- Home
- About Us
- Governance
Governance
At Beacon of Light School, governance plays a vital role in transforming the lives of children and communities through developing healthy, confident and productive citizens of tomorrow. As part of Laidlaw Schools Trust, our Local Governing Committee (LGC) provides strategic leadership, accountability and assurance, helping to ensure that the Trust’s vision, values and priorities are embedded throughout the Academy.
Our governors are stewards of the Academy, championing success and providing support and challenge to Academy leaders. Through engagement with pupils, staff, families and the wider community, they provide assurance that Academy priorities are being delivered effectively and that all pupils benefit from high-quality education, care and support, and receive the opportunities that enable them to shine.
Overall responsibility for governance sits with the Laidlaw Schools Trust Board, which sets the Trust’s vision and strategy, ensuring that statutory and regulatory responsibilities are met. The Trust Board has established Local Governing Committees to oversee each Academy; to provide meaningful local accountability, strengthen communication between the Trust and Academy community, and ensure that governance remains connected to the needs of the communities we serve.
At Laidlaw Schools Trust we believe that effective governance is strengthened by a broad range of perspectives, experiences and backgrounds. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within our Academies and governing committees. We welcome expressions of interest from individuals with a broad range of skills, experiences and backgrounds, who share our commitment to improving life chances for children and young people.
If you are interested in becoming a governor, or would like to find out more about the role, please contact the Governance Team:
Governance Administrator: Laidlaw Schools Trust, Suite 2, 3rd Floor, St Nicholas Building, St Nicholas' Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1RF
Email: governance@laidlawschoolstrust.co.uk
Telephone: 0191 662 2416
Details of the Governors at Beacon of Light School can be found below:
Lynda Brown - Chair of Local Governing Board
Lynda is a retired Head of Education, Early Years and Complex Needs at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. She previously served as Head of Standards and Head of Participation at Sunderland City Council, spending 10 years at Assistant Director level with responsibility for leading high-quality education for children from the early years through to age nineteen. In total, she has 38 years of teaching and management experience in schools and colleges.
She has volunteered as a Trustee and Governor, supporting schools, colleges and academies to provide the best outcomes for children and young people. She has been involved with the Foundation of Light since 2002 and continues to contribute as a member of its Education and Skills Committee. She is also Chair of Governors at the Beacon of Light School. She is committed to ensuring both schools provide life-changing opportunities for their students.
Interests and date interests commenced
Academy 360 (Governor - 15/11/2023)
Tony Cunningham - Local Governor
Tony Cunningham is the former Executive Headteacher of a secondary and primary school in Washington and the former CEO of a Multi-Academy Trust in the same area. Tony also served as Chair of the Management Board of the Local Authority Pupil Referral Unit for permanently excluded pupils in Sunderland.
Tony is currently Chair of the Student Support, Standards and Attainment Committee.
Interests and date interests commenced
Oxclose Primary Academy (Other Governance Role)
Sandra Mitchell - Local Governor
Sandra recently retired from Sunderland City Council after 41 years which included working at a senior level managing services for adults and children.
Sandra was an accountant by profession and also previously held the position of Non-executive Director of Together for Children Sunderland, and is passionate about supporting and improving the life chances of all residents.
Interests and date interests commenced
Nil
Ros Potts - Local Governor
Ros recently retired after a 35-year career in the sports industry, including 21 years in senior roles at The Football Association, where she was responsible for implementing grassroots strategies through the workforce in local County Football Associations. Ros has also served on the boards of London Sport and Sport England and is a qualified coach mentor.
Ros currently works two days a week as a teaching assistant in Learning Support at Harrogate Grammar School. She is a lifelong Sunderland fan and has held a season ticket for almost 50 years.
Interests and date interests commenced
Nil
Denise Taylor - Executive Principal
Denise is currently Executive Principal at Academy 360 (A360). She was appointed Principal of the Beacon of Light School in January 2016, where she led the school through a period of growth and development.
Denise began her teaching career in 1994 in Sunderland as a teacher of Art at Pennywell School (now Academy 360), where she held successive roles including Deputy Head of House, Head of Art, Excellence in Cities Coordinator, and Academic and Business Mentor Coordinator.
She moved to Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy in 2006 as Director of Arts and later served as Assistant Principal until December 2015.
Interests and date interests commenced
Nil
Jamie Wright - Local Governor
Jamie is Director of Programmes at the Foundation of Light, the official charity of Sunderland AFC, where he manages and oversees delivery programmes across Sport & Play, Education, Health & Wellbeing, and the World of Work.
Jamie began coaching straight after leaving school and joined SAFC Community in 2001 as a casual football coach. In 2003 he joined the Foundation of Light as an Informal Educator, focusing on the Making Moves (Disability) project. Over the years, Jamie has managed the outreach site at Washington Millennium Centre, led the Football Development programme, directed the Football and Sport department, and in 2015 became Managing Director of the Foundation. He has also coached Sunderland AFC Academy U7 and U11 age groups for over 12 years.
Jamie has been a Director of the Foundation for the past four years, supporting all areas of the organisation and contributing to the development of the £20 million Beacon of Light project. He has completed UEFA B and Youth Module 3 coaching qualifications and a Level 5 in Leadership and Management.
Interests and date interests commenced
Foundation of Light (Business/Finance interests - 12/2/2001)
Gemma Dickinson - Parent Governor
Interests and date interests commenced
Nil
David Bowden - Parent Governor
Interests and date interests commenced
Nil