Ms Melanie Cornish- Fleet

Chair of Governors

I have been a governor at High Spen since 2007 when my daughter joined the school. We received such a warm welcome when arriving here in the village from New York, and particularly from High Spen Primary school, that I wanted to be involved in some way. So I became a governor, then went on to become Vice Chair and eventually Chair in 2016. I am extremely proud of our school and the children we educate here at High Spen. I feel very fortunate to still be involved in supporting Mr Firth, the staff and the wider school community in educating and nurturing the students who come through the doors, even though my daughter left many years ago.

High Spen Primary is a very unique school and ensuring we provide the best we can for each and every child is of paramount importance to our governing body. Our staff strive to give each and everyone the best start in their education and as a governor, supporting them in this is a very rewarding job.

Mr Stuart Jackson

Vice Chair of Governors

I volunteered to be a parent governor when my daughter Elena was still a student at High Spen Primary School. The reason that I volunteered was to give something back to the school that supported Elena so well during her journey through primary education! Elena is now at university, and this is very much in part due to the start in education that Mr Firth and his team gave her at High Spen Primary!  I am very proud to still be associated with the school, now as a co-opted governor and deputy chair supporting our chair Mel and Mr Firth. I am proud to still be able to give something back to the wonderful staff, students at parents of our school.

As governors, we are there to ensure that Mr Firth and his team deliver the best education and support to our pupils by being a critical friend! You should be in no doubt that the staff at High Spen, do their utmost to support your children every day!

I am proud to still be able to give something back to the wonderful staff, students at parents of our school.

Mrs Yvonne Mordue

Co-opted Governor

I have been a Governor at High Spen Primary School for several years and I am delighted to continue with this role. High Spen has provided my own two children with wonderful memories and experiences and by being part of the Governing Body, I feel that I can help provide the same for other children. I am a class teacher at a local primary school, which I have worked at for 16 years. I am passionate about helping young people achieve their potential through education and ensuring they have the best opportunities to succeed whilst growing into responsible and caring individuals. I am really looking forward to continuing to work with the children, staff, and families within the school community this academic year.

Mr Alex Muir

Co-opted Governor

Alex has worked in education and training for over 15 years and is currently a manager at a local further education college with responsibility for adult education. 

In his spare time, Alex is Treasurer of Blaydon Harriers & Athletics club alongside his role as a co-opted governor of High Spen Primary school. The opportunity to work with such a committed staff team at a brilliant, inclusive school is what makes this role and our school so special. 




 

Mrs Jill Hutton

Parent Governor

I am new to the Governing Body at High Spen Primary School and I am excited for the challenges this role will bring. I have taught for 20 years and currently work part-time as EYFS leader in a local primary school. I believe strongly that all children deserve access to a high-quality early year where wellbeing takes priority and is at the heart of the curriculum.

This is exactly what I found when my own children joined High Spen. I am looking forward to working with and supporting staff, children and the wider community in any way I can to maintain the happy, inclusive learning environment High Spen offers to all.

Mrs Helen Thomson

Parent Governor

I have been a parent governor since 2021. I joined the board when my daughter started in the reception class at school.

I feel passionate about contributing to my community, supporting each other, and enhancing opportunities. 

I was admitted as a solicitor in 2005 and worked in private practice for 11 years. I then joined a Trust of primary schools in Newcastle as company secretary. As part of my work, I am part of a children’s community steering group bringing together key services, people, and organisations to best support children and families.  I joined the governing body to put my professional experience to good use in my community. 

Councillor Maria Hall

LA Governor