Governing Body Documentation
Governing Body Members
| Kelly Holbrook - Headteacher |
| Sheila Palmerley - Chair of Governors |
| Jonathan Sanders - Vice Chair of Governors |
| Xena Marshall - Co-opted Governor |
| Louise Scott - Parent Governor |
| Steve Houghton - Co-opted Governor |
| Lydia Aird - Co-opted Governor |
| Sandra O'Connor - Co-Opted Governor |
| Helen Mackie - Parent Governor |
| Rosie Oliver - Staff Governor |
| Vacancy - Trust Governor |
| Vacancy - Parent Governor |
Sheila Palmerley - Chair of Governors
I have been a Governor at Longbenton High School since 2012 and Chair of Governors since 2018. My working life has always been in Education. I was a PE Teacher in secondary schools for many years before becoming an Assistant Headteacher in a secondary school of similar size to Longbenton. I thoroughly enjoyed my 20 years in schools. This prepared me for 15 years working in the Education Service in a Local Authority.
I feel privileged to be able to use my skills and expertise in education to support pupils and staff at Longbenton. I love being a Governor, particularly seeing how the school has gone from strength to strength over recent years. In my leisure time I enjoy taking part in various sports and spending time at my caravan in Northumberland.
JONATHAN SANDERS - Vice Chair of Governors
I have recently retired from the NHS and have taken on a Theology degree to support my work for our church. It is a pleasure to be able to spend more time helping at LHS, at which my son was lucky enough to be a pupil 16 years ago. LCC, as it was then, treated each pupil as an individual to be treasured and developed. The same is true of LHS and it is humbling to see the staff's skill and effort that goes into achieving this. My current roles include Health and Safety link governor, vice chair and I serve on the Finance, HR and Staffing committee.
HELEN MACKIE - Parent Governor / Chair of the Curriculum Sub-Committee
I’m Helen Mackie and I am one of the parent governors at Longbenton High School. I have two boys in the school. I have a keen interest in education; I am a teacher myself and I work in a large secondary school in Gateshead. I feel that I can usefully bring my knowledge and experience to the role of governor in order to help our students achieve the best possible outcomes. Outside of work I enjoy playing the clarinet in a local wind band. We do a number of concerts each year, the most well-known being our annual Last Night of the Proms concert at the City Hall where we support a local charity. I also enjoy reading, walking and watching Netflix.
XENA MARSHALL - Co-opted Governor
I am Xena Marshall. I have 2 children at Longbenton High School and a 3rd who will be starting soon. I became a parent governor when my eldest child was in year 7, and I am now a co-opted governor. I have run my own business for the last 18 years, although my background is in retail management and call centre management; I will soon be qualified as a podiatrist and hopefully working within the NHS. I have been a regular volunteer within the local community, and I enjoy running and olympic weight lifting in my spare time to keep active.
LOUISE SCOTT - Parent Governor
I am Louise Scott, Parent Governor and my Son is currently in Year 10. I live locally with my Dad and my son and run a Gas Central Heating Company in North Shields. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, reading, travelling, and eating out.