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.
Andrew Walker
I am a co-opted governor at Newham Bridge Primary School and have been the chair of governors for the last few years. Besides 4 children (who have all been through Newham Bridge) and family life, I work as a mechanical engineer in the local chemical industry and I am also actively involved in Middlesbrough Community Church. I work as a governor to help put something back into our community and try to bring some of the experience I have gained through working in industry into the world of education so that the pupils, teachers and parents can make the most of their time with the school. Although I am not able to be in school much during the day, when I do visit I am easily seen in my day-glow top cycling on my bike.
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.
Luke Henman
I have been a co-opted governor at Newham Bridge since 2016 – I joined because I wanted to play my part in making sure Middlesbrough’s young people get the high quality education they deserve. I live nearby in Acklam and work for a trade union. Newham Bridge is a fantastic school – one which supports children to have the very best start in life and is always striving to improve and innovate. I am proud to be part of the Newham Bridge community.
Alexandra Law
I’m Alex, I’m a parent governor and my son is the 3rd generation of our family to go to Newham Bridge. My siblings and I all attended, and my dad was one of the first ever pupils when the school opened. I’m an English Language graduate and until recently worked in political communications. I became a governor to gain a greater understanding of how schools are run and give something back to a school that’s given so much to my family. In my spare time, I enjoy live music performances, reading, and cross stitch.
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 | Co-opted / Chair | GB | 10/07/2022 | 09/07/2026 |
| Ms Maxine Bates | Co-opted / V Chair | GB | 24/03/2022 | 23/03/2026 |
| Mrs Beverley Hewitt-Best | Headteacher | Ex Officio | 01/09/2012 | |
| Mrs Helen Ede | Associate Member | GB | 09/03/2020 | 31/08/2023 |
| Mr Luke Henman | Co-opted | GB | 09/03/2020 | 08/03/2024 |
| Mr Malcolm Patrick | Local Authority | GB | 27/03/2019 | 26/03/2023 |
| Mr David Tuffnell | Co-opted | GB | 05/12/2018 | 04/12/2022 |
| Mrs Janette Wormald | Co-opted | GB | 25/02/2020 | 24/02/2024 |
| Mr Andrew Walker | Co-opted | GB | 01/09/2019 | 31/08/2023 |
| Mrs Michelle Manton | Parent | GB | 23/04/2021 | 22/04/2025 |
| Mrs Clare Rooney | Staff | GB | 13/07/2020 | 12/07/2024 |
| Mrs Natalie Hindmarsh | Staff | GB | 11/01/2022 | 10/01/2026 |
| Mrs Cheryl Rathbone | Staff | GB | 27/04/2022 | 31/08/2023 |
Meeting Attendance
FGB
RAC
F&R
