Coming soon

Parent Member

I am Northumbrian born and bred.  We moved to near Belsay in 2009.  Our children Ralph (yr 5) and Otis (Rec) started their Belsay lives first at the pre-school before progressing to the main school.  I am keen to promote the diverse activities that rural schools have to offer in order to help ensure their future viability.  I want to ensure that, as much as possible, all of the children get the most out of their education in a safe secure setting.

Professionally, I am a Partner and Head of Department at a Solicitors firm in Newcastle.

Paul is our link Academy Committee Member for SEND, Pupil Premium, Behaviour, Attendance and Welfare.

paul.woodford@belsay-school.uk

Elected Member

I have lived just outside Belsay on our family farm for over 25 years. My husband and my children were
both educated at Belsay and Ponteland. Thomas and Lucy (now 24) had a very positive experience at
Belsay and during their time at Belsay and I took on a number of roles with the PTA. I recently became a
member of the Academic Committee as I feel very strongly about promoting education within local
schools and to make sure that this is available for future generations in the Belsay area.
I work from home on the farm and part-time as a book keeper. I enjoy horse riding, tennis, netball and
walking my dogs.
I am new to a role like this but I am looking forward to helping staff and fellow Academic Committee
members at Belsay in any way I can to help it to continue to thrive.

Tory is our link Academy Committee Member for Personal Development and Safeguarding.

tory.dodd@belsay-school.uk

Elected member

I have lived near Bolam for nearly thirty years and my children both enjoyed many happy years at Belsay school. During their time at Belsay I was keen to support this great school and I was an active member of the PTA and helped to set up and manage Belsay Daycare in the early days.

I recently joined the Academic Committee as I am passionate about education and I hope to support the school to create a stimulating environment where children are happy, feel safe and enjoy their learning.

I enjoyed a great career in teaching for more than 35 years and I managed a business for 5 years so I hope that I have relevant skills and experience to support the great work of the school and help it to thrive and develop.

In my spare time I enjoy horse riding, walking and swimming.

I look forward to working as a member of the Academic Committee to support the school and the great team who work with and support the children on their learning journey.

Jill is our link Academy Committee Member for Personal Development and Safeguarding.

Born in Northumberland and with farming roots, I have lived most of my life here and particularly enjoy our wonderful countryside and friendly people.

I have previous family who attended Belsay Primary school and currently a grandson there, with special needs. I am delighted with the school environment and the support he is given in working through his challenges.

Based in Ponteland, I am an independent business consultant with a keen interest in education/learning, wellbeing, renewable energy, innovation, and sustainability. I also have experience in project management, finance, strategy and people.

Along with my previous involvement as a governor at another Northumberland school, I feel that my broad-based experience may be useful to support the school on its future journey.

Paul is our link Academy Committee Member for SEND, Pupil Premium, Behaviour, Attendance and Welfare.

Staff Member

I started my journey at Belsay on a university placement what feels like many years ago. I then completed my degree in BA (hons) Early Primary Education and was lucky enough to apply for a job with Team Belsay. I work in the Reception class and enjoy every day as it is always so different. I feel lucky to be able to work with such fantastic young people who amaze me every day with what they set out to achieve.

Demi is our link Academy Committee Member for SEND, Pupil Premium, Behaviour, Attendance and Welfare.

Parent Member

I grew up in Northumberland and attended Belsay School, you can still spot some of my art work on the hall wall! I graduated from The Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester in 2012 with a BA(hons) in Agriculture and returned to work on the family farm near Capheaton. You will generally find me herding cows, lambing sheep, sorting horses or rushing around after my husband and children.

I have three children, who attend Belsay School.

I joined the School Governing Body as a Parent Governor and look forward to being supportive and part of the decision making of our unique, rural school.

Emily is our link Academy Committee Member for Personal Development and Safeguarding.

emily.moffat@belsay-school.uk