Governance

I joined DCHS as Head of PE in 2010 following my early career at Prudhoe High. I made the decision to pursue pastoral leadership when the head of year 9 post became available and have never looked back, holding the posts of Assistant and Deputy Head Teacher with Pastoral responsibility and Designated Safeguarding Lead. I am proud of what we are able to provide for our children and families; having grown up in Northumberland I am acutely aware of the challenges faced when accessing services. 

IMy career in teaching is down primarily to a member of staff at DCHS. Having grown up in Amble I attended my local high school, however the school did not have a school rugby team. I was given the opportunity by the then Head of Rugby Mr Debbage to come and play for the Duchess’s team. That opportunity led me down an exciting journey, not only into the love of sport, but also a passion to give all children opportunities that may not ordinarily be available for them. This action by a member of DCHS staff is ultimately what took me into teaching, and in 2007, having studied History at Hull University, and subsequently at Worcester University for a PGCE I gained my first position as a History Teacher in Central Birmingham. Having taught across a variety of schools in the Midlands, I fostered a love of teaching, not only of my subject History, but also of teaching Politics and Travel & Tourism. I also reignited my own love of learning in 2016 with the completion of a Masters in Education from Newman University. In 2019, after the birth of my eldest daughter, we relocated to ‘home’ in 2019 pre pandemic, for a Deputy Head role here at DCHS. 

I live in Alnwick together with my wife and 3 boys who will all attend the DCHS following a move to the area in March 2021. By undertaking a Parent Governor role, I hope to proactively support and participant in this stage of their education and am looking forward to being part of their journey through the DCHS.

Since 2006 I have been working in the Aerospace sector for a US based manufacturer of engineered products and services, now based from a satellite office located in Alnwick.

It is vitally important to me that all children can access a high-quality education, in a safe environment that ultimately ensures they achieve their full potential. 

I have lived in the area for over forty years and have always had an interest in education. I was a primary school teacher and then set up my own school at Rock in 1984 which ran for nearly thirty years until 2013.

I have been on the Governing Body of DCHS since 19 ??? and was Chair of Governors from 2013. This was a turbulent time as the school changed from three to two tier, moved into a new building and took in a much larger intake of students. I stepped down as chair for two years but have now taken up the position again to assist the school in academisation. I have three grown children who all went through the school and now have their own young families so I have six young grandchildren and enjoy gardening and just drawing breath sometimes. I have never lost my belief that education is the best way for young people to make the most of their lives and although much has changed that fundamental core value is very important to me.

I became a member of staff at DCHS in November 2005 initially as an IT Technician from a background of Chartered Surveying, Finance, Research & Development, Moves & Changes, Business Process Reengineering and IT Support.

With the progression of time I became the Network Manager with Data Responsibility, but with a knowledge and understanding of engineering drawings and scheduling, I became the Project Manager from the schools perspective for the move from the old site at Howling Lane to our new build school.

I became a co-opted school governor several years ago as I’m passionate that we shall provide the best of education, opportunities and experiences for our students through supporting the school vision, ethos and strategic direction.

My son attends the Duchess High School and as a (now retired) military family we have settled in Northumberland.  I hold a passionate interest in education provision for the children of Alnwick and surrounding areas.

Having worked in both industry and in education: as a financial advisor for a large multinational company and for Dale Carnegie Training, before returning to university to qualify as a teacher.  I have taught students 11-18 at both GCSE and ‘A’ Level in secondary school and also SEND pupils aged 14-16 in special education schools.

Being an examiner in Economics for Cambridge University Assessment, I regularly assessed academic performance of international students, which provided insight into global educational performance and the demands and mindset of those who set examination standards.

I bring experience of working in both business and educational systems, encompassing a range of behaviours and norms, and can offer a broad education and business analytical overview to the DCHS.

I enjoy interior design and coastal walks with my dogs.

I am proud to be a parent governor and my children have been at the Duchess since 2018. As an adopted Northumbrian (I’ve only been here 20 years!) I believe that our school has the power to support our children in becoming talented, kind and fulfilled young people who can make a positive contribution to our communities and the region for years to come.

I have a background in legal services and in design. I currently work in property development and volunteer with the RNLI. When not at work I spend my free time running along coastal paths with my Bedlington terrier.

Hi, my name is Peter Johnson and I am a foundation governor. I have spent my entire working life in education. I originally taught in Brighton and London before finding my true vocation in special education. I taught in special schools for 35 years, that’s 13 as a head teacher in London. I acquired my masters in SEN at London University. I retired and came to live in Northumberland in 2014. I joined the Duchess as a Governor two years later. My mission, as it always has been, is to ensure SEN children are looked after and thrive.

I’m proud to be staff governor at DCHS. I have experience in school governance as a former parent governor and then co-opted governor at Swansfield Primary School. Having attended DCHS as a pupil I then embarked on my university education before beginning my teaching career at Cramlington High School. I returned to DCHS as a teacher in 2002 primarily teaching Food across the year groups. My role as a Lead Practitioner has enabled me to have a variety of whole school responsibilities. Currently I have the privilege of mentoring Early Career Teachers using instructional coaching. Being staff governor allows me to use my knowledge and experience of the local community and our staff and students, having an insight as a long standing member of teaching staff and as a parent. I am a member of the Educational Standards Performance committee and I'm proud to bring a staff perspective to the board.

Clare is currently the Director of Policy and Communications at Charity Finance Group, the membership body for charities, voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises. CFG’s mission is to develop and support a dynamic, trustworthy and financially confident charitable sector across the UK and Clare leads a team working on all aspects of policy, from improving access to banking for charitable organisations to legislation, accounting and reporting, ESG, tax and VAT, governance, leadership and culture. Clare is a Chartered PR Practitioner and member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, and is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Before moving into the charity sector Clare completed a PhD in politics at the University of Newcastle, and spent over a decade working as a senior parliamentary researcher, leading the staff team for a Liberal Democrat MP.

Clare has a significant record for volunteering, especially in governance and board roles. She has served as a charity trustee and chair, a district councillor, strategic advisory body member for the police, and public governor for an NHS mental health trust. She has been a school governor for several schools and currently chairs the Finance, Audit and Resources Committee as part of her role on the governing body for the Duchess’s Community High School in Alnwick, Northumberland. She has a particular interest in performance management, culture and organisational development, as well as effective governance.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Clare can be found outside on her bike, running, walking or pretending the sea is not that cold, really.