Meet the Staff
Mrs Gowland
Hello, I’m Mrs Gowland and it is my absolute pleasure to be Head Teacher of this fantastic school. Before I was a teacher I was an ice skating instructor – so one of my favourite times is taking the Y6 children to Whitley Bay Ice Rink for their end of year treat. I am so proud when I watch our children grow and develop; it just seems to happen too quickly!
Mrs Taylor
Mrs Taylor has been a governor of Cestria Primary School since 28.10.2004, joining the Governing Body when both her children attended the school . Rachel was Vice Chair until 2019 when she was appointed as Chair. Rachel has held senior management roles within Education and the social housing sector since 1998 and has several professional qualifications including Chartered Public Finance Accountant.
Mrs Carole A Walklate
I have been involved with Cestria since 1983 when my own children were pupils at the school. I initially worked with a number of parent groups and then joined the parent teacher association before becoming a parent governor. I have remained on the governing body since and was chair until 2019, and am now vice chair. I now have grandchildren at Cestria and have seen many changes and improvements over the years as the school has continued to go from strength to strength.
Mrs Nicola Bentham
Hi, I’m Mrs Bentham and I have the honour to be Deputy Head Teacher at our super school. I love playing the cornet in a brass band and have enjoyed performing in lots of interesting places across the country, my favourite being the Royal Albert Hall.
Mr Gary N Duncan
I have a real passion for developing learning experiences for all children. Also as a governor I enjoy having the opportunity to further promote the ethos and values of the school throughout the wider community.
Mr Gary Walklate
I am a senior commercial solicitor working in the global power generation industry. As a former pupil of Cestria, I was delighted to be offered the opportunity to become a co-opted governor at the school a number of years ago. During my time as a governor, my own daughter has since become a pupil of Cestria. It is a pleasure to see first-hand how much the children love their school and I feel very privileged to be involved with the governing body.
Jodie Graham
I have worked in Chester-le-Street Schools since 2011, firstly as an Extended Services Co-ordinator across 17 schools and now as a Business Development Manager at Park View School. My job role allows me to work closely with Cestria Primary on transition, raising additional funding and developing enrichment projects. I have always admired Cestria Primary School and was lucky to secure a place for my child to attend in 2018. I am delighted to be a governor and I’m committed to supporting the governing body in ensuring the continued success of Cestria Primary.
Pete Wells
Hello there! My name is Pete Wells and I am proud to be a governor for Cestria School. I have been a proud special needs teacher and senior leader for thirty years, I love my job! I also to write stories for special children and am proud to say that my award winning Inclusive Stories are used across the world. I also write ‘Sir Render the Cowardly Knight’ for Monster Fun Comic.
Mrs Kym Robson
I am part of the Senior Leadership Team, as well as teaching across the school, I also lead Early Years. I love walking my dog Dexter, and spending time with my little boy, out in the countryside. I also enjoy watching films and reading, my favourite author is Roald Dahl.
Lindsay Wakefield
I am a busy working Mum of two children, one in senior school and one in primary. Having attended Cestria Primary School myself as a child and having had two children attend Cestria I am passionate to represent on behalf of the parents and of course the children, who are the ethos behind everything Cestria aims to achieve. I know from both personal experience and from being part of the governing committee that Cestria is an amazing school at the heart of a very special community here in Chester-Le-Street, which strives to provide an enriched learning experience for all children who attend.
Mrs Holland
I have been employed at Cestria since 2006. In my spare time I enjoy baking, gardening and going on lovely walks with my dog.
Miriam McGregor
I am Miriam McGregor and have been appointed Parent Governor at Cestria School. I have lived in Chester Le Street for 15 years, and was thrilled when my son gained a place at Cestria in 2022, given their reputation to deliver excellent outcomes for children. In my working life I am a Commissioning and Procurement Lead Specialist for SEND and Education for a neighbouring Local Authority. Prior to this I worked in various Special Educational Needs roles including delivering education to hard-to-reach children and young people. I am excited to be able to support the school and give back to the school community.
Miss Hutton
Hello, my name is Miss Hutton. I’m pastoral lead at Cestria and I am based in the main school office. In my spare time I enjoy watching my children play football, going to the cinema and catching up with friends.
Mrs Smith
Hello, my name is Mrs Smith and I work in the finance office, I have worked at Cestria since 2008. I love my job and enjoy watching the children starting school in Reception, then cry every year when they are all grown up and leave us in year 6. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Mrs Gibson
Hello my name is Mrs Gibson. I started working at Cestria as a Dinner Lady when my daughter was in Reception. Now I work within the School Office and I look forward to greeting the children into school on a morning which I love. My hobbies include reading, cooking (and eating), knitting and visiting places.
Miss Behenna
Hi – I’m Miss Behenna and I have been a teacher at Cestria for quite a long time now. I have a great passion for observing wildlife in their natural habitat and I enjoy bringing my sense of adventure into my classroom to ensure the children are actively involved in their learning journey. My favourite children’s author is Roger Hargreaves who wrote the Mr Men series. One or two may be found in my room !
