Governors

Start date 8.1.19
My husband and I moved to the area in 2018 and wanted to get involved in the fantastic local community. When the ‘Fourum’ magazine popped through our door a couple of weeks after we moved in with an advert for school Governors I got straight in touch with the school and have never looked back. I’ve been involved as a Governor since January 2019 and I love the ‘family’ feel we have as a small rural first school and the fantastic grounds and facilities we are blessed with.

I have been a school leader for the past 14 years, having been a teacher for the past 20 years. My day job involves lots of different aspects, I’m a Co-Head of a SEND school in County Durham as well as being Director of Academy Improvement of a Multi-Academy Trust of five SEND schools in North Yorkshire and the North East Region. I carry out work for the Department of Education and other advisory bodies as well as being the System Leader for Education for the NHS North East and North Cumbria Child Health and Wellbeing Network. I’m passionate about the power of community and collaboration to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Adele is our Governor for Special Needs and Pupil Premium. She sits on the Curriculum committee.

Start date 22.11.12
I live and farm at South Berrington and am particularly interested in the natural environment. We completed the conversion to organic in 2024 and it is wonderful to see how the soil and nature is responding. My hobbies are working dogs and horse riding.

Ford School is located in a unique Heritage area in Northumberland, close to the Church of St Michael and All Angels. I wanted to become a Foundation Governor and be part of the School that binds the community together.

I am a Head of Rural at Lycetts Insurance Brokers.

Rupert is part of the Resources Committee and the Curriculum Committee.

Start Date 10.2.21
I am Rector of Ford and Etal and Foundation Governor Ex Officio since 2021. Additionally, I am Vicar of Lowick and Kyloe with Ancroft and Ex Officio Governor of Lowick and Holy Island Schools

I love exploring the coast and countryside of north Northumberland on foot and by bicycle. I’m a keen but ageing squash player and so have recently taken up pickleball.

As a former teacher, to be connected with Hugh Joicey First School brings me great joy.

Charlotte is part of our Curriculum Committee and Admissions Committee.
Charlotte is the link Governor for RE & Collective Worship.

Start date 9.12.21
I work for a mental health clinic for adolescents and young people in Edinburgh, and London as their schools relationship ambassador.

I have a PGCE and have worked for some time as an education consultant. I was a parent at the school and I am an active member of the Church.

Kathryn is part of the Curriculum Committee.

Start Date March 2023
Curriculum Committee

Start date 10.3.20
I have been in the role of governor for Hugh Joicey since 2020 firstly as a parent governor, then onto foundation governor and I currently serve as Co-Chair of Governors.

Ford & Etal Estates is a treasure for Northumberland and the learning environment Hugh Joicey can provide within it. All three of my children have attended Hugh Joicey and it brings me great sense of pride to support the school for future generations.

I am a Civil Servant working for the Register of Scotland for over 20 years and my hobbies include walking the beautiful beaches, woods and hills of Northumberland.

Keith is part of the Resources Committee and Headteacher Appraisal Committee.

Start date 20.10.03 - 31.8.25

The Honourable Andrew Joicey is a farmer at New Etal Farm and his children attended the school.
Resources Committee, Health and Safety, Head Teacher Appraisal

Start date 1.9.17.
I am proud to be the staff governor; having worked at Hugh Joicey First School since January 2004. Starting as School Cook then moving to take on the Finance Officer position in 2010.

Previous to working in school, I had 18 years experience working in a bank in Edinburgh and London.

When not working, my hobbies include travel, golf and football.

I love being part of the nurturing family environment of Hugh Joicey School.

Anne is part of the Resources Committee (Finance).

Start Date March 2023
My name is David Speakman and I became a Parent Governor at Hugh Joicey in February 2023. I'm a father to two lovely children, both of whom are lucky and happy to attend our school.

My professional experience is in project and facilities management in both the education and defence sectors, and I now run my own business focusing on providing renewable energy solutions to the automotive industry.

In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit and am a keen member of the Cheviot Trail Runners.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to the school community, and supporting the school leadership in whatever capacity I can.

David is part of our Resources Committee.

Start date 4.10.19
I live and work at Kentstone Farm near Lowick. I very much enjoy the outside lifestyle which is why I am so pleased that the children at Ford have the privilege of the Forest School.

I am grateful to be still involved with the School now that my children have moved on. I am also still on the PTA helping to raise vital funds for the School.

When I am not busy on the farm I seem to spend my time at various sporting events with my two children.

Margaret is part of the Curriculum Committee and Head Teacher Appraisal.

Start date 9.12.21
I am a former parent at Hugh Joicey C of E School, Ford, acting as parent Governor and now a foundation Governor since 2021.

I live nearby at West Ancroft farm, and have worked in the community of Glendale for over 18 years primarily within the charitable sector. I currently work for the Glendale Agricultural Society as Event Manager.

I love being outdoors and enjoy hillwalking and exploring the countryside. I am passionate about educating young people about food, farming and their local environment.

Gemma is part of our Resources Committee.