The Central Team of Tyne Coast Academy Trust is led by the Chief Executive Officer Mike Collier who, as well as leading all aspects of the Trust's strategic and operational direction, also acts as Accounting Officer.  The central team provides both business support and school improvement functions to Trust schools.

The Executive of the Central Team is made up as follows:

Mike Collier - Chief Executive Officer

Mike was appointed as CEO in September 2023.  Prior to this Mike was Deputy CEO of the Trust and was previously Headteacher at Walker Riverside Academy for 11 years during which time he also undertook a part-time headship at the William Lovell Academy in Lincoln.  Walker is in one of the most disadvantaged areas of Newcastle and from this Mike has a passion for ensuring the Trust provides a highly inclusive education for all pupils attending TCAT schools.

Mike is also currently acting as Executive Headteacher at Monkwearmouth Academy pending a permanent appointment.

Mike is committed to ensuring that TCAT provides the very best education for all children attending our schools.

Melissa Dobrianski - Chief Operating Officer

Melissa joined the TCAT central team as Head of HR & Business Operations in October 2020 and was appointed as Chief Operating Officer in September 2023.

In her role Melissa is the specialist lead across the Trust for all aspects of HR and provides strategic HR support and advice working in alignment and partnership with our academies.  In addition to shaping employment policies and practices, ensuring the Trust has robust recruitment and onboarding practices and supporting the Trust's culture, Melissa is also responsible for other areas of strategic leadership including business support and external SLAs and contracts.

Prior to working in the TCAT central team, Melissa worked in a smaller MAT as a Chief Operating Officer and previously held a role leading a team of HR staff providing HR services to schools within Sunderland Local Authority.

Melissa is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, has a degree in Business Studies and a Masters in Human Resources Management.

Steve Downing - Director of IT Learning & Services

Steve has been employed as the Trust's Director of IT Learning and Services since September 2022, prior to this he led the IT Service at Walker Riverside Academy.  Steve is a qualified teacher and SLE and has the benefit of a wealth of experience as both a classroom teacher and leading an IT team to give a real insight and understanding of the educational IT requirements of our schools in addition to business requirements.  Steve has over 15 years of teaching and leadership experience within IT, Computer Science and digital strategy.  He was designated as a Specialist Leader of Education in 2014 and a Google for Education Certified Trainer in 2017.

Steve holds a LLB (Hons.) Liverpool University, MSc (Computer Science) Newcastle University, PGCE Leeds Metropolitan University, MA (Education) Northumbria University and a  NPQSL.  Steve is also a Google Certified Educator Level 1 & 2, Google for Education Certified Trainer and a Google Certified ChromeOS Administrator

Steve's ethos is that 'If it’s not good enough for my own children, it’s not good enough'.

Emily Baty - Director of SEND & Safeguarding

Emily joined Tyne Coast Academy Trust in September 2022 as Director of SEND and from September 2023 also took on the role as Trust lead for Safeguarding.  In this role, she has overseen improvements in support for our pupils with SEND both academically and pastorally.  In addition, she is responsible for Trust wide oversight of safeguarding and ensuring a consistent way of working utilising best practice and up to date advice from our external safeguarding partners.

Prior to working for the Trust Emily works as an Assistant Head in a SEMH secondary school whilst carrying out the role of DSL and acted as SENDCO across five Local Authorities and has experience as an ASD specialist teacher.  Emily is a qualified SENDCO, is qualified in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements.

Emily's ethos is that inclusive and safe school communities are fundamental to supporting young people to achieve their potential.

Steve Goad - Deputy Director of SEND and Trust AP Lead

Steve joined Tyne Coast Academy Trust in January 2023 as Deputy Director of SEND and in September 2023 also took responsibility for Alternative Provision across the Trust.  In his role, Steve supports schools across the Trust to ensure inclusive education for students with SEND and also quality assures AP providers used by Trust schools.

Steve has experience of working as a SENDCO, Head of Year and is experienced in teaching History and English.

Steve's ethos is a belief that every student can achieve their full potential when barriers to education are effectively tackled and removed to create an inclusive learning environment.

Helen Gordon - Assistant Director of SEND

Helen has been employed by the Trust since January 2020 working as a SENDCO at Walker Riverside Academy prior to moving into the central team in April 2022.  Helen supports improvement and coordination of SEND provision across the Trust.

Helen is an experienced SENDCO and has 26 years of teaching experience including being a Head of Department in both English and Drama.  Helen is a trained DSL and has also been a pastoral Head of Year.  Helen is a qualified  SENCO and teacher.

Helen's ethos is inclusivity and respect are fundamental to the future of all students within our care.  Educating the future generation is one of the greatest privileges in life, one that shapes our future world.

Rebecca Caldow - Partnership Facilitator

Rebecca joined Walker Riverside Academy as Director of Science in June 2023 she has been appointed as a Partnership Facilitator for Science from January 2024.  

Rebecca has a honours degree in Chemistry and a PGCE in Biology.  Rebecca has experience of being a senior leader within a 11-16 SEMH school with responsibility for teaching and learning and has been a core subject leader.  In addition Rebecca was a Head of Science in a mainstream school, has experience of being a mentor for ITT students and ECTs and is a GCSE examiner.

