Remembering a founding figure in Schools North East – Jane Mann
Today we are remembering Jane Mann, who played an instrumental part in Schools NOrth East’s early development and helped establish some of the foundations of the network.
In 2007, Jane was hired by the original Schools North East Board to support some of the work around establishing Schools North East as a charity. During this time, she helped recruit and worked alongside then Director, Beccy Earnshaw, on a range of work as the organisation was being established, including the recruitment of Chris Zarraga, who went on to become Director and remains in the role today.
Education was a significant part of Jane’s life. She began her teaching career in Bedfordshire before moving to London and later the North East, where she became a Deputy Head Teacher before taking on her first headship in Hartlepool. In 1995, she became Head Teacher of King Edward VI School in Morpeth, the first woman to hold the role, and remained there until her retirement in 2007.
Alongside her work in education, Jane was involved in a wide range of community and public service roles. She lived in Alnwick for more than 30 years and played a significant role in the town’s community. She also ran a DHT network for 32 years, supporting female deputy headteachers and providing a lasting source of professional support.
Jane’s work with Schools North East came at the beginning of its journey, helping to put in place some of the foundations on which the organisation has continued to build. Almost 20 years later, Schools North East represents all 1,150 schools across the North East and continues to champion the voice of schools across the region.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “This is very sad news. Jane was part of Schools North East at a formative point in its history, and we will always be grateful for the part she played.
“She brought to that work the experience and commitment to education that had defined her own career, and helped put in place the foundations that we are still building on almost 20 years later.
“As we approach our 20th anniversary, it feels particularly important that we remember the people who helped Schools North East take those first steps. Jane was one of those people, and her contribution will always be part of our story.”
Schools North East would like to extend its condolences to Jane’s family, friends, former colleagues and all those who knew her.