Mrs Deborah Robinson

I was appointed vice chair having been a member of St Aidans Governors for many years. As a teacher myself, I am passionate about education and ensuring all students are given opportunities to thrive and move into the next chapter of their lives in the best position possible.

Being a mum of 3, I am also able to offer support and guidance from a parent’s point of view which can be difficult when you are restricted to the guidance provided by government and an academic influence.

When not working, I love spending time with my children doing craft activities, swimming and baking. We love the outdoors and are always willing to try new things, especially since the pandemic and putting our wellbeing to the forefront of our lives.

Mrs Ellen Gardner

Hello, my name is Ellen Gardner and I have had many roles over many years within St Aidans school, ranging from pupil, parent, Chair of FOSA and now academy councillor.

My professional background has been with the Civil Service and also as a Nursery Nurse /Teaching Assistant and a 1 to 1 support worker within the education sector.

I am passionate and committed about continuously improving standards within our school and to see that all pupils get the quality education they deserve and to achieve their maximum potential, before moving onto the next phase of their lives.

Mr Brian Hays

I am a retired Contracts Specialist/Senior Buyer and have worked in the Supply Chain Departments for Steel and the Petro-Chemical Industries located in Teesside.

I am a member of St. John Ambulance,   in Durham County for over 42 years’ service. Starting as Cadet at the Hartlepool Division and then rising through the ranks finally to be the County Commissioner for Durham County until my retirement. I am now a member of the Order of St John, Durham County Priory Group support the works of the Order.

I have been a practicing communicant of St. Aidan & St. Columba’s Church for over 50 years and also the Deanery Synod representative for St. Aidan’s Church.

Also, I am a Foundation Governor for the Board of Education at St. Hild’s Church of England School.

Linda Green

I have three children and five grandchildren who keep me busy and young at heart. I have worked in retail but have been retired for three years. I missed the contact with work colleagues so decided to take up a volunteer role as an Academy Councillor at St Aidan’s CE Primary School. I am a former pupil of the school and was amazed to still recognise features around the building from when I attended. I love reading and attending the gym which keeps both my mind and body fit. I love to spend time with my grandchildren, showing them how to bake, do crafts and visiting museums.

Co-Opted Member

Mrs Elaine Peake

I retired in 2018 from my role of School Business Manager at St Aidan’s after 19 years, to help with childminding for my three grandchildren.  Although initially missing work and my work colleagues I have now happily integrated into retirement.  I lead a busy and interesting life which I find is as varied as my role was at St Aidan’s.  I am a County Councillor for Durham County Council, a Parish Councillor in the village where I live and find both work happily alongside my childminding duties.   I was then given the opportunity to return to St Aidan’s as an Academy Councillor and was delighted to take on this new role.  I am once again very happy to give my time and energies to St Aidan’s and hope some of my past experience will be of benefit to the staff, children and Academy Council. 

Linda Green

Parents

Staff

Mrs Karen Chapman

My name is Karen Chapman and I have thoroughly enjoyed working as a Teacher at St Aidan’s since 2015. I am very excited about my new role in the Academy council and hope to support my fellow academy members in continuing their wonderful work to always provide the best for our children, parents, staff and community.

I am passionate about helping all children to reach their full academic potential and to have a thirst to be life-long learners and for each and every child to feel valued, accepted, loved and appreciated for who they are in their journey through to adulthood.

I have 4 wonderful grown up children, who are spread across the world, but we all love spending time together and are weekly competitive quizzes! I have a love of travel, reading and walking and caring for my 2 gorgeous dogs

Miss Lynn Chambers

Hello, my name is Lynn Chambers and I have been Headteacher at St. Aidan’s since January 2015. I have been working in Primary schools for 31 years now and have taught in Stockton, Redcar, Durham, Middlesbrough and now Hartlepool; (my first teaching post was in Hartlepool too - 31 years ago!) Prior to my appointment at St Aidan’s I spent 4 years as Headteacher at Blue Coat CE Junior School in Durham.

I have a passion for encouraging children to enjoy their learning and to enable them to achieve their best; but ultimately, for them to be happy, confident, independent young people.

I have one son who lives and works in London as a lawyer and I am extremely proud of him and miss him terribly. But I am kept on my toes at home by my two little dogs who love nothing more than to play – all day and all night sometimes!!!!