the committees of Elsdon Projects in the Community and Elsdon Village Hall. I have also been active with North Tyne Youth group since 2015.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, photography, music and sailing.

As a governor of Otterburn Primary & Nursery I hope to help and enable the staff to ensure the children in our community receive the best education and successfully enjoy their time at school.

Hi, I'm Vicky. I was previously a music and drama teacher and pastoral lead in the North West, but when we made the move to Northumberland in 2018, I decided to move into the safeguarding side of education. I now work as part of the Schools Safeguarding Team at Northumberland County Council which is a very varied and interesting role.
As a governor I hope to be able to use my experience both from my time as a teacher and in my safeguarding role to support the school in its development.
Outside of work I'm Division Commissioner for Tynedale East Girlguiding and run a Brownie and Guide unit which keeps me very busy. I also enjoy going on adventures in our campervan with my husband and daughter.

My name is Steve and I am delighted to be a governor here at Otterburn Primary School and Nursery. I have nearly 30 years’ experience as a leader in education across the North East, working in a number of schools and colleges across the region. Having been a college principal and headteacher in two secondary schools, I am currently Executive Headteacher of the Bellingham Partnership of Schools.
I am passionate about ensuring that every child and young person has meaningful, inspiring educational opportunities and the chance to develop their confidence, talents and aspirations. I believe strongly in the importance of schools being at the heart of their communities and in giving children opportunities to discover and experience the wider world.
I feel very fortunate to play a part in the North Tyne and Rede community and am delighted to contribute my experience as a governor. I enjoy working alongside pupils, families, staff and the wider community to help our schools provide the very best opportunities for every child. Away from school, I enjoy spending time with my family and making the most of all that the beautiful county of Northumberland has to offer.

Hi, I’m Sarah – a proud parent at the school and the owner of a local hotel. We moved to the area from Lincoln in January 2023 and it quickly felt like home. I joined the governing board because I care deeply about the school’s direction and want to better understand how decisions are made. I’m here to offer what I can from my years in business - whether that’s practical insight or a fresh perspective - and I’m equally looking forward to learning alongside the board as we help the school thrive.

I have been able to hear the sound of children playing at the school since I moved to Otterburn from east Northumberland in 2020. Rural living and the countryside are core parts of who I am, and I want to support that way of living for our rural schools and community. I have lived in Northumberland for most of my life only leaving to study, returning once I had qualified as a veterinary surgeon. Having worked in various practices throughout the North-east I am now self-employed doing some clinical work, teaching and volunteering for my profession and community.
Outside of work I am married to Guy, who was a land agent and now works for Durham Cathedral. We share our house with my parents and three dogs; in our spare time we are out with hounds, walking or spending time with friends.
It is a privilege to support our school and I am looking forward to working with my fellow governors, teachers and parents to help it continue thriving.

Hi, I'm Gemma, I have two boys at Otterburn Primary School & Nursery, James and Billy. I decided to become a Parent Governor as I wanted to support and be involved in the education and well-being of all children at the school. I hope that I can continue to help, assist and build, on the already great foundation, that school and education should be a safe, fun and rewarding environment.
I am a qualified Costs Lawyer and an advocate and a strong believer in positive mental health and well-being. I hope the knowledge, skills, and experience that I have gained in both of these roles will be of benefit to the school as it continues to grow and flourish.
Outside of work I enjoy reading, learning German and exercising. As my boys grow-up I hope I can also pass on to them my love for travelling and exploring.

My name is Alison, and I live locally, having relocated to the area 10 years ago. Having recently retired after 32 years as a secondary school teacher, I wanted to remain involved in education and utilise my skills, having previously been a staff governor at the school where I worked.
I am also a Director of The Ray Wind Fund, through which I have had the opportunity to visit many schools in our area. This led to the opportunity to become a governor at Otterburn.
I hope to support the staff in providing the best possible outcomes for the children here.

My name is Gary Woodcock and I am proud to serve as an associate member of the governing board at Otterburn Primary School.
Before entering education, I served in the Armed Forces as a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer in the RAF Regiment, completing operational tours in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Singapore. This experience developed my leadership, teamwork, resilience and ability to make considered decisions in challenging situations.
I have since worked in a range of roles within education, including as a teaching assistant, teacher and Assistant Headteacher within alternative provision in Northumberland. I have also worked in schools in Scotland and previously worked at Otterburn Primary School. I am now a full-time teacher at Felton Primary School and hold the National Professional Qualification for Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (NPQ for SENCOs).
Through my role on the governing board, I draw on my experience of leadership, education and SEND to support and constructively challenge school leaders, contribute to the strategic development of the school and help ensure that decisions are focused on improving outcomes for pupils. I am particularly committed to safeguarding, inclusion and ensuring that all children are supported to achieve and thrive.
Outside of work, I am a keen Newcastle United supporter and enjoy sport.