Discover the dedicated team that helps make Harry Hotspur C of E Primary School a wonderful place for learning and growth! Our committed governors play a crucial role in shaping the school’s future, ensuring that every child enjoys a supportive and inspiring environment. They work diligently to uphold our values, enhance educational opportunities, and foster a nurturing community.

On this page, you’ll meet the passionate individuals behind our governance team who bring their expertise and enthusiasm to every aspect of school life. Explore their profiles to learn how their dedication helps Harry Hotspur C of E Primary School shine as a place where faith, learning, and achievement come together in perfect harmony.

For more information about School Governance at NCEAT schools , visit www.ncea.org.uk/governance/how-we-govern. 

Key Documents

Meet Our Governors:

Jackie Chevaughan – Chair

Victoria Molnar-Brown – Co Vice Chair

Mike Samuels – Co Vice Chair

Unlike most governors, my background is not in the education sector, which allows me to provide a different perspective on the effectiveness of the school. I am a program and technology manager for a large multinational coatings company Akzonobel which produces
a diverse portfolio of products from the Dulux paint you use on your homes, through to the coating used on the McLaren F1 steering wheel. My passions in work are Innovation, culture and continuous improvement. As governor it allows me to not only work with the school to develop and improve their plans and pupil outcomes by bringing my own skills, experience and tools, but also for me to learn from the education sector itself to develop my own personal ways of working.


Outside of school and work, I am coach and chairman at the local swimming club Alnwick Dolphins, which at 80 swimmers has a number of the same issues and obstacles to overcome as the school. I enjoy the challenge of making the club successful, not only through the results of today, but more importantly on ensuring the club is successful and
sustained for future generations to come.

Alison Burden – Governor

As an executive head teacher of a federation of schools in South Tyneside I have been fortunate enough to work with primary children throughout my career spanning 34 years. I also work alongside other schools and colleagues as a school improvement adviser. This is a wonderful opportunity to share and support good practice. 

I am extremely lucky to live in a beautiful village in Northumberland which is a perfect setting for my 2 dogs and boisterous grandson!

It is a privilege to be a governor at St Michael’s Primary School at such an exciting time in their journey.

Rev Christian Mitchison – Governor

I was appointed Vicar of St Michael’s Church, Alnwick, in May 2023 having moved up from Heathfield in East Sussex where I was the Vicar for six years. I previously served my Curacyin the East Sussex market town of Uckfield. I was an ex-officio governor of a federation of two church schools for six years, and oversaw the transition from single school to federation. As well as taking a keen interest in ensuring that the distinctive Christian
character and ethos of the school is developed and enhanced, I am also able to draw on my extensive background in strategic leadership from my previous career in the horseracing and construction industries.

I enjoy walking in the beautiful Northumberland hills, running
(not very far or very well!), reading and I’m an avid Formula 1 fan!

Danielle Harvey – Parent Governor

Gavin Johnston – Headteacher

Sue Lockey – Staff Governor

Contact the Local Governing Body

The Chair of the Local Governing Body, may be contacted by email at governor@ncea.org.uk or in writing:

Chair of Governors
c/o Harry Hotspur C of E Primary School
Howling Lane
Alnwick
Northumberland
NE66 1DJ

Alternatively, Governors may be contacted via Lesley Dalby, Director of Governance on 01670 613318

Governing board membership