Rebecca's ethos is all pupils, irrespective of background or ability, should be given an equal opportunity to thrive.

Leanne Dale - Partnership Facilitator 

Leanne joined Walker Riverside Academy as Director of Maths in September 2023 and has been appointed as a Partnership Facilitator for Maths from January 2024.

Leanne has a honours degree and a PGCE in maths and has the NPQH qualification.  Leanne has been a senior leader for 19 years leading on maths, teaching and learning and data as well as acting as a consultant developing e-technologies.

Leanne's ethos is that young people are the future and we must provide them with a future which has options through educational opportunities and support.

Dawn Dawson - Partnership Facilitator

Dawn has been employed as Director of English at Walker Riverside Academy since June 2023 and as a Partnership Facilitator for English from January 2024.

Dawn has a honours degree, MA and PGCE in English Literature.  Dawn has 12 years experience working as a middle and senior leader in 11-18 schools with a passionate focus on improving the teaching and learning of English for all students.

Dawn's ethos is that reading, writing and oracy skills are vital for young people and adults to reach their potential. Working with colleagues and students to improve and secure these skills is incredibly rewarding. Passion and enthusiasm for both English and for teaching and learning underpins my practice.

Amanda Jago - Partnership Facilitator

Amanda is currently Assistant Head of Science at Monkwearmouth Academy and a Partnership Facilitator from January 2024.

Amanda has a honours degree in biochemistry and a PGCE in Chemistry.  Amanda has been employed as a Teacher of Science, has acted as a mentor for ITT and ECT students and also has pastoral experience as a Head of Year and Transition Coordinator.

Amanda's ethos is that Science should be made accessible to all students.  Understanding science allows young people to explain phenomena in the world around them, develop an inquisitive mind and make responsible decisions in their everyday life.

Amy Burn - Partnership Facilitator

Amy is employed as an Assistant Head of Maths at Monkwearmouth Academy and now as a Partnership Facilitator for Maths from January 2024

Amy has a honours degree and a PGCE in Maths and has experience as a Teacher of Maths, an Assistant Leader of Maths and as a ITT and ECT mentor.

Amy's ethos is to ain for success, not perfection.  Never give up on your right to be wrong, because you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life.

Sarah Pringle - Partnership Facilitator

Sarah is employed as a Director of English at Monkwearmouth Academy and now as a Partnership Facilitator for English from January 2024.

Sarah has a honours degree in English education and is an experienced Head of English with responsibility for English, Literacy and Drama.

Sarah's ethos is to inspire confidence, motivation and passion in all our students so that they can become outstanding members of society.

Lucy Wright - Partnership Facilitator 

Lucy is employed as a Teacher of Science at North East Futures UTC and as a Partnership Facilitator for Science from January 2024.

Lucy is a highly experienced Teacher of Science with a passion for Chemistry and quality teaching. She has taught Science in a range of settings around the North East and has a wealth of experience that will be brought into her role as Partnership Facilitator at TCAT.

Kelly Davies - Partnership Facilitator

Kelly is an experienced senior leader who has achieved the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership with a passion for Mathematics Education, improving attendance and positive discipline. She leads Mathematics, Behaviour and Attendance at North East Futures UTC and has had significant experience teaching and leadership at Walker Riverside Academy.

Joanne Harrison - Partnership Facilitator 

Joanne is a highly experienced senior leader who has achieved the National Professional Qualification in Headship with a passion for pedagogy and quality teaching. She leads CPD, English and Quality of Education at North East Futures UTC and has had significant experience teaching and leadership at Walker Riverside Academy.

Senior Academy Staff

Ridgeway Primary Academy

Mr A Golden - Headteacher

Miss M Baker - Deputy Headteacher

Mrs C Cooke - Assistant Headteacher

Walker Riverside Academy

Mr G Smith - Headteacher 

Mrs J Carr - Deputy Headteacher

Mr P Robson  - Assistant Headteacher 

Mrs K Brayson - Assistant Headteacher 

Miss L Carmichael  - Assistant Headteacher 

North East Futures UTC

Mr D Sydes - Principal

Mrs K Nixon - Assistant Principal 

Mrs J Harrison - Assistant Principal 

Monkwearmouth Academy

Mr M Collier - Executive Headteacher

Mr K Graham  - Acting Deputy Headteacher

Mrs N Sandhu - Acting Deputy Headteacher

Mr D Suddick - Acting Deputy Headteacher

Redby Academy

Miss M Wight - Headteacher

Mrs J Carroll - Deputy Headteacher

SENDCos

Miss S Hayden - Ridgeway Primary Academy 

Mrs L Hart - Walker Riverside Academy 

Mr S Goad - North East Futures UTC 

Mrs E Eden-Turnbull & Mrs V Knight - Monkwearmouth Academy

Mrs R Simpson - Redby Academy

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Mr A Golden - Ridgeway Primary Academy 

Mr P Robson - Walker Riverside Academy 

Mr S Goad - North East Futures UTC 

Mr K Graham - Monkwearmouth Academy

Miss M Wight - Redby Academy