Mrs Francis
I’m Mrs Francis. I’ve joined the team of Lunchtime Supervisors at Cestria Primary School after working as a qualified Nursery Nurse Practioner and Afterschool Assistant for many years. I really enjoy encouraging all children to have fun and help them to achieve their goals. I like going away in my caravan and on holidays with my family and I have a passion for anything to do with cats.
Mrs Johnson
Hi my name is Mrs Johnson. I’m passionate about supporting all children and helping them succeed. I’m currently based in Key Stage 1. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and camping in the Lake District.
Mrs Ashford
Hi I’m Mrs Ashford and I am a Lunchtime Supervisor. I’m previously from a finance background but have plenty experience working with children, having four grown up children of my own. I am really enjoying this new role. In my spare time you can see me around a football field supporting my youngest son and walking my little Scottie dog Rosie.
Mrs Bowery
Hello I’m Mrs Bowery and I’m the Year 4 Apollo class teacher. I like my classroom to be a fun and friendly place where children can learn and grow. I am a passionate Sunderland fan and love going to the games! In my spare time I like to travel and explore with my family.
Miss Rogers
Hello, I’m Miss Rogers! I’m truly passionate about working with children and I am committed to helping every child thrive and flourish in our school. I’m also an avid traveller, exploring new places and soaking up diverse cultures and ways of life is my absolute favourite thing to do.
Mrs McGee
Mrs McGee. I have been teaching at Cestria since 1997. I have taught every year group. I am the person who is predominately responsible for the assessment and teaching of Maths in year 6. Cestria was my primary school many years ago and olive green walls were the main characteristic that I can remember. Fortunately that is not the case today as I work in bright and attractive surroundings.
Mr Walker
My name is Mr Walker. I moved up to County Durham from Yorkshire and joined Cestria in 2013. I love interacting with the children and always try to make school fun as well as educational. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family as well as any type of physical activity such as going to the gym or going for a swim.
Mrs Devlin
I thoroughly enjoy working with the children in KS2 and KS1. When I am not at work I like reading, going to the gym and spending time with friends and family.
Miss Robson
Hi my name is Miss Robson. I have worked at Cestria since 2010. I love teaching as no two days are the same and every day offers new opportunities to inspire young children. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my two children and running.
Mr Wilkinson
Hi I’m Mr Wilkinson. I’m a year 6 teacher here at Cestria. My classroom is built around mutual respect between pupils and teachers and I love seeing how much progress children can make in both the long-term and short-term. Many moons ago, I was a professional footballer and recently had the chance to fulfil a life-long ambition of playing at Wembley (I don’t like to talk about the result). As well as coaching the football teams here at Cestria, I also look after the Chester-Le-Street Schools District and watch every Sunderland game I can ⚽️
Mrs Wright
Mrs Wright . I have been a teacher for many years. I have taught in Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. I love working with the children and then watching them grow and flourish as they continue their journey through school. At the weekend I enjoy getting out and about exploring the countryside with my family – often on 2 wheels!!!
Mrs Taylor
Hello! My name is Mrs Taylor. I love working with all ages and particularly enjoying teaching English and P.E. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family being outdoors whenever we can. Equally I can also waste a whole day shopping at the Metro Centre.
Mrs Ward
Hi, my name is Mrs Ward and I am a class teacher and SENDCo at our wonderful school. In my spare time I love spending time with my little boy and going on lots of new adventures.
Mr Gowland
Hi, I’m Mr Gowland and I have worked at Cestria since joining in 2020. My classroom is a safe place where the children (and myself) aim to have lots of fun while learning. In my spare time I am often with friends, visiting new places and adventuring, or having endless conversations about football or darts. I also spend a lot of time at St James’ Park watching the mags!
Mrs Leitch
Hello I’m Mrs Leitch. I have been a teaching assistant at Cestria since 2008 and worked across both KS1 and KS2 as well as EYFS. My favourite thing about my job is seeing the children grow and develop as they progress through school. I have two children and in my spare time I enjoy cooking, Zumba and days out with my family.
Mrs Ingham
Hello my name is Mrs Ingham. I am a teaching assistant at Cestria Primary School, I am currently in Key Stage 2 and love working outdoors with the children. I have 2 lovely children and a dog that we love to take on family walks.
Mrs Ainsley
Hello, my name is Mrs Ainsley. I have worked at Cestria since 2005. I have worked in KS1 and KS2 supporting small groups and individual children. I love to see them flourish and reach their full potential. I am currently teaching Art in KS1 which I really enjoy. My spare time is spent with family and my Godchildren. I also love being outside and spend a lot of time walking.
