Ms Helen Close

My name is Helen Close and I joined the Newburn Governing Body in September 2021. I will be taking on the role of Vice-Chair from the beginning of 2024 and I am the link governor for SEN.

I grew up in Newcastle and now live in West Northumberland, though I still work in the city. I am a Year 5 teacher at the Royal Grammar School and have taught for 10 years in schools in the state, independent and international education sectors, specialising in computing across the primary age range.

As part of my role at the RGS, I am involved in the Partnership with the OWL Trust and forthcoming ONE Trust and was keen to get involved and learn more about the governance side of schools, as well as to make a positive difference in the community. I am proud to be part of the Governing Body team at Newburn Manor, which is an amazing school with friendly, hard-working students and a staff body who go above and beyond to provide great experiences and education for the children in their care.