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:
St Peter’s Elwick Church of England Primary School
St Aidan’s Church of England Academy
People and Skills
Katie Hammond
Trustee Date of appointment - 3 December 2019 Chair Date of appointment - 12 July 2023 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by board
Jason Brine
Trustee Date of appointment - 13 November 2023 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
Rev. David Tolhurst
Trustee (Safeguarding link) 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
Anita Bath
Trustee Date of appointment - 5 November 2024 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
Christine Inkster
Trustee (SEND link) Date of appointment - 1 March 2018 Term of office - 4 years Appointed/reappointed by academy members
Laura Bowes
Trustee Date of appointment - 7 April 2025 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members
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
