Jeremy Bell

Job title / organisation: Retired

Length of time as a governor: Since Oct 2008

Governor role: Foundation Trust Governor

Committee involvement: 

Vice Chair of Governors

Chair of Admissions Committee

Finance & Resources Committee

Pay Review Panel

Headteacher Appraisal Panel

Link Governor: Reading

Link Governor: Gosforth Schools' Trust

SIP Working Group: Reading

Background information: 

 A retired diplomat with almost two decades of involvement in the state education system.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

Drive where change is required. For my school, a continuation of our holistic approach to learning - to emphasise sports, music and drama, as well as pure education.

Main interests/hobbies:

 Travel, sport and international affairs.

 

Dave Bronsgeest

Job title / organisation: GP, Medical Director for Derwentside Primary Care Network

Length of time as a governor: Since May 2023

Governor role: Parent Governor

Committee involvement: 

Curriculum & Pupil Performance Committee 

Link Governor: SEND / Child in Care (CIC)

Background information: 

I am a senior partner in our GP surgery and Medical Director for Derwentside Primary Care Network. My oldest son is currently in Year 6 in GCMS, my youngest is joining GCMS next year.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

In my clinical work, I have a passion for a personalised hollistic patient centred approach. My experience in leading and managing our business as well as my experience in my role as Clinical Director can be useful in my contribution as parent governor. All my work requires adaptive, collaborative working and decision making in a NHS system that is under constant strain, not dissimilar to the working environment in an educational setting.

Main interests/hobbies:

As a family, we have a keen interest in sports in general (particularly competitive swimming, Formula 1 and running). We love to travel - making our holidays into little adventures by combining activities with experiencing local people and cultures. My personal passion lies in skiing, running and I have recently started Taekwondo.

Max Davey

Job title / organisation: Coming soon!

Length of time as a governor: Since July 2026

Governor role: Co-opted Governor

Committee involvement: 

TBC

Background information: 

I have spent the last eight years working in marketing, events and communications roles across the education sector, including in higher education and at the Department for Education. After taking a year out to travel, I joined the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency as a Senior Marketing Manager and am now preparing to retrain as a Speech and Language Therapist.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

I bring a strong understanding of the education sector, alongside experience in communications, stakeholder engagement and strategic thinking. I'm particularly interested in safeguarding, inclusion and helping people feel they belong. I enjoy asking questions, offering constructive challenge and working collaboratively to support good decision-making and positive outcomes for pupils.

Main interests/hobbies:

• Outdoor activities – I enjoy being outdoors whenever possible, whether that's walking, hiking, cycling or trying something new.
• Travelling – I've been fortunate to visit more than 60 countries and enjoy learning about different cultures, communities and ways of life.
• Painting and drawing – I'm far from an expert, but I enjoy being creative and find it a great way to switch off and unwind.

Stephen Davies

Job title / organisation: Coming soon!

Length of time as a governor: Since September 2025

Governor role: Co-opted Governor

Committee involvement: 

Coming soon!

Background information: 

Coming soon!

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

Coming soon!

Main interests/hobbies:

Coming soon!

   

Sarah McCrea

Job title / organisation: Mother

Length of time as a governor: Since June 2026

Governor role: Parent Governor

Committee involvement: 

Coming soon!

Background information: 

I have three children going to GCMS so thought it was time to give back to all of the energy and enthusiasm they are given from the school. I have had a variety of public facing roles in my life ranging from shoe shop manager to disaster manager so hope to find this role between the two. From working within the Local Authority I have encountered many committees and organisations and welcome the opportunity to contribute in a volunteering capacity to school life.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

To represent the parents of the school and to understand the strategic nature of the school and its goals and purpose. To utilise my background of people facing roles and help build a holistic feel to the community around school, as well as within it, so it continues to thrive and be supported. 

