David Griffith-Owen – Chair of Governors

I was brought up in rural East Yorkshire and moved to the North East to attend University at Newcastle in 2001. Since then, with the exception of a period teaching English at a primary school in Hong Kong I have
loved living here and can’t imagine living anywhere else. My wife, Claire, is a local girl and much of her family is from, and still lives in Ashington. We have 2 young sons with a daughter on the way and we livelocally.

My career experience post university began with a graduate scheme at a commercial property company where I gained extensive experience in commercial real estate development, marketing and sales. Since
2010 I have been involved in the UK Self Storage industry in various operational and project management roles giving me a good knowledge and understating of strategic planning, forecasting and people
management.

I have a strong belief that all children deserve a School experience that will equip them with not only the knowledge but the skills to allow them to flourish once they leave education, whenever that is. I am
privileged to take on this role to assist in ensuing the best possible outcomes for the pupils at this School.

I am a keen sportsman and have played rugby since the age of 6, among other sports. I currently coach under 8’s and under 6’s rugby every Sunday and have previously worked in RFU safeguarding roles, as well as holding various coaching qualifications

Emma Simms – Co Vice Chair/ Governor

II have worked in the Financial Services industry for over 20 years, holding a variety of roles across banking and finance—including customer service, planning and forecasting, regulatory compliance, and financial risk management.

I’m currently a Senior Manager in the Credit Risk function at Tesco Bank, specialising in analytics and reporting. I grew up in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea and have lived in the area most of my life. I attended Hirst High School and now have two children who are pupils at Dukes, which gives me a strong personal connection to the school and wider community.

I believe education should prepare young people not just academically, but for life beyond the classroom—including financial literacy and employment readiness. Throughout my career, I’ve volunteered in schools to teach basic financial skills and support school leavers with CV writing and interview preparation. As a governor, I look forward to continuing this work and contributing to the success of Dukes.

Sharon Foster – Co Vice Chair/ Governor

I have been involved in the higher education sector since the early 1990’s, working as a research technician on various genetic disorders, the Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource, before moving into undergraduate teaching at the School of Pharmacy as their technical manager until 2024.

My engagement in outreach and STEM throughout my career has given me the opportunity to work with learners from all backgrounds and ages and my new role as the STEM lead and Operations manager at the Energy Central Learning Hub Blyth allows me to engage and inspire future generations.

I am passionate about bridging the skills gap and playing a part in helping learners achieve their true potential. Away from my role, I love to walk in our local area with my dog Ozzy, as well as a passion for live music of all genres. Travelling is my hobby, whether it be in our country or further afield – I love to immerse myself in different cultures, religions and destinations and of course, continue my understanding of architectural ‘Column’ and ‘Pillars’!

Sam Lochead – Governor

I am the Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Seaton Hirst, which includes Duke’s secondary school. Prior to becoming a priest, I taught Geography in a secondary school with an Anglican and Roman Catholic foundation.

This experience has deepened my understanding of how theology can shape and inspire education, as well as the vital role education plays in young people’s lives. My work as a governor reflects my broader commitment to the community of Seaton Hirst and to supporting everyone who lives, works, and studies here.

Sharon Cole – Governor

Following a short and uninspiring career with the civil service, I retrained as a teacher when my daughter was still
very young (she’s 26 now) and have been working in education ever since.

I started working as an English teacher in a large secondary school in Newcastle and spent a very happy 11 years there, working as part of a senior leadership team which saw the school move to a brand new build, heralding an era of change for the school. After 6 years as Assistant Headteacher and with a secure ‘Good’ from Ofsted, I was ready for a new challenge and took on a role in the Trust as a Deputy Headteacher in a Primary school.

I am now Co-Headteacher at Grace Darling C of E Primary School in Newbiggin by the Sea. My experience and working knowledge of both the primary and secondary sectors gives me a useful insight into how both phases should work together to deliver an outstanding all-through

Warick Stephenson – Governor

I have worked in education since 1991 in successful 6 th form and GFE Colleges, covering North Tyneside, Sunderland and Northumberland. Firstly as a teacher, then a manager and currently within the Senior Leadership Team. I am grateful for all my learning experiences, leading to a passion to encourage all children to embrace their opportunities to gain wisdom
from others.

As a graduate in Sport and Business Management, I have a continued interest in Physical Activity and Sport, Chairing the Northeast regional AOC Sport Network Group. As an active coach, I have volunteered for over 25 years creating opportunities for young coaches and players within local communities.

I am passionate about Northumberland and improving the chances for those young people who are privileged to live within the County.

Jason Tasker – Governor

I have lived in the North East now for 16 years after leaving the British Army, where I served for 8 years. I am married with 3 children and currently work as a Divisional Youth Specialist for the Salvation Army, working out of the North East’s head office to look after the programmes for 12-25 year old’s and the volunteers working across 33 churches within the region.

I became a Governor because I feel passionately about children’s education and giving them hope and a chance to make a difference in the world. I also feel that it is important for parents and families to see and feel part of the school’s community.

Nicole Lopez – Governor

I have worked in manufacturing since graduating with a background in chemistry, joining AkzoNobel’s Ashington site in 2020. During my time at the site, I have held a variety of roles across technical support, training and community engagement and data science. I currently work as a Continuous Improvement Manager, with a focus on digital transformation and using data to improve how the site operates.

I am passionate about helping young people understand the opportunities available to them and developing the skills they need for the world of work. I am particularly interested in how STEM, digital skills and practical experience can help young people see pathways into careers they may not otherwise have considered. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, planning celebrations and spending time with family and friends.

Mr R Atkinson – Principal

Mr Atkinson is the Principal of Duke’s secondary school, and therefore oversees all aspects of the day to day running of the school. He is also responsible for the strategic development and improvement of Duke’s, and is confident that under his leadership the school can become a school that students, parents and staff can be proud to be a part of . Mr Atkinson was appointed in March 2020, he joined the school in 2016 as Deputy Head, he is a qualified maths teacher and has had previous experience of working in schools across the region. Mr Atkinson is passionate about improving the life chances for all students at Duke’s regardless of their background, and is fully committed to bringing about significant improvements to the outcomes of students at Duke’s secondary school.