Meet the Governors

Mr Rory Whaling – Co-opted Governor (Chair of Governors)

I was elected as a parent governor in 2018, having 2 children in the school at that time. I have had a varied career in both the arts, IT and finance with a major focus on new business and relationship management. I also have experience in business strategy and personal development and I am very logical in my approach to challenges. My key driver for being a governor was to give something back to the young people in our community and helping Neville’s Cross be the best learning environment for our children helps me achieve that aim.

Mr Darren Knowd – Co-opted Governor (Vice-Chair of Governors)

I became a parent governor several years ago when my children (now 23 and 21) attended the school. I have previously been Vice-Chair and Chair of Governors for several years and I am now a Community Governor. Professionally, I am Chief Procurement Officer at the County Council in Durham and have also been Purchasing Manager at Nissan Europe. I have a Master’s Degree from Durham Business School.

Dr Jenny Search – Co-opted governor

I was elected in 2014 to the governing body and was co-opted as chair of governors in 2016.  I am a scientist by training and now work with secondary schools across the region to increase the access of under-represented groups to different subjects by implementing whole school equality projects. I also run my own business providing hands-on science workshops for primary schools.  I enjoy being part of the team to help the school be the best that it can be.

Mrs Nicola Oxnard – Co-opted Governor

Teaching at Neville’s Cross since Sept 2000; I became a governor in 2011. I have a wide experience of teaching across the school and I am also the Special Needs Co-ordinator. Committed to supporting the school in its continuing development, I am proud to have been part of the school’s growth and development across the years. I have 3 children of my own so understand life as a parent as well as a teacher!

Miss Aison Suggate – Staff Governor

To be updated.

Mrs Sophie Herd –  Parent Governor

As a stay at home Mum to my two children, I wanted to be actively involved in their school by encouraging and supporting the staff wherever possible. I was elected as a governor in 2019 and enjoy working alongside others and seeing how the school operates.

Mrs Michelle Harvey – Parent Governor

To be updated.

Mrs Rebecca Blackwood – Parent Governor

To be updated.

Mrs Jane Simmons-Thomas – Parent Governor

To be updated.

Cllr Elizabeth Brown – Local Authority

To be updated.