Sharon Neal – Chair of Governors

I was born and brought up in a mining village in South Tyneside, and having spent all of my working life in the midlands and south east, retired and came home to the north east in 2022.

My career has taken me from management in local government, to the NHS, the Arts Council and latterly, HR in universities. I also taught Y5 for a year (in Birmingham) and have run my own business.

As an Organisational Development Director at Warwick, Oxford and then Sussex universities, my focus was on developing leaders and managers, achieving culture shift and embedding equality, diversity and inclusion. My longstanding professional interest is conflict resolution and I am a qualified mediator and coach.

I am passionate about every child having the access and support needed to reach opportunities for growth and learning.

I am so pleased to have this opportunity to work with NCEAT and look forward to doing the best I can to support our children, their community and our teaching staff in my role as governor.

Sue Whitfield – Vice Chair

I have been in Primary education throughout my career, teaching in Manchester, Shropshire and Cheshire. I was a Headteacher for 18 years, for 5 years in a one form entry Primary School then 13 years in a large two form entry C of E Primary School in Cheshire.

Three years ago I qualified as an Executive Coach and started my own Coaching business. I now coach senior leaders in schools across the country and Headteachers in the North West.

I moved to Northumberland two years ago and I am enjoying it so much. I have two grown up sons.

Christy Allan- Parent Governor

I attended James Knott way back when it was Hawthorn County First School. It has always been the school of choice for my family—sisters, nieces, kids—we’re quite the crowd! We often take up a full row at school performances and sometimes even spill into a second.

I’ve grown up knowing the school and staff well, although I do miss the 80s assemblies with the old piano. However, I’m glad to see the blue PE apparatus is still there in the school hall!

I have a career I love that combines my passions: looking after the wellbeing of others through my organizational health work, promoting equality, inclusion, mental health, and resilience, and also data analysis (yes, I find spreadsheets fun!). Additionally, I have a strong interest in Reiki, in which I have qualified twice because once wasn’t enough.

I am really looking forward to getting involved in my new role as parent governor. Not only does it allow me to pursue my passions, but I also hope to make a difference and provide a real focus on wellbeing, especially after all the challenges our children have faced over the last few years.

Sarah Chalhoub – Governor

I have been a practicing nurse and midwife for over 20 years. I believe passionately in the potential of each child, through supporting and empowering families. I have extensive experience of Safeguarding policies and procedures, maintaining collaborative relationships
with professionals and family members. During my career I have worked in many parts of the UK and have a special interest in Public Health.

My most recent role is as a National Clinical Fellow, supporting and innovating Quality Improvements for National Maternity Services in England in response to the Ockenden Enquiries.

I am currently completing a PhD in Psychology and Public Health, delivering at National Conferences and Webinars. Whilst bringing up my children I also was the Director of my own business, a children’s play facility which I set up from scratch and employed local people for over 12 years. This venture was strongly influenced by my critical understanding of the importance of early years and time managing a ‘Sure Start’ service. I have worked alongside local charities to ensure that every child was able to access play and that together parents, carers and children were nurtured to be the best that they could be.

As a volunteer I work as a Community Champion for Newcastle City Council Public Health Team, and supporting women and girls at a local Mosque and via The Girls Network. I also contribute as an NHS Ambassador to deliver career insight to young people.

Amanda Hall – Staff Governor

I have been a part of the James Knott team for over 20 years now. This means that I have seen it develop over the years from Hawthorn County First School to Hawthorn CofE First school and its many other changes since our time within NCEA Academy Trust. It has been great to be a part of the journey and see continual growth, change and development of the school over the years while never losing its community links and heart.

I am lucky to be a part of the Ashinton community which helps me understand the local issues our parents and pupils face. Every role I have ever worked in has been community based and customer led. I have two young children within the Trust which has brought a new perspective to my role. I became a governor to support the school and get a better overall understanding of the school and the Trust.

Caroline Mullen – Headteacher

Over the span of 32 years, I’ve dedicated myself to teaching across various schools in Humberside, North Tyneside, and Northumberland. From nurturing 4-year-olds to guiding 11-year-olds, the classroom has always been my happiest place, brimming with excitement.

My journey at James Knott commenced in 2008, initially as deputy headteacher and Year 3/4 educator at the formerly known Hawthorn C of E First School. With the establishment of the Northumberland Church of England Academy in 2009, I proudly assumed the role of headteacher at James Knott. Over the past 15 years, I’ve also served as an acting headteacher at two other Academy schools, witnessing firsthand the remarkable evolution and progress of both the Academy and our cherished institution.

Each child and staff member holds a special place in my heart. My deep admiration for the resilient community of Ashington fuels my commitment to serve as headteacher and governor, tirelessly striving to enrich the lives of those within our school and local surroundings.

Carrie Barron – Parent Governor