Mrs Morrish
Mrs Morrish. I am a teaching assistant and I have worked with children for many years. I have worked in Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 in different settings, counties and countries! I love working with children and bringing out the best in each and every one of them
Mrs Scott
I am currently working with the children in Key Stage 2 and I love sharing the children’s achievements and development through this important stage in their life. In my spare time I enjoy running and keeping fit.
Miss Shaw
Miss Shaw. I have worked at Cestria for a number of years and have worked in all areas of the school. I enjoy helping children in all year groups to do their best and enjoy their time at school.
Mrs Egglestone
Hi, I am Mrs Egglestone, a HLTA. I have been supporting in Cestria for number of years, working in both Key stages. I am very passionate about helping children to learn and grow. I love my job. I work in the class and support In small groups. Outside of work I have 2 children and 2 grandchildren who I spend as much time as possible with.
Mrs Newby
Hello my name is Mrs Newby. I support groups of children and classes in KS1. I love bringing subjects to life using ICT. In my spare time I enjoy going to the match to watch Newcastle United.
Mrs Leask
My name is Mrs. Leask and I’ve worked at Cestria since 2005. I am an HLTA and my role involves supporting children, helping them to access all areas of the curriculum, so that they can reach their full potential. I really enjoy seeing the children grow and flourish. In my spare time, I love going out for meals, doing word puzzles and spending time with my gorgeous grandchildren.
Mrs Brennan
Hello I’m Mrs Brennan, I’ve worked with children for over twenty years in the Education sector in various roles but mainly in intervention. I am thoroughly enjoy working here supporting small groups and individuals in Y5. My hobbies are reading, music, sketching, walking and socialising with family and friends.
Mr Wilson
Hi, I am Mr Wilson and I am a teacher here at Cestria. I love working with children throughout the school and have done so for a number of years now. In my spare time, I enjoy playing and watching football.
Mr Smith
I’m Mr Smith, a former pupil of Cestria Primary School. I currently teach in Key Stage 1. My favourite subjects with school are Maths and PE. In my spare time I love coaching football and playing the piano.
Mrs Benson
Hello, I’m Mrs Benson and I am a teaching assistant at Cestria. I have worked across both key stages and I am very passionate about the growth and learning of the pupils. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and crafting.
Mrs Brewis
Hi my name is Mrs Brewis I have worked at Cestria Primary School for many years in different roles. I am currently working in Key stage 2 as a Teaching Assistant. I love my job and find it very rewarding. In my spare time I enjoy being with my family and dog.
Mrs Scott
I have worked at Cestria for a number of years now and I love being with the children during their lunch time break. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, keeping fit and socialising with friends and family.
Mrs Brown
Hi, I am Mrs Brown. I have four boys of my own and a grandson. I love to watch my youngest son play football.
Miss Cooke
I have worked at Cestria Primary for many years now and love my job. It is a pleasure to come to work each day and spend time with the children.
Mrs Stubbs
I am enjoying working as a Lunch time Supervisor at Cestria. My hobbies outside of school are spending time with family and friends.
Mrs Rogers
I have worked as a lunchtime supervisor at Cestria since 2003. I love spending lunchtimes with the children, they really cheer me up. Most of my holidays are spent in the lake district walking. I also enjoy going on shopping trips with mother and three sisters.
Miss Ludlow
Hi I’m Miss Ludlow. I’ve been at Cestria as a dinner nanny since both my children were here – a long time ago!! I love going for walks and doing quizzes!
Miss Allan
Hi my name is Miss Allan. I can be found working in a few different areas around the school. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, family and my little dog Fudge.
Miss Holland
Hi my name is Miss Holland. I’m a lunchtime supervisor and a play worker for Cestria Extra after school club. Outside of work I love spending time with my family and my cat Cheeto!
Miss Gibbons
Hello, I’m Miss Gibbons. I love to create an environment where children can be as creative as possible and their successes can be celebrated! When I’m not teaching, I like to keep myself busy and active by seeing friends, travelling to new places, trying new food, or spending quality time with my Springer Spaniel Chester!
Mr David Marrin
I am one of the Parent Governors and I’m committed to supporting the school to maintain and build on the extremely high standards and performance it already has, and ensuring it delivers the best possible outcomes for all pupils.
I work as the Business & Strategy Director of a North East Charity, where I am responsible for developing and implementing organisational strategy, governance, and overseeing the charity’s overall financial management and HR processes.
I have a degree in Sports Studies and an MBA from Newcastle Business School, and having worked in the leisure sector for over 20 years, I’m passionate about the role sport and physical activity can play in improving educational outcomes and overall physical and mental wellbeing.
I work as the Business & Strategy Director of a North East Charity, where I am responsible for developing and implementing organisational strategy, governance, and overseeing the charity’s overall financial management and HR processes.
I have a degree in Sports Studies and an MBA from Newcastle Business School, and having worked in the leisure sector for over 20 years, I’m passionate about the role sport and physical activity can play in improving educational outcomes and overall physical and mental wellbeing.