Main interests/hobbies:

I'm a keen sewer which means I have a huge collection of fabric and little time to sew. I enjoy spending time with a variety of people gathered through community work such as our Little Library. 

Lois Scott

Job title / organisation: Head of Region (North East), Axiom Maths

Length of time as a governor: Since Oct 2024

Governor role: Co-opted Governor

Committee involvement: 

N/A

Background information: 

I have been a secondary Mathematics teacher for 17 years and have held a variety of leadership positions within schools, most recently with responsibility for Timetabling and Data. This year I have moved on to take up the position as Head of Region - North East for Axiom Maths. I live locally and have two young children.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

My skills and experience of teaching maths in different settings across the country and my complete passion for enhancing the lives of all young people through quality education and opportunities.

Main interests/hobbies:

Reading, walking in the countryside and quality time with family and friends.

 

David Slipper

Job title / organisation: Head of PE, GCMS

Length of time as a governor: Since Sept 2016

Governor role: Co-opted Governor

Committee involvement: 

Admissions Committee

Finance & Resources Committee

Background information: 

I have been a member of staff at GCMS since 1986 and have held various positions of responsibility - presently, I am the Head of PE.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

I will represent the views of the staff on the governing body, and hopefully contribute from my 30 years of teaching experience.

Main interests/hobbies:

Sport in general, sports coaching, and socialising with friends and family.

  

Deeanne Smith

Job title / organisation: Headteacher, GCMS

Length of time as a governor: Since Oct 2016

Governor role: Associate

Committee involvement: 

Admissions Committee

Curriculum & Pupil Performance Committee

Finance & Resources Committee

Background information: 

I started at GCMS as Assistant Head in 2013 and became Deputy Head in 2016. I became Headteacher in April 2022, ably supported by the amazing GCMS team.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

Over 20 years experience in education, accountability, and understanding of working in high pressure environments from a previous career in neurosurgery nursing.

Main interests/hobbies:

Books are my passion, alongside long dog walks and dancing. Spending time with family and friends is a must and I endeavor to do so as often as possible.

 

 

Jayne Thorpe

Job title / organisation: Retired Teacher

Length of time as a governor: Since May 2014

Governor role: Co-opted Governor

Committee involvement: 

Chair of Governors

Admissions Committee

Chair of Curriculum & Pupil Performance Committee

Acting Chair of Finance & Resources Committee

Headteacher Appraisal Panel

Link Governor: Safeguarding

SIP working group: Reading

Background information: 

I have had 3 job titles - Nurse, Mother and Teacher. I nursed for 9 years, then had 6 children - all of whom attended Gosforth Central Middle School, and was a teacher at a Gosforth first school for 12 years. I have been retired from teaching for 2 years.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

The skills and experiences from teaching, my knowledge from 17 years involvement with GCMS both as a parent and governor, my understanding of the Gosforth community, a desire to ensure all children achieve their potential - not just academically - from their time at GCMS and to fulfil all governor requirements effectively.

Main interests/hobbies:

Walking, theatre and music, reading.

   

Joe Veitch

Job title / organisation: Head of Enterprise, GCMS

Length of time as a governor: Since Oct 2023

Governor role: Staff Governor

Committee involvement: 

Curriculum & Pupil Performance Committee

 Background information: 

I have worked at GCMS since my NQT year in 2019. The magnificent support offered to my by the staff at GCMS has allowed me to feel supported and challenged in my role.

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

I hope to effectively liase between staff and governers, accurately represent the views of staff and ultimately improve outcomes for pupils!

Main interests/hobbies:

I am a keen sportsperson (especially cricket and football). I love reading and studied English Literature for my undergraduate degree.

 

George Williams

Job title / organisation: Head of Drama, GCMS

Length of time as a governor: Since Sept 2026

Governor role: Staff Governor

Committee involvement: 

Coming soon!

 Background information: 

Coming soon!

What you hope to bring to the governor role:

Coming soon!

Main interests/hobbies:

Coming soon!