Chair of Governors

Karen Crozier

I am a co-opted governor currently holding the role of Chair of the Governing Board and I am also a member of the Resources Committee.  I am a qualified accountant and have worked in practice for over 30 years. I am currently a senior manager looking after the audit and accounts department.

I am married and have two boys. My eldest son is at college and my youngest son just left Lingey House in the summer.  In my spare time, I enjoy reading and listening to music, attending live concerts where possible and I also enjoy following international rugby.

I became a governor because, as an ex-Lingey House pupil, I was delighted to be able to send my two sons there and I have a really strong affiliation with the school. I want to give something back to the school that set me on the right path many years ago, and also assist in ensuring the school is well-equipped to face all the challenges that modern education brings, thus providing the best possible education and learning environment for all pupils who attend.

Vice Chair of Governors

Phil Hook

I am Vice Chair at Lingey House Primary School. I am Chair of the Curriculum and Standards Committee and my areas of responsibility include: SEND, English, Science and website compliance.  The reason I decided to become a governor is that I used to be a pupil at Lingey House and felt I wanted to give something back to the school.  I enjoy supporting the development of the school.

Outside my governor role, I am a business systems engineer for a local engineering company, managing compliance for quality, environment and health & safety.  I have two children who both previously attended Lingey House.  In my spare time, I am a season ticket holder at Newcastle United and a big supporter of the club.  I also support my son’s karate club, where I assist with the running of the club and organise events.

Lesley Flecknell

I am a co-opted Governor at Lingey House.  I am on both the Curriculum and the Standards and Resources Committees.  The reason I became a governor, is because when we moved to the area in 2013, I felt incredibly lucky to have been able to send our children to Lingey House. I was blown away by how welcoming the parents and teachers were, and the way that they place children at the front and centre of all they do. When the opportunity to apply to be a governor came up, I jumped at the chance to become more involved in this community; and I am very fortunate still to be a governor.

Outside of school, I am a woman's and communities' worker at a local church.  I am married to Rob, with whom I have two boys.  One of my sons attends secondary school now, but my youngest still attends Lingey House.  In my spare time I am actively involved in my church community; I have an interest in history and enjoy reading historical biographies. I enjoy baking and trying new recipes.

Vanda Graham

I am a parent governor at Lingey House and I am on the Curriculum and Standards Committee. I decided to become a parent governor as I feel I can use my skills and knowledge, from my current job, to transfer into the role of governor giving advice and support.  I also am confident in making sure the school is compliant and providing challenge when needed.  I am regularly at school at drop off and pick up times, so happy to take any questions or queries from other parents and pass them onto the most appropriate person.

Outside of my governor role, I currently work for Gateshead Council as an Anti-Social Behaviour Officer – I’ve done this role for nearly 18 years.  As well as dealing with breaches of the tenancy agreement, I also support local residents with domestic abuse, hate crime, hoarding and safeguarding issues.  I am also trained to deliver domestic abuse training to other departments within the Council, and external agencies I work alongside.  No two days are the same.

At home, I live with my husband Ian. We have been married for 16 years and we have 2 children, Aimee who is 12 and Nathan is 9 and we also have a sprocker spaniel called Otto.  Aimee used to attend Lingey House, and Nathan is currently in Year 5.  In my spare time I love going on family holidays – either abroad or camping.  Ian coaches 2 girls football teams, and Aimee plays for them both, so most of my weekends are spent on the line of a football pitch cheering her on.  I enjoy going on family walks, in the woods or on the beach, to try and let Otto burn off his energy!  We also enjoy spending time catching up with our family and friends.

Mark Hoynes

Laura Jameson

I am a co-opted Governor at Lingey House Primary School, and I am on the Curriculum and Standards committee.  One of my responsibilities at school is the Early Years.  I became a governor as I am committed to giving something back to the community and enjoy being part of school life.

Outside my governor role, I have been a teacher for 7 years now. I currently work as a supply teacher and enjoy working in a wide range of schools.  I live with my husband and my little girl - who keeps me on my toes!  I am currently pregnant with my second child and looking forward to busy times ahead.  In my free time I love to go on long walks in the countryside and enjoy baking when I can.

Cllr Sharon Potts

I am a Local Authority Governor and on the Resources Committee.  I became a governor as I was asked by the local council if I would like to represent and support a local school.  I am interested in education and children’s well-being and care so I thought it was a good opportunity to gain some additional experience. 

Outside of school, I am an HMRC Tax Officer as well as being a Local Councillor for Gateshead Council.  At home I live with my partner Mark and I have two daughters, Anna and Georgia.  In my spare time, my hobbies include football and litter picking – I am like a Womble!

Michael Rippon

I am a Staff Governor at Lingey House and I am on the Curriculum and Standards Committee.  I became a Governor as I am passionate about making Lingey House the best school possible.  I am a teacher at Lingey House; I currently teach in Year 3 and I lead PE across the school.

Outside of school, I live with my wife. I love my little family of me, my wife and my little dog.  In my spare time I enjoy being active and I am always on the go.  I love to walk my dog down on the beach and some of my hobbies are running and tennis.  I play tennis at a local tennis league.

Chloe Wilkinson

Headteacher

Hello! I’m Chloe Wilkinson and have been the headteacher of Lingey House since January 2021. Before I came here, I worked in two schools in Durham and taught in most year groups from Nursery to Year 6. I am passionate about mental health, inclusion and play and put children at the heart of everything. I feel privileged to lead such an amazing school and look forward to many exciting developments in the future.  

When I’m not at school, I love to spend time with my family. I have two sons, Tate and Reid, who are full of energy and keep me on my toes! I have a cat called Cosmo. On weekends, I enjoy fun days out with the kids as well as cosy days in watching movies. I am renovating my house so can often be found with tools and paintbrushes in my hand. I like spending time at the beach and have recently started collecting sea glass.