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Governance
BackThomas Walling Primary Academy is overseen by a Local Governing Committee responsible for ensuring the highest standards of teaching and wellbeing. The Local Governing Committee is a ‘critical friend’ to the Academy as well as a champion of pupils, teachers and the wider community.
As the Academy is part of the Laidlaw Schools Trust, there is a board of trustees who are responsible for the work of the Trust, including the running of the academies. Further information is available on the Governance section of the Trust’s website. To support the effective operation of the Trust and the academies, the Trust board has established Local Governing Committees for each Academy in the Trust.
Diversity is important to our governing committees and we strive to be reflective of the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for school governors from all areas of our school community. If you are interested in becoming a school governor or finding out more, please contact the Clerk to Governors.
The Governance Administrator can be contacted at rebecca.mayo@laidlawschoolstrust.co.uk, Laidlaw Schools Trust, Suite 2, 3rd Floor, St Nicholas Building, St Nicholas’ Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1RF or 0191 662 2416.
Details of the Governors at Thomas Walling can be found below:
Chikezie Okike
Chair of Governors
Dr Chikezie Okike is an accomplished academic and business leader with extensive
international experience in higher education management, organisational development, and
consultancy. He holds a PhD in Management from the University of York, an Executive
MBA from the University of Lagos, and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering (Diplom-Ing.)
from the University of Stuttgart.
Dr Okike is the Founder and CEO of Acadama.com, a global platform connecting
academics, students, and businesses for research collaboration and knowledge exchange. He
has held senior academic appointments at Durham University Business School, University
of Wales, Qassim University, and the University of Sunderland, where he contributed to
programme accreditation, quality assurance, and strategic leadership.
A Microsoft Certified Network Administrator and Oracle Data Modelling Instructor, Dr
Okike integrates technological expertise with management insight to drive institutional
effectiveness and innovation.
He currently serves as Chair of Governors at Thomas Walling Primary Academy and as a
Trustee of several educational charities supporting disadvantaged learners. Dr Okike is
recognised for his integrity, intellectual rigour, and commitment to advancing education and
community development globally.
Andrea Crawshaw
Local Governor
I am a now retired CEO and Executive Headteacher. I feel that the skills, experience and knowledge that I have gained as a teacher, parent, senior leader, headteacher, executive headteacher and CEO will be useful to make a positive contribution to children’s education at Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy.
I understand the key role that governors have and should play in schools, having worked with and in governing bodies for over 20 years. The role of a governor is not to run the school nor to become involved in the operational aspects of leading a school, but to work with and to support the Headteacher and leadership team to set the vision, ethos and strategic direction, to hold the headteacher to account for educational performance and to oversee financial performance.
Jill Cullen
Associate Governor
I am a Deputy Headteacher working within Laidlaw Schools Trust and based at Westgate Hill Primary Academy. I gained a BA (Hons) in Education at Durham University and have over 20 years experience working in Primary Schools. Currently, I have responsibility for Teaching and Learning, Foundation curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage. I am also working across the trust to support other leaders in developing these areas in their schools. I am very passionate about children's Early Years and ensuring that every child gets the best possible start to their education. I believe the earliest years of a child's life are the foundation for future life chances and achievement and we must drive towards making sure this is offered.
In my spare time I enjoy anything involving music! I love musicals and am a keen pianist, playing piano at any given opportunity! Making sure musical experiences are available for all children in schools is also one of my priorities. Learning to play a musical instrument has so many benefits; building confidence, enhancing memory and developing cultural capital!
I am dedicated to supporting Thomas Walling Primary Academy as they continue developing excellent provision for our pupils.
Kelly Turnbull
Parent Governor
My name is Kelly (She/Her, They/Them). I’m a Parent Governor. I have two children attending Thomas Walling Primary Academy. I work part time as a Civil Servant. SEN and mental health are very important to me.