A new school term has started with a new Interim Diocesan Director Education (DDE) for Durham and Newcastle, following the appointment of Gill Booth, in September.
Gill (pictured on the right) has stepped into the role vacated by Paul Rickeard, following his move to become full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust this summer.
A vastly experienced education professional, Gill is already well-known and respected across the North East and within our Diocese. For 13 years, she served as headteacher and then CEO of Dayspring Trust (Ian Ramsey CE Academy in Stockton-on-Tees and Venerable Bede CE Academy in Sunderland), which now form the secondary arm of Northern Lights Learning Trust.
Gill, who has also carried out work as a school improvement partner in both Durham and Newcastle, shadowed Paul during the summer term in preparation for the handover. As she looks enthusiastically ahead, Gill is keen to acknowledge the work carried out by Paul during his eight years as DDE.
“Paul has helped our schools to thrive,” she said. “I am fortunate to have a strong team of professionals working alongside me in the Joint Education Team (JET) across the Dioceses of Durham and Newcastle.
“Everyone has been very welcoming. I’m excited to be in a role that is pivotal in ensuring that our children are able to flourish and reach their potential, working alongside the Dioceses and school leaders. Education in Durham is in a very strong place and we will do all we can to support schools and maintain the highest of standards.
“My hope and aspiration is that all children, staff and governors can live ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10) through collaboration and partnership with one another.”
Gill has served as a Durham Diocese Board of Education member for well over a decade, has worked in both primary and secondary settings and also has vast experience of special educational needs and disability (SEND).
Gill is determined to be a visible presence and has already begun visiting schools in the Diocese, such as Jarrow Cross CE Primary.
She added: “I hope to support school leaders to live out their Christian vision and feel honoured to work with our dedicated JET professionals. As a team, we are there to help school leaders overcome any challenges they may face and support them in providing the best possible education for our children.”
Photo: Gill Booth pictured on the right with children from Jarrow Cross CE Primary School and headteacher Susan McBeth (pictured on the left).