Board of Trustees

A multi-academy trust recognised by the UK government, Northern Lights Learning Trust is an exempt charity regulated by the Secretary of State for Education. 

The Board of Directors/Trustees receive delegated responsibility on behalf of the Members to set strategic priorities and plans for the Trust. This includes responsibility for standards, policies, monitoring, finances, determination of committees with delegated powers.

It also includes the delegation of powers to the Local Governing Bodies (LGBs) to focus on their own schools, providing a context on their individual community needs and aspirations. LGBs:

  • Develop collaborative practices with responsibility and accountability
  • Monitor standards and achievement within their schools
  • Ensure Trust policies are implemented and their own relevant policies are determined
  • Engage with all stakeholders to provide outstanding opportunities, provision and improved outcomes for all children
  • Support and challenge practices within the school.

The Scheme of Delegation can be viewed on our Governance and Financial Information page.

The Trust Board comprises respected members of the wider North East community from different sectors, including education, business and faith. Trustees make decisions on behalf of the whole Trust. They are passionate about learning and are committed to providing outstanding education for pupils and students in all of our schools. 

The Board is governed by the Articles of Association, which provide a framework for the structure and organisation. It leads by example, aspiring to high quality leadership by seeking out talent, developing potential and spotting the possibility in people, as well as in other organisations. 

The Board has appointed some of its members onto committees (Finance, Audit and Risk Management (FARM), Standards Committee and People & Wellbeing Committee). These committees have powers delegated to them in line with the scheme of delegation.

For dates of appointment, terms of office and information regarding who appointed the Trustees, please access the Get Information About Schools website.

For governance information regarding academies in the Trust, please click on the relevant link below:

Benedict Biscop CE Academy

Dame Dorothy Primary School

Grange Primary School

Hart Primary School

Holley Park Academy

Ian Ramsey CE Academy

St. Helen’s Primary School

St Peter’s Elwick Church of England Primary School

Venerable Bede CE Academy

St Aidan’s Church of England Academy

People and Skills

Jo Heaton OBE - Chief Executive Officer

Jo Heaton OBE

Chief Executive Officer

View Bio

Katie Hammond - Trustee Date of appointment - 3 December 2019
Chair Date of appointment - 12 July 2023
Term of office - 4 years
Appointed by board

Katie Hammond

Trustee Date of appointment - 3 December 2019 Chair Date of appointment - 12 July 2023 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by board

View Bio

Jason Brine - Trustee
Date of appointment - 13 November 2023
Term of office - 4 years
Appointed by academy members

Jason Brine

Trustee Date of appointment - 13 November 2023 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members

View Bio

Jack Falcus - Trustee
Date of appointment - 19 August 2024
Term of office - 4 years
Appointed by academy members

Jack Falcus

Trustee Date of appointment - 19 August 2024 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members

View Bio

Rev. David Tolhurst - Trustee (Safeguarding link)
Date of appointment - 1 February 2023
Term of office - 4 years
Appointed by academy members

Rev. David Tolhurst

Trustee (Safeguarding link) Date of appointment - 1 February 2023 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members

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Neil Williams - Trustee
Date of appointment - 1 February 2023
Term of office - 4 years
Appointed by academy members

Neil Williams

Trustee Date of appointment - 1 February 2023 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members

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Anita Bath - Trustee
Date of appointment - 5 November 2024
Term of office - 4 years
Appointed by academy members

Anita Bath

Trustee Date of appointment - 5 November 2024 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members

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Christina Jones - Trustee
Date of appointment - 10 February 2025
Term of office - 4 years
Appointed by academy members

Christina Jones

Trustee Date of appointment - 10 February 2025 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members

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Christine Inkster - Trustee (SEND link)
Date of appointment - 1 March 2018
Term of office - 4 years
Appointed/reappointed by academy members

Christine Inkster

Trustee (SEND link) Date of appointment - 1 March 2018 Term of office - 4 years Appointed/reappointed by academy members

View Bio


Historic Trustees (Left within the last 12 months)

Peter Olsen
Appointed by Academy Members
Appointed 23rd January 2018
Trustee until 26th March 2024

Michael Laidler
Appointed by Academy Members
Appointed 4th January 2023
Left 17th September 2024

Sarah Lymer
Appointed by Academy Members
Appointed 17th October 2019
Left 27th September 2024

Beverley Jones
Appointed by Academy Members
Appointed 1st February 2023
Left 3rd October 2024

Michelle Harding-Smith
Appointed by Academy Members
Appointed 17th December 2024
Left 17th January 2025

Liam Roberts
Appointed by Academy Members
Appointed 12th September 2023
Left 10th February 2025


For Trustees’ business and pecuniary interests please click here

For Board meeting attendance please click here