Governance

Thomas 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.

Get Involved

Details of the Governors at Thomas Walling can be found below:

Chikezie Okike

Chair of Governors

Dr ChikezieDr Chikezie Okike is Founder and CEO of Acadama.com, a global platform connecting academics, students, and businesses for research collaboration and knowledge exchange. He has extensive international experience in higher education management, organisational development, and consultancy, and has held senior academic appointments at Durham University Business School, University of Wales, Qassim University, and the University of Sunderland, contributing to programme accreditation, quality assurance, and strategic leadership.

Dr Okike 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. He is also a Microsoft Certified Network Administrator and Oracle Data Modelling Instructor, integrating technological expertise with management insight to drive institutional effectiveness and innovation.

Dr Okike currently serves as Chair of Governors at Thomas Walling Primary Academy and as a trustee of several educational charities supporting disadvantaged learners. He is recognised for his integrity, intellectual rigour, and commitment to advancing education and community development globally.

Interest and date interest commenced

Book Aid for Africa (Fundraising Champion - March 2007)

Hopespring Sunderland (Trustee - June 2019)

Uwakaneme Community Education Project (Trustee - November 2023)

Jill Cullen

Associate Governor

LSTJill is Headteacher at Excelsior Academy, working in the Primary phase within Laidlaw Schools Trust. She gained a BA (Hons) in Education at Durham University and has over 20 years’ experience in primary education. She previously held responsibility for Teaching and Learning, the Foundation curriculum, and the Early Years Foundation Stage at Westgate Hill Primary and has worked across the Trust to support other leaders in developing these areas.

Jill is passionate about Early Years education, believing that the earliest years of a child’s life form the foundation for future achievement and life chances. She is dedicated to ensuring every child receives the best possible start to their education.

Outside of work, Jill enjoys music, is a keen pianist, and supports opportunities for children to learn musical instruments, recognising the benefits for confidence, memory, and cultural development. She is committed to supporting Thomas Walling Primary Academy as it continues to develop excellent provision for pupils.

Interest and date interest commenced

Excelsior Academy (Employee - September 2024)

Kelly Turnbull

Parent Governor

Kelly TKelly is a Civil Servant and Parent Governor at Thomas Walling Primary Academy. She has two children attending the school and is particularly passionate about supporting students with special educational needs and mental health.

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

Miriam Mafemba

Parent Governor

LSTMiriam is a Registered General Nurse at Newcastle Hospitals and a member of UNISON, the largest trade union for public service workers. She studied nursing at the University of Dundee School of Nursing and Northumbria University and joined Newcastle Hospitals in 2004, working across multiple departments. In her current role, Miriam cares for adults and children, including those with special educational needs.

Miriam is a Newcastle City Council councillor and the first Black-African born councillor to join the council. She is passionate about inspiring children to learn in nurturing and inclusive environments, recognising the impact of school ethos and culture on personal development.

Outside of work, Miriam enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking, reading, knitting, and crocheting.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

Owen Burbridge

Local Governor

LSTOwen works in the life science innovation sector, supporting businesses across the UK and internationally to bring new healthcare innovations to market. His work involves fostering research collaborations, enabling industry knowledge exchange, and supporting high-value manufacturing within the UK.

Owen holds a BSc in Biochemistry from Newcastle University and a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Cambridge. Living locally, he serves as a governor at Thomas Walling Primary Academy, contributing his professional experience to support the community and ensure all children have the best start to their education. He is particularly passionate about championing equality, diversity, inclusion, and skills development, recognising the vital role of education in developing well-rounded, confident, and intellectually curious children.

Outside of work, Owen enjoys walking his dog Crumble, cooking for friends, and gardening.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

Lisa Clark

Local Governor

LSTLisa is an academic with over 20 years’ experience in Business and Management, teaching across undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and international programmes. She has contributed to programme validations at Newcastle University Business School, including work towards AACSB accreditation, and is currently studying for a PhD in Mental Health. She holds a Masters in Human Resource Management and Development (HRMD), a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Training, a Certificate in Education, and a Postgraduate Diploma in HRMD.

Lisa is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD), Fellow of The Institute for Leadership and Management (FInstLM), Chartered Fellow of the Management Institute (FCMI), Fellow of The Society for Education and Training, and a Certified Management and Business Educator. She has held external examiner positions at the University of East Anglia, University of Wolverhampton, and the American University of Bahrain. Lisa also brings over 10 years of practitioner and leadership experience as a Senior Training Manager within financial and business service industries, including BT plc, Toyota GB, and Halifax UK Bank.

Lisa is a local Governor at Thomas Walling Primary Academy and is passionate about supporting and challenging the strategic development of the Academy to ensure it achieves and maintains high standards of education. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, walking, pottery, and serving as a trustee for a mental health charity, offering advocacy and support to those in need.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil