Schools North East welcome three new Trustees to the Board
Schools North East is pleased to welcome three new Trustees to its Board, further strengthening the leadership that underpins one of the most influential and collaborative education networks in the region – and the only school-led regional network in the UK.
Their appointment comes at a pivotal time for education, as schools continue to navigate growing pressures while striving to deliver the very best outcomes for children and young people across the North East.
Without further ado, we’d love to give a very warm welcome to:
Louise Spellman — CEO of Spark Education Trust
Stuart McGhee — CEO of Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust
Brendan Tapping — CEO of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust
A network built on collaboration and collective strength
At the heart of Schools North East is a simple but powerful belief: our schools are stronger together. We exist to connect, support, and amplify the voices of schools across the region, creating a unified network that champions the needs, challenges, and successes of North East education.
In a landscape where demands are ever-increasing, this spirit of collaboration is more important than ever.
The role of the Trustee Board
The Board of Trustees plays a vital role in ensuring that Schools North East continues to thrive and deliver meaningful impact.
With overall responsibility for governance, financial sustainability, and strategic direction, Trustees help shape the organisation’s long-term vision while ensuring it remains responsive to the real and evolving needs of schools.
Strengthening leadership for a changing education landscape
The addition of three new Trustees brings fresh insight, experience, and perspective to the Board at a time when leadership in education has never mattered more.
North East schools are at the forefront of supporting children and young people through complex and changing circumstances. The strength of the Schools North East network ensures that their voices are heard, their challenges are understood, and their successes are shared.
Looking ahead with confidence
With a strengthened Board and a united network of Partner Schools, Schools North East continues to stand as a powerful advocate for education across the region.
Together, our organisation remains focused on one core mission: ensuring that every school in the North East has the support, representation, and collective strength it needs to deliver the very best for its communities, now and in years to come.
For every child, for every school, for the future of our region. Congratulations again to Louise, Stuart and Brendan!