Governors (ID 1111)

• Barbara Wells
  Chair
  Barbara Wells

  I am Chair of the Governing Body at Chester le Street CE Primary School and have been proud to be a member of the governing body, supporting the school since 2019. Both my children attended the school and have many happy memories of their time here.

  I am a registered general nurse and have worked in the NHS for the past 22 years, now employed as a senior manager in the NHS, working for the past 15 years in the emergency operations centre for the North East Ambulance Service. I have many years of experience in leadership, governance, budget management and strategic planning and all these skills are transferrable to the role of governor. In my free time, I love to spend time with my children and family and encourage us all to take time away from electronics and screens to get out in the fresh air. I am passionate about supporting the school, the senior leadership team and the staff to provide a safe, inclusive learning environment for all the children.

• Matthew Strand
  Vice Chair
  Matthew Strand

• Rachel Butler
  Headteacher
  Rachel Butler

  I am very proud to be Headteacher at CLS CE Primary. This is my third Headship and I have previously successfully led two Schools on their journey from Requiring Improvement to an Ofsted grading of Good.

  I am passionate about giving our young people the best opportunities possible throughout their Primary years. I have a passion for outdoor learning and bespoke Curriculum design. I believe that all of our young people should have access to the best education and aim to provide bespoke curriculum design that allows all children to flourish. I am determined to make a difference, not only in the children’s lives but their families lives and my staff. I have previously developed extremely strong community links which enable children to reach beyond the school gates and see the impact of their work to a wider audience. I have a strong vision and passion for Primary Education and collaborative working and believe it is extremely important for all families to work collaboratively with teachers and support staff to ensure the best outcomes for all of our pupils.

• Rachel Orr
  Foundation Governor
  Rachel Orr

  I am very privileged and proud to be a foundation governor at Chester-le-Street Church of England Primary School. I am an active member of St Mary and St Cuthbert’s Parish Church in Chester-le-Street and have worshipped there since I was baptised in the old font at the back of church from just a few weeks old.

  I have worked in education for over thirty years. I have had the privilege of being head teacher of two schools previously in County Durham and In Stockon-on-Tees. Having taken early retirement from headship, I continue to work part-time in education across a variety of areas from supporting teachers across the country on National Professional Qualifications for leadership, professional leadership mentoring and coaching as well as assessing these qualifications mainly with Newcastle University.

  I am a radio broadcaster for an internet/smart speaker radio station. I love gardening, reading and cooking. I am a classically trained soprano and have a love of opera, oratorio and the Great American Songbook. I am also a bit of a shoe queen but don’t actually know how many pairs I own.

  I believe that our children always deserve the best where they are given the experiences, skills and knowledge to prepare them for fulfilling a good life with God.

• Sean Mulligan
  Staff Governor
  Sean Mulligan

  I am super proud to be a teacher here at Chester-le-Street CofE Primary School. I joined the Chester-le-Street CofE Primary School family in September 2020 after graduating from The University of Sunderland with a BA Hons Primary Education. I became a Staff Governor in 2021 and I enjoy working with the strategic side of Education and our school. It is important as a Staff governor that I am a representative staff member rather than representatives of staff, bringing a staff viewpoint and perspective to discussion and debate. I look forward to developing my journey through Teaching with my own personal goals. Outside of School I am Co-Chairman for North Shields Football Club, Assistant County Lead Volunteer for Beaver Scouts as well as the Media and Communications Manager in Northumberland Scouts. I have achieved my Gold Duke of Edinburgh as well as my King Scout Award. I love going out on walks all around Northumberland and the Lake District. I fully believe that our pupils and staff deserve the very best and to ensure they are given the experiences, knowledge and skills to prepare them for any possibility.

• Laura Cavagan
  Parent Governor
  Laura Cavagan

  I am so proud to be a parent governor here at our fantastic school. I joined the governing body in February 2022 when my son was in Reception and I have loved being part of our school family and part of a governor team that all care so deeply about our school, children and community.

  I am a parent representative on the governing board and I bring a parent perspective to discussion and the decisions we make.

  I have been a senior leader in National Government for a number of years now, and I have had the opportunity to work across Benefits & Credits, EU Exit, Tax & Compliance. As a senior leader I have experience in strategic leadership, engagement & HR, all skills that I bring to our governing body. Outside of work I really enjoy walking, holidaying and spending time with my family.

  I hope to continue my involvement in the strategic leadership of our school for a long time to come & I am passionate about supporting our school to reach its maximum potential for the benefit of all our children.

• Michael McRae
  Parent Governor
  Michael McRae

• Dave Edmondson
  Dave Edmondson

  Hi there I’m Dave, I’m the Associate Rector at St Mary and St Cuthbert in Chester-le-Street. I’ve been in the north east since July 2023 and grew up and lived the majority of my adult life in London. I’m married and my two children attend CLS CofE. I’m passionate about all knowing the inclusive love of God and that all can live life and life to the full. I’ve been ordained for several years but before being ordained I was a youth and children worker for charities and churches in London. I’m an avid sports fan and for my sins am a Chelsea supporter. I’m always happy to grap a cuppa or have a chat when picking up kids or at an event.

• Tracie Smith
  Tracie Smith

  I have lived in South Pelaw for over 40 years and both my children attended Chester le Street C of E Primary school. I have a longstanding relationship with the school and I am proud to be on the Governing Body again.

  I am passionate about the Environment and am delighted with the work the children are doing in their local community with regard to litter picks.

  Health, Well-being and Sport also plays an important part in my daily routine and I am pleased to be the lead Governor in this area working closely with the school.