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Governance
At South Hylton, governance plays a vital role in transforming the lives of children and communities through developing healthy, confident and productive citizens of tomorrow. As part of Laidlaw Schools Trust, our Local Governing Committee (LGC) provides strategic leadership, accountability and assurance, helping to ensure that the Trust’s vision, values and priorities are embedded throughout the Academy.
Our governors are stewards of the Academy, championing success and providing support and challenge to Academy leaders. Through engagement with pupils, staff, families and the wider community, they provide assurance that Academy priorities are being delivered effectively and that all pupils benefit from high-quality education, care and support, and receive the opportunities that enable them to shine.
Overall responsibility for governance sits with the Laidlaw Schools Trust Board, which sets the Trust’s vision and strategy, ensuring that statutory and regulatory responsibilities are met. The Trust Board has established Local Governing Committees to oversee each Academy; to provide meaningful local accountability, strengthen communication between the Trust and Academy community, and ensure that governance remains connected to the needs of the communities we serve.
At Laidlaw Schools Trust we believe that effective governance is strengthened by a broad range of perspectives, experiences and backgrounds. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within our Academies and governing committees. We welcome expressions of interest from individuals with a broad range of skills, experiences and backgrounds, who share our commitment to improving life chances for children and young people.
If you are interested in becoming a governor, or would like to find out more about the role, please contact the Governance Team:
Governance Administrator: Laidlaw Schools Trust, Suite 2, 3rd Floor, St Nicholas Building, St Nicholas' Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1RF
Email: governance@laidlawschoolstrust.co.uk
Telephone: 0191 662 2416
Details of the Governors at South Hylton can be found below:
Patricia Bateley - Local Governor
Patricia is a retired Head Teacher with over 40 years of experience in education. She taught in schools across Durham and Sunderland for 20 years before serving as Head Teacher for a further 20 years, retiring from Academy 360 in 2011.
She was previously Head Teacher at Quarry View Primary and has a deep understanding of the local school community, including the opportunities and challenges faced by staff, students, and parents.
Since retiring, Patricia serves as an independent volunteer panel member for admissions and exclusion appeals, supporting Sunderland Local Authority, parents, and students. She is committed to sharing her enthusiasm for education and continues this work as a Governor at South Hylton Academy.
Interest and date interest commenced
Nil
Thomas Eastick - Local Governor
Thomas is an engineer at VMS, specialising in motorway installations and communications. He previously worked as a Commissioning Engineer for Rolls Royce, contributing to power stations, naval ships, shore installations, and other engineering projects. Prior to this, he spent over 25 years working in various collieries, completing an electrical apprenticeship at Wearmouth Colliery and finishing his mining career at Easington Colliery.
Thomas serves as a governor and is committed to using his life and work experience to support the school community and contribute to its activities.
Interest and date interest commenced
Nil
Krithiga Narayanan - Local Governor
Interest and date interest commenced
Deloitte LLP (Employee - October 2016)
Norman Dennis - Local Governor
Norman is a retired teacher of Music and School Counsellor, with extensive experience both in the UK and internationally, having taught in schools in Iceland, West Africa, and the Middle East. He previously served in HM Forces as a musician for ten years before embarking on his teaching career.
Since retirement, Norman has been appointed Honorary Padre to the Rifle Regiment and Chaplain to the Great Britain Scouts Shooting Team. He is now a School Governor and is committed to sharing his passion and enthusiasm for education with the school community.
Interest and date interest commenced
Nil
Helena West - Associate Governor
Interest and date interest commenced
Academy 360 (Primary Headteacher - Ex officio)
Rachael Barham - Local Governor
Interests and date interests commenced
Nil
David Archer - Local Governor
David was appointed as a local governor at Academy 360 in January 2019 and is a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition at the University of Sunderland. Growing up, he attended an inner-city school in Dublin before attending Trinity College Dublin, receiving his PhD from the University of Aberdeen and lecturing there for several years before moving to the North East. His research includes teaching and learning, nutrition, performance sport and physical activity in schools. Being the first in his extended family to go to university, he firmly believes that education can play a vital role in expanding horizons and providing opportunities for young people to reach their potential.
Interests and date interests commenced
Nil
Christopher Mitchinson - Ex Officio
Chris is an experienced headteacher with a strong track record in school improvement. He is currently Headteacher of South Hylton Primary Academy, a one-form entry primary school within the Laidlaw Schools Trust. Chris has extensive experience working with governors, trusts and local authorities, particularly in schools facing challenge or rapid change.
Alongside headship, Chris is a serving Ofsted Inspector and a Research Fellow in Teacher Education and Development with the Ambition Institute. His work focuses on evidence-informed leadership, adaptive teaching and inclusive practice, with a particular interest in supporting vulnerable pupils and strengthening leadership capacity. He brings a clear, reflective and child-centred approach to governance and improvement work.
Interests and date interests commenced
Academy 360 (Associate Governor since 01/08/2023)