Meet the Governors

  • Fiona Armstrong

    Chair of Governors

    I am delighted to be part of the Hexham First governing body. It is a real pleasure to work with such a great team of school staff but also such delightful children. I will continue to support the whole community in ensuring we give our pupils the best education and life experiences that we can. Please do not hesitate to contact through the school office if I can help with anything at all. I have been a Governor at Hexham First school for many years now. I first got involved with the governing body as both my children attended the school and as a full time working mum it was my way of giving something back to the school. A teacher myself I understand how schools work but also what a vital role they play in their local community. Personally I enjoy walking, going to the theatre and cinema as well as reading.
    Fiona is our named governor for Safeguarding including Child Protection.

  • David Watson

    I am an ex-Teacher and Head Teacher now retired. I remain committed to working as part of a team to best provide quality education for all children. I enjoy cycling and the great outdoors as well as spending time with my now extended family.

  • Justine Overton

    I am proud to be the Headteacher at Hexham First School. I am committed to providing all our our children with the very best education and school experience.

  • Victoria Ord

    My daughters have both attended Hexham First School and during this time I have seen how they thrived and evolved in the fantastic school environment. Because of this and a keen interest in education I decided I wanted to become more involved and give something back to the school by volunteering as a parent governor.
    I work part time at a veterinary practice in Hexham and help out on the family farm where I live. I love the outdoors and have a love of environmental education.

  • Clare Crow

    I am a headteacher and Senco at a Northumberland primary school. Having previously worked at Hexham First I am keen to continue to support the school as a governor.

  • Jade Wang

    My two children are at Hexham First and we chose this school because of the lovely feeling we got when we first came to visit, that every child is cared for and nurtured to meet their full potential. As a parent governor, I am pleased to be able to give back to this fantastic place. Previously a primary school teacher, I am now retraining as an educational psychologist. The best part of my job is having strong relationships with the children, their families, and schools.

  • Rachel Shepherd

    Hello I’m Rachel and I’m the parent of two boys. My eldest attends Hexham Priory School and my youngest is at Hexham First School. I also work with Post-16 students at Hexham Priory School. I love being part of the school community and I am passionate about ensuring all children have the best possible experience of school and discover and grow into the person that they are meant to be.

  • Kate Robson

    I am a former solicitor and the mother of two children in middle and high schools in Hexham. I have been involved in education based voluntary work for a number of years. I was aware of the reputation of Hexham First School as a happy, nurturing school, ambitious for its pupils and I am keen to do what I can to support this and ensure all the children have as positive experience at school as possible.

  • Kerry Keith

Richard Thomas

I have been involved in education in various roles for many years. This includes working in school’s finance for Derbyshire County Council for over three years; volunteering as a student counsellor in a secondary school and a university for over three years; and working as a teacher/lecturer for various organisations. Having recently moved to Hexham, I want to put this experience to good use and support Hexham First School. I currently work as a psychotherapist, and as a teacher in Higher Education and the Adult Learning sector.