Cleadon Church of England Academy

Anna Harrison - Chair

I have been part of Cleadon Church of England Academy Council since 2018 and Chair the Pupil and Curriculum Committee. 

Having two young children myself, one at Cleadon Academy and one who started at the feeder secondary school in September 2022, I am passionate about education and ensuring that every child is able to reach their full potential. 

I have spent a large part of my professional career in policy and strategy development, before moving to work in a local secondary school in 2016. Here I led on partnership development and as a result became part of the central team within the large Catholic Multi-Academy Trust the school joined, supporting the onboarding of a further 29 schools. In this role I initially led on the communication strategy for all our schools before overseeing governance across the Trust. In February 2023 I left this role to become the Business Manager of the Children's Safeguarding Partnership at a neighbouring local authority.  This is a role which will see me working to improve the life chances of all children in the area. 

It is a great privilege to work with the staff at Cleadon Academy, helping to ensure its continuous development and provide our children with the aspiration and opportunities to become the very best version of themselves. 

Colin Berry 

 I am a retired engineer having worked for a large international engineering company. Whilst engineering is my core discipline, as a member of the management team, financial, commercial project management and organisational skills formed a significant element of my day to day role. As a company nominated representative I was a director and chairman of the board of trustees for the company pension scheme.

My involvement with the support of local schools goes back more than 25 years and I became a governor of a local secondary school in 2007 eventually becoming chair of governors. In 2018 I became a local academy councillor at Cleadon Academy, a role where I continue to enjoy the stimulus of different challenges.

As a member of the Scout Association since my teenage years I am still involved in the organisation and management of some large events.

Witnessing first hand at school results days, presentation evenings and Scout Award ceremonies I have seen the impact that teachers, support staff and leaders have had on the lives and future prospects of young people.

Christine Shaw

I have recently joined the academy council in 2023 as parent councillor, whilst also being Treasurer of the PTFA committee.  

 Having one child attending the academy, one soon to be starting, and being a Cleadon resident, I have a strong interest in the positive management and performance of the academy and look forward to helping ensure the best possible experience and outcome for all pupils that attend.

 I have spent the majority of my career working in Finance, and currently work full time for a medical diagnostics company alongside enjoying a busy family life.

 Working in the finance domain within the medical sector I’ve become well accustomed to working in a heavily regulated environment to stringent governance frameworks, which I hope will benefit the academy council.

Gail Williamson

I have been in Education for 25 years, teaching part-time at Cleadon Church of England Academy since 2009.  I became a member of the Governing Body, approximately a year after I began teaching here.  I have lived in Cleadon for the majority of my life and am passionate about the young people in our village, wanting them to have every opportunity, receive an outstanding education and become the very best people that they can be.

I am extremely proud to be a member of the Cleadon Academy for many reasons: we pride ourselves on our Christian Ethos, Vision and Values, educating the whole child with a broad and balanced curriculum.  I have two children, both of which attended Cleadon Academy, prior to moving on to Whitburn Church of England Academy – my son is now at university. 

In my role as staff councillor, I provide a vital link between the teaching staff and the Academy Council, offering information and clarification on various matters as and when required.  I am a member of the Pupil and Curriculum Committee and Admissions Committee.  Whenever decisions are taken, I always consider if they are in the best interests of all the children, as I care deeply about what I do and the children in my care.