Julia Poole – Centre Manager Gateshead East & Centre Director Chester le Street
I graduated from Newcastle University with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Linguistics in 2011. During my degree I worked with teachers of English as a second language as well as studying child language development.
Since graduating I focused my attention on a career within people management. I have gained experience managing a range of teams and departments within several large corporate companies.
I started as Centre Manager for Kip McGrath Gateshead East in January 2018. I spend my days running the busy centre alongside the Centre Director, supporting and developing our talented team as well as taking care of all marketing opportunities. In January 2020 I also opened the centre at Chester le Street working alongside Carol.
Sue Wood – Office Manager
I have a strong background in the finance and customer service industry, having worked for a high street bank for almost twenty years.
Prior to joining the team, I worked as a PA to the Head Teacher of a large, local Primary School for ten years. I am also a fully qualified Teaching Assistant and a volunteer driver for the Daft As A Brush Charity.
I am mum to my 17 year old son, Nathan, who likes nothing better than keeping me on my toes!
I am often the first smiling face you will see as you enter Reception. In my role I cover a variety of tasks, but I very much enjoy meeting all of the children and families on a daily basis.
Leo Nelson – Maths Tutor
I completed my degree at Newcastle University and my PGCE at Durham University. I started my teaching career in 1997 and over the years I have worked in both independent and state schools teaching from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 5.
My two main teaching areas are mathematics and music and I have managed departments in both subjects. In addition to the academic teaching I am a fully qualified piano teacher and accompanist working throughout the region.
I started working for Kip in September 2017 and have not looked back!
Trish Potts – Teaching Assistant
I worked in childcare and education for over 30 years. In the latter years I took on an advisory and consultancy role. I then moved onto adult education and ended my full-time career as an Ofsted Inspector.
I love working at Kip McGrath as a teaching assistant and my main focus is working with year 10 and 11 students who attend during the day time sessions.
Andrew Whiteley – Maths and English Tutor
I obtained a BA Honours Degree in theology and philosophy from Durham University in 1978, and taught Religious Education at St Joseph’s Academy in Hebburn. I also acted as Spiritual Growth Co-ordinator at the school, as well as being mentor for student RE teachers.
I retired in 2015, but I have a great interest and concern for young people’s learning, and I’m delighted that working at Kip McGrath gives me the opportunity to help them develop the skills they need – not only for future careers, but as human beings with a full enjoyment and experience of life.
Hayley Cowan – Teaching Assistant
I have studied both level 2 and level 3 diplomas to qualify as a teaching assistant. Since studying I have mainly worked in primary schools with a range of children in Early years and key stage one.
Recently I began my journey with Kip McGrath as a teaching assistant supporting students and I look forward to being part of their learning journey.
Dayna Mansfield – English Tutor
I qualified as a teacher with a PGCE in English, Drama and Media studies. As well as undertaking additional training to enable me to teach maths also. I have been lucky enough to teach in schools around the region, as well as a boarding school in Durham and an Upper School in Bedford.
My BA (hons) from Northumbria University was in Literature and Film. I have just began teaching Secondary English at Kip McGrath after several years in behaviour support.
I was born in the North East and moved back up after living in the East Midlands once we had my little boy. I love reading, watching television and going to the Cinema.
Carl Black
In 2014 I qualified with a BA (Hons) in Primary Education at the University of Sunderland. I have since taught across the entire primary phase, including Early Years. I currently work full time as a Year 2 teacher and have lots of experience of the statutory assessment process having carried our SATs for a number of years.
I am also SENDCo at my current school and have completed the National Award for Special Educational Needs at the University of Sunderland. I am also currently undergoing a Masters in Education in order to further develop my pedagogy. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience of supporting children of all abilities and dispositions.
I currently work as a Primary Tutor at Kip McGrath and love the challenge of enabling all learners to achieve their full potential.
Rachel Walmsley
I completed my PGCE at the University of Newcastle in 2006 and have spent 12 years teaching in a variety of primary schools across Gateshead. In addition to being a class teacher, I have worked in learning support, intervention and pupil premium roles.
Away from teaching, I like to keep active and can be found swimming, cycling and running.
At Kip McGrath, I tutor at primary level teaching English and Maths. I am enjoying the opportunity to support students in a small group environment where they can gain confidence and thrive.