Governance

Chair of Governors 

James is an experienced education leader and currently serves as Assistant Principal at Newcastle College, part of the NCG group. He leads on strategic, cross-college priorities that support student success, quality improvement, organisational performance, and learner experience.

James provides strategic oversight across key operational and academic areas including safeguarding, English and maths, apprenticeships, performance data, and the student journey. Prior to joining the Principalship team, he led major curriculum areas as Director for Health, Science and Welfare, overseeing multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality vocational and technical education aligned with employer needs, regulatory standards, and progression routes.

James has taught across a wide range of disciplines including engineering, aviation, employability, and tourism, with experience spanning entry level to higher education. His academic teaching has included vocational and undergraduate programmes, with a focus on strategic marketing and management theory.

He has a strong track record in curriculum innovation, quality improvement, and performance leadership, and has completed Level 7 research into the strategic direction of Further Education colleges offering higher education. As Chair of the Local Governing Body, James brings strategic insight, operational leadership experience, and a commitment to values-based governance that champions high standards, safety, and opportunity for all young people.

Interests and date interests commenced

Newcastle College (Employee)

Vice-Chair of Governors

William has a 39-year teaching career during which he held a wide range of roles, including leading successful departments, coordinating STEM subjects across a large feeder school catchment area, and serving as Internal Project Manager for a new-build project. He also acted for many years as an A-Level Assistant Principal Moderator for AQA, with responsibility for training teachers and supervising moderators across the North of England, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.

William holds an MA in Professional Practice: Leadership in Education and a second MA in Art History. He has also taught in higher education as a visiting lecturer at Northumbria University.

This is William’s third school governorship. At Excelsior, William links with staff and subject areas covering the arts, community, and creativity, and is a passionate advocate of Artsmark, committed to ensuring a broad cultural and creative education is accessible to all.

Interests and date interests commenced

Nil

Chair of Governors (until 31st December 2025)

Jeffrey has a 37-year career working across a wide range of schools within the Newcastle community, supporting young people with special educational needs in mainstream schools and those with more complex needs in specialist day and residential settings. His role as Deputy Headteacher of Newcastle’s EOTAS service gave him significant insight into Local Authority provision for children and young people requiring support beyond mainstream education.

Jeffrey served as Headteacher of the Pupil Referral Unit in Newcastle for 17 years. He was also the lead officer for Elective Home Education in Newcastle Local Authority and, between 2013 and 2017, the North East representative for the National Association of Elective Home Education Professionals.

Jeffrey is currently involved in school governance across several schools and academies in Newcastle.

Interests and date interests commenced

Percy Hedley School (Governor - September 2024)

Northern Country School (Governor - February 2023)

Knightsbridge Court Management (Director - 2004)

Newcastle Bridges School (Chair of Governors - January 2018)

Hawthorn Primary School (Governor - April 2017)

Gosforth East Middle School (April 2017)

Gosforth Federated Academies (Trustee - February 2018)

Local Governor

Mahima Zafar is School Business Manager at West Newcastle Academy, with a strong commitment to education and community development. Her journey at Excelsior Academy began as a pupil in 2008, and she has since held a range of roles within the organisation.

After completing her studies at Excelsior Sixth Form, Mahima undertook a Marketing and PR apprenticeship, becoming one of the school’s first apprentices. She later joined the Excelsior Academy team, working across Marketing, Reprographics, and HR over a seven-year period. With over a decade of experience in the education sector, Mahima brings extensive knowledge of Excelsior and the local community.

She is committed to using her experience and insight to make a meaningful contribution to the Excelsior Academy Governing Body.

Interests and date interests commenced

West Newcastle Academy (Employee - 1/9/2023)

Local Governor

David is a mathematician with extensive experience in higher education. He works at Newcastle University as a member of the Pure Mathematics group within the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, with research and teaching interests in functional analysis.

Before moving to Newcastle in 2019, David worked at the University of Oxford, where he also completed his degree and PhD in Mathematics. He is committed to fair access to high-quality education and has contributed to a range of university outreach initiatives.

Interests and date interests commenced

Newcastle University (Employee - 2019)

Local Governor

Cheryl Sutherland is Operations Director at an Independent Training Provider specialising in construction and green skills, part of a larger group of construction companies focused on regenerating social housing across the North East.

Cheryl began as a pupil at Excelsior Academy in 2008 and has spent most of her career in the recruitment and training sector, gaining qualifications in Childcare, Teaching, and Assessing.

Cheryl is passionate about bridging the gap between education and the construction industry, developing sustainable employment pathways and bespoke Skills Bootcamps that align with industry needs. She supports SMEs, addresses skills shortages, and empowers learners to succeed. With a proven track record of delivering tangible outcomes, Cheryl is committed to shaping the future of education and workforce development.

Interests and date interests commenced

RE:GEN Academy Ltd (Director - March 2022)

STEM Ambassador (Ambassador - March 2025)

Local Governor

Rita has over 30 years of retail experience with Marks & Spencer, specialising in leadership and creating high-performance cultures. She recently served as Chair of Marks & Spencer’s Business Involvement Group, representing over 1,600 colleagues and acting as the voice of employees to the M&S Executive Committee and PLC Board.

Rita is passionate about coaching, mentoring, and supporting teams to reach their full potential, and she is committed to using this experience to support pupils and the school leadership team to excel at Excelsior Academy.

Interests and date interest commenced

Marks and Spencer PLC (Chair of Business Involvement Group - September 1994)

Associate Governor

Anna Redfearn is a recently retired Consultant Community Paediatric doctor, with extensive experience supporting children with additional needs and disabilities. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with schools and educational colleagues, focusing on assessing and supporting children in care, those in long-term placements with relatives, and children placed for adoption, as well as safeguarding.

Anna is committed to promoting positive educational experiences, recognising their critical role in building resilient young people. She is passionate about using her knowledge and experience to benefit her local community in the West End. Anna is a Christian and an active member of St Joseph’s Church, where she is involved in youth work and supporting asylum seekers and refugees.

Interests and date interest commenced

St Joseph's Church, Benwell (Trustee - November 2022)