Our Governors
Theo Furness
I work at PD ports and I’m also a Middlesbrough Councillor for Park Ward. I’m Married with 2 small children. When I have any spare time in-between everything I’ll be out running. Soon be in my 3rd decade so I hope to bring my varied life experiences and knowledge to the school governing body.
Maxine Bates
My name is Maxine Bates and I joined the Governing Body of Newham Bridge Primary as a Co-Opted Governor in 2019 and am currently a member of the Raising Achievement Committee. I have over twenty-seven years of working within the education sector and hopefully this experience will support, not only the governing body, but the headteacher, staff and pupils in working together for all to fulfil their potential. I am currently the chair of the School & Academies Business Managers Cluster Group and have led on a number of initiatives supporting schools, and local communities. Although I do follow the trials and tribulations of a local red and white football team (MFC), my passion is with another red and white football team 141 mile west of Middlesbrough – this is based on when I was five years old, my father, took me to my first professional football game (what now seems a very, very, very long-time ago), that I decided I would follow, for ever, the team that won on the day!
David Tuffnell
I am a freelance writer and director. Originally I studied at a top drama school LAMDA and worked as an actor for numerous years. I then relocated back to Middlesbrough where I co-runs a professional theatre company. I have also worked as part of Middlesbrough Council’s cultural services team and helped with many summer reading challenges as well as the Middlesbrough Reading Promise and Little Free Libraries.
Malcolm Patrick
I am a Local Authority Governor at Newham Bridge Primary School having joined the Governing Body 18 months ago. Having lived and attended school in Middlesbrough, before completing my A Levels at Middlesbrough College and degree at Teesside University, education is something that is important to me as are my connections to the town.
As a Deputy Headteacher in a large secondary school, my background has focused on high-quality teaching and learning for all pupils. Having been an English teacher, Advanced Skills Teacher, Faculty Leader and Specialist Leader in Education before moving into senior leadership posts, I look at everything from the perspective of what’s best for the child.
I aim to offer educational support and understanding but, from a different perspective of the education sector so we can continue to provide the best standard for all Newham Bridge pupils.
| Name | Governor Type | Appointed By | Start | End |
| Mr Theodore Furness | Chair | Trust Board | 01/10/2023 | 30/09/2027 |
| Ms Maxine Bates | Vice Chair | Trust Board | 01/10/2023 | 30/09/2027 |
| Mrs Beverley Hewitt-Best | Headteacher | Ex Officio | ||
| Mr Malcolm Patrick | Trust App. Gov | Trust Board | 01/10/2023 | 30/09/2027 |
| Mr David Tuffnell | Trust App. Gov | Trust Board | 01/10/2023 | 30/09/2027 |
| Mrs Janette Wormald | Trust App. Gov | Trust Board | 01/10/2023 | 30/09/2027 |
| Nyarai Manyenga | Parent Gov | Parent Election | 08/01/2024 | 07/01/2028 |
| Michael O’Reilly | Parent Gov | Parent Election | 08/01/2024 | 07/01/2028 |
| Mrs Natalie Hindmarsh | Staff Gov | Staff Election | 01/10/2023 | 30/09/2027 |
Meeting Attendance
FGB
RAC
F&R
