

Villa Real Road, Consett, Co Durham DH8 6BH | [email protected] | 01207 503651
MEET OUR GOVERNORS

Jill Bowe
Headteacher at Villa Real School.

Suzanne Bailey
I was a parent Governor from the first year my youngest son Matthew started at Villa Real, age 4, he left after 6th form in 2019. I am a Children’s Physiotherapist by profession and worked in Newcastle and Durham for 20 years. I have 3 children and now 3 grandsons. I am Chair of Governors, visiting school regularly and work closely with the Head Teacher and Senior Leadership Team. I have worked alongside staff and pupils in most classes and am constantly thrilled to see the children’s personalities shine through.
I am part of the Staffing committee and the Finance and Premises sub committee and as with all my Governor colleagues, I am committed to working with school and taking it forward for the benefit of our children.
​

Ivan Jewell
During my past career I worked for thirty years in the Further and Higher Education Sectors. I have a genuine interest in education, and the opportunity for children and young people to reach their full potential.
I have been a Governor at Burnopfield Primary School for over 20 years and am a Board Member of the New College Academies Trust. I would like to share my knowledge and experience and I am committed to working with Villa Real School, and assisting it to move forward for the benefit of the children and young people. I am Chair of the Finance and Premises sub committee.

Lindsey Robinson
I became a Parent Governor in October 2020, shortly after my daughter, aged 6 joined Villa Real. I also have a son aged 2. I work part time for a Global Energy Company and have experience in project management strategy, business improvement, audit and quality systems. I really hope that in my role of Parent Governor I can use my skills and experience to support the school to ensure our children have the best possible experience at Villa Real School. I also hope that I can learn some new skills and increase my understanding of the education sector. I am currently Vice Chair of the Governing Body.

Angela Doogan
I am excited to be appointed as a Villa Real School staff governor. With 22 years of dedicated service, I began my journey as a support assistant. I have steadily progressed through various roles, including special support assistant, higher-level teaching assistant, and, after completing my degree, class teacher. My experience as a middle manager has also allowed me to develop valuable leadership skills.
For several years, I have served as the RE coordinator, during which I contributed to the launch of the New Durham Agreed Syllabus. My responsibilities include leading Philosophy for Children, overseeing the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and managing Elklan communication. I look forward to leveraging my background to contribute positively to our school’s ongoing success.

Gemma Scott
I became a Parent Governor in 2020, I have 4 children, and one of my sons has attended Villa real for over 10 years. I have been actively involved in supporting the school wherever possible, and successfully raised funds over the years, which have been used to develop areas of the school and buy equipment.
​
I am the Managing Director of my family company, this role requires correspondence with clients, liaising with other professionals and arranging training and billing. Previously I worked as an Educational Development Manager within an Alternative Education provision, and also several years as a Learning Support Assistant within a SEN provision.
I have a wealth of knowledge in supporting children and young people who attend alternative education facilities and SEN provisions, and as a parent of a child who has extra needs, I am dedicated to helping develop opportunities for the pupils of Villa Real, and supporting the work of the staff.

Kathryn Rooney
I’m a married mother of three grown up children. I was a hairdresser from leaving school, progressing to salon manager in several local salons. I later trained as a teaching assistant and senior support in various schools in the area. I was a youth worker until recently, and I also do shifts with an agency with vulnerable adults and children.
​
I was elected as councillor for Consett North ward in the last local elections, it is a role I find very rewarding.

Caroline Spence
I’m a busy working mam of 1 son and 2 stepsons. My son and my stepson are both diagnosed with ASD one of which attends Villa Real. My day job is as a data and systems analyst, specifically around the financial reporting, within the water industry and I hope I have skills from that which will be of use in my role here as a Parent Governor. I’m very excited to be a part of the School’s future.

Pam Monaghan
I have worked in primary education in Durham for more than 25 years, within mainstream settings. I have 13 years’ experience in senior leadership in a primary school and 6 years’ experience working as a School Leadership Adviser for the local authority, supporting and advising primary schools across Durham. I am currently the Director of Primary Education for New College Durham Academies Trust.
I have also been a governor at Silver Tree Primary School, Ushaw Moor, for over 8 years, following the conclusion of some headteacher consultancy work within the school. I currently hold the position of Chair of Governors.
I am looking forward to using my skills and experience in the education sector to support the headteacher and leaders at Villa Real School moving forward.

David Lees