Mrs Julie Robson
Chair of Governors
Julie Robson trained as a teacher at Durham University and during the course of her career taught in a range of primary and first schools in inner city, urban and rural locations. For the final twenty five years of her career she held two headships, the first at a rural first school in Northumberland followed by the second in a suburb of Newcastle.
During her career she held posts of responsibility for art, music, English and assessment as well as staff development and safeguarding.
Julie retired in 2017 and became a governor at Acomb in 2018. Made Chair of Governors in 2021 she has a wealth of experience to bring to the role having been a governor of four different schools. She is committed to pursuing excellence in education and ensuring that all children become enthusiastic learners and achieve their potential.
Julie is a member of all committees.
Mrs Kate Massey
Parent Governor and Vice Chair of Governors
Kate is a serving Headteacher in Newcastle upon Tyne and a parent at Acomb First School. She was appointed to the role of Parent Governor in role in November 2016. She currently sits on the Resource Management Committee and is designated Governor for children with SEND. She lives in Northumberland with her two young children and husband. She chose Acomb First School for her children because it offered nurture and genuine care for individuals alongside high expectations and a broad and rigorous curriculum offer.
She became a governor in the hope she could offer support and challenge to the school. She is committed to working with fellow governors and the school Leadership Team to help support positive change in order to ensure the children at Acomb First School achieve their potential and are given the very best educational opportunities.
Kate is a member of all committees.
Mr Trevor Phillipson
Governor and Chair of Resource Management Committee
Trevor became a Governor in 2018 after retiring from working in the Construction Industry. He started his career as a civil engineer constructing roads and bridges , progressing over 50 years to Executive Director of a medium sized Company.
He has 3 grandchildren attending Acomb school and his daughter-law (who was a Parent Governor at the time) asked him to help with the school budget. Prior to becoming a Governor he did not appreciate how precarious school funding was.
Today’s education is very different from his children’s and he now appreciates how hard teaching staff work.
Trevor is Chair of the Resource Management Committee.
Miss Robyn Derby
Staff Governor
Robyn studied English Literature at Northumbria University before completing her teaching degree at Sunderland University. She started her career as a teaching assistant before becoming a teacher and working across all primary phases. Over the years she has been responsible for areas including English and Early Reading, Geography, History and Computing as well as being a Key Stage Leader and a member of school leadership teams.
Robyn is passionate about supporting the Acomb’s vision to support the children to grow into confident and resilient learners with a lifelong love of learning.
Mr Rob Earnshaw
Parent Governor, Quality of Education Committee
Rob Earnshaw, a former Acomb First School pupil and now a proud parent with his son in Reception, brings both a personal connection and extensive professional experience to his role as governor. An influential figure in digital media and talent development, Rob has dedicated much of his career to championing opportunities for young people. Through his work with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, he has promoted youth apprenticeships and digital skills across the UK and Local Region.
As a governor, Rob is committed to strengthening Acomb’s community ties and supporting the school’s mission to provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
Kathleen Francis
Co-opted Governor
Kathleen is Deputy Headteacher at a school in Newcastle upon Tyne. Her passion lies within Early Years and she has been working within this sector for over 20 years. Kathleen began her career as a Nursery Nurse before completing her degree in Early Years, then becoming a qualified teacher. Within her teaching career, Kathleen also has responsibility for personal development, as well as leading Early Years in her current post. She is keen to ensure that all children get the best start to their education with the Early Years Foundation Stage whilst striving to ensure children always feeling safe and secure within their environment.
