Meet Our Governors

As Head Teacher of Otterburn Primary School and Nursery I have a vested interest in its running and security. I am originally from Northumberland, trained at Aberdeen University and spent many years teaching in Scotland. Prior to becoming Head Teacher at Otterburn, I was previously Head Teacher at Craigellachie Primary School, Moray. I have years of experience of working in small schools and I love the nurturing environment that they provide to children.
My daughter attends Otterburn Primary School, I have a labrador, Murray and my husband works in alternative provision in Northumberland. During the 2024/2025 academic year, I am looking forward to completing my NPQ for SENCOs.
Otterburn is a small school with an ambitious and hard working staff team. Staff governors offer a unique insight as their position allows them to see the link between practice and theory. I believe that good communication between school, parents, staff, governors and pupils is essential and that governors play an important part in our school community.

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

I am passionate about teaching young children and enjoy seeing the progress they make as they learn to read and write 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 and walking. Scouting has always played an important part in my life growing up. I am currently a beaver leader and the Group Scout Leader at my local Scout Group.

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.

I am Steven Crawley and am the Caretaker here at Otterburn Primary School
I have previously worked as a Head Chef and as an NVQ Trainer / Assessor working with young adults (16~19) from challenging environments.
I have also worked within the charity sector supporting homeless people into accommodation and employment opportunities
I enjoy gardening, cooking, listening to music and spending time with my family. I am a governor as I want to further support the school, the children and our local community.

I am Jilli Rogerson and I joined the Governors in 2020 because I wanted to get more involved and ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive at Otterburn. I hope to be able to represent other parents' views and to make sure that school provides the best possible learning, environment and wider experiences for all the children.

I have been Treasurer of the School PTA since 2015 and I regularly provide support to the school on the swimming bus, trips and school fundraising events.

I have lived in the Rede Valley all of my life and I attended Otterburn First School from 1988. I am actively involved in the local community through Rochester Village Hall, Rochester and Byrness Children's Parties and the Upper Redesdale Show. I have worked in Nature Conservation and Land Management for over 15 years and also have an active role in our family farm.

I am Reverend Claire and joined our governing body in November 2022.
I have been ordained in the Church of England for 13 years, and arrived in Northumberland in Spring 2022.
I am passionate about education and opportunity at all stages of life for everyone, and particularly enjoy storytelling.
Before being ordained, I worked as an engineer for EON for twenty years, and have an eye for strategy, processes, and making good connections - whether by wiring or building good relationships!
I try to offer pastoral and practical support in Ottterburn School.

I enjoy walking, singing (sometimes at the same time) and reading detective stories and love learning about history.

I am Jo, Mum to Seth and Elsie who attend Otterburn Primary. I joined the Governors in November 2022 as I wanted to become actively involved with the education of my children and their peers. I am interested to see how the school runs 'behind the scenes' and look forward to helping the Governors in any way I can.
I am the Community Development Officer for the Ray Wind Funds, where the education and opportunities for local children are a priority. I help my partner on the family farm when I can and also run our holiday cottage.
I am Chair of the school PTA and try to participate when I can, be it asking for raffle prizes, manning a stall or making tea and coffee.
I grew up in Ponteland until my family moved to Yorkshire when I was a teenager, having returned North in the last 10 years I am enjoying being part of a close knit rural community.