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Governance
BackAtkinson Road Primary Academy is overseen by a Local Governing Body responsible for ensuring the highest standards of teaching and wellbeing. The Local Governing Board is a ‘critical friend’ to the Academy as well as a champion of pupils, teachers and the wider community.
As the Academy is part of the Laidlaw Schools Trust, there is a board of trustees who are responsible for the work of the Trust, including the running of the academies. Further information is available on the Governance section of the Trust’s website. To support the effective operation of the Trust and the academies, the board has established Local Governing Bodies for each Academy in the Trust.
Diversity is important to our governing boards and we strive to be reflective of the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for school governors from all areas of our school community. If you are interested in becoming a school governor or finding out more, please contact the Clerk to Governors.
The Governance Administrator can be contacted at rebecca.mayo@laidlawschoolstrust.co.uk, Laidlaw Schools Trust, Suite 2, 3rd Floor, St Nicholas Building, St Nicholas’ Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1RF or 0191 662 2416.
Details of the Governors at Atkinson Road can be found below:
Ben Hardy - Chair of Governors
Ben is the Relationship Manager for Schools North East, a charity giving a voice to all 1,150 North East schools in the national debate. His role is to work with schools, MATs and partners across all sectors to support the organisation to influence the shape of regional and national policy.
After studying at Newcastle University, Ben moved to London to work in education at The Key, spending five years supporting school leaders and governors across the country. After working with Schools North East at the start of 2019 on a project to support MATs across the region, Ben moved back to the North East in the summer and joined the SNE team.
Ben was previously a governor at a special school in London for 4 years as Chair of a leadership and management committee. During his time at the school, he was involved in recruiting a new Head Teacher, a school relocation, and an Ofsted inspection (Good!).
Ben is passionate about supporting the Trust’s vision to transform the lives of children and communities in the Laidlaw Schools Trust through inspirational education.
Kelsey Blemings - Local Governor
Kelsey is a Student Recruitment Coordinator at Northumbria University responsible for developing strategies and delivering outreach activity, supporting young people to make informed career and education choices. Originally from County Durham, Kelsey moved to Scotland to complete a BA (Hons) Sport Studies degree at the University of Stirling, where she then gained her first role in Student Recruitment and Higher Education. During her time at University, Kelsey also spent time on the SportScotland Trust Company Board, responsible for the direction and develop of Scotland’s 3 National Centres for Sport.
Outside of work, Kelsey is a qualified sports coach and can often be found near a netball court! Kelsey is passionate about engaging young people in leadership opportunities through education and sport.
Kelsey is passionate about supporting the trust, with a specific interest in sport and careers guidance to ensure that the children of Atkinson Road Primary School are able to succeed and thrive in their education and local community.
Rafay Ansari - Local Governor
Rafay is currently employed as a consultant at a leading engineering and professional services consulting firm, where Rafay delivers expert advisory services in the fields of Telecommunications and Cyber Security.
Rafay holds a PhD in Computer Engineering from a university in Cyprus. Following the completion of the doctorate, Rafay relocated to the United Kingdom to pursue a role as a research scientist at a higher education institution. Five years ago, Rafay moved to Newcastle to take up a position as a Senior Lecturer at a university, continuing an academic career. Recently, Rafay transitioned into the industry, bringing a wealth of academic and research experience to the consultancy domain.
Beyond professional commitments, Rafay is an enthusiastic volunteer in STEM outreach initiatives, dedicated to inspiring young people to explore and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Rafay is enthusiastic about playing an active role in supporting the trust, with a particular interest in leveraging technology to enrich students’ learning experiences. Rafay is committed to fostering an environment at Atkinson Road Academy where all children are inspired to achieve their full potential and supported to flourish.