Governance

Paul is a Trustee of Laidlaw Schools Trust and Co-Chair of the Audit Committee. He is Head of IT Service at HM Treasury, with over 15 years’ experience in digital operations, service management, and organisational change.

A Chartered IT Professional and ITIL Master, he is committed to education, equity, and governance and is a parent of a Laidlaw Academy pupil. 

Interests and date each interest commenced 

HM Treasury (Employer since 11/04/2023) 

Together Learning Partnership (since 01/02/2023) 

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

South Hylton Primary Academy (Headteacher since 01/01/2022)

Lynda is a retired Head of Education, Early Years and Complex Needs at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. She previously served as Head of Standards and Head of Participation at Sunderland City Council, spending 10 years at Assistant Director level with responsibility for leading high-quality education for children from the early years through to age nineteen. In total, she has 38 years of teaching and management experience in schools and colleges.

She has volunteered as a Trustee and Governor, supporting schools, colleges and academies to provide the best outcomes for children and young people. She has been involved with the Foundation of Light since 2002 and continues to contribute as a member of its Education and Skills Committee. She is also Chair of Governors at the Beacon of Light School. She is committed to ensuring both schools provide life-changing opportunities for their students. 

Interests and date interests commenced

Beacon of Light Academy (Governor since 13/01/2023)

Foundation of Light (Programme Committee Vice Chair since 31/10/2004)

John has 16 years of experience in education, including 12 years in senior leadership across two schools, where he has built a career dedicated to nurturing strong foundations for lifelong learning. Currently serving as Deputy Headteacher at Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy, he brings a deep commitment to Early Years education and early childhood development. 

Throughout his career, he has spent the majority of his teaching and leadership journey working within Early Years and Key Stage 1, championing environments where young learners can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. His passion lies in ensuring that every child receives the very best start to their educational journey, grounded in high-quality provision and informed by developmentally appropriate practice. 

Interests and date interests commenced 

Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy (Staff Governor 05/09/2022 – 17/07/2026) 

Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy (Deputy Headteacher since 05/09/2022) 

Jackie has over 38 years of experience in the secondary sector within both County Durham and Sunderland schools. Before her recent retirement from the profession, Jackie held both middle and senior leadership roles, leading a successful English department before taking on the role of Assistant Headteacher at Thornhill with responsibility for the development of teaching and learning. 

As a born and bred ‘Mackem’ who still lives in the city, Jackie is passionate about improving the life chances of the young people in Sunderland. She recognises the key role that reading fluency has to play in this and, as such, Jackie has developed significant expertise in this field which has been utilised in her own practice as well as in her work as an education consultant, supporting schools in integrating the development of reading, writing and spoken language into the curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4. 

Jackie is excited at the prospect of working with staff, students and parents/carers at Academy 360 to provide an education which enthuses and empowers the young people to fulfil their potential and inspires them in their future lives beyond school. 

Interests and date interests commenced 

Laidlaw School Trust (Personal Relationships with Laidlaw Staff since 09/2010) 

With several years of experience in school governance across both primary and secondary settings, including leadership responsibilities, Hollie has developed a strong background in governance, school improvement and supporting schools in challenging circumstances.  

Hollie’s professional background has equipped her with the skills to advocate confidently, negotiate effectively and hold organisations to account. She is meticulous in reviewing policies, financial information and performance data, and provides constructive, evidence-based challenge. She also values strong safeguarding practice, confidentiality and positive working relationships with staff and leaders. 

Hollie has a particular interest in SEND, informed by lived experience that has given her personal insight into the barriers many families face. She is passionate about inclusive practice and ensuring pupils with additional needs have the support and high expectations they deserve. 

She is committed to supporting schools to raise aspirations, strengthen accountability and improve outcomes for every young person, no matter their background. 

Interests and date interest commenced 

Unison (Employee since 2018) 

Simon Ripley is a Lecturer in Education at the University of Sunderland, with over 27 years’ experience across all phases of education. He has a particular focus on improving outcomes for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as other learners who may be considered vulnerable.

Simon is a committed advocate for social justice and the vital role it plays within education. His professional experience includes extensive school leadership roles focused on improving the quality of teaching and learning, including serving as Headteacher of an all‑age special school. 

He is currently working towards his Doctorate which focuses on classroom interactions between teachers and learners with SEND. Proudly neurodivergent, Simon actively reflects his lived experience in his work, research and professional practice.

Interests and date interests commenced 

Chair of LAC - Harry Watts Academy, Sunderland (Chair of LAC since 10/2024)

Choice Wellbeing, Sunderland - (Trustee since 06/2025)