Principal – Ray Parkinson
A Physics specialist, Ray has worked in education for 19 years. Before entering the teaching profession, he spent some time in industry. When he joined the teaching profession all those years ago, it was firstly to share his enthusiasm for his subject and to help and support others to reach their full potential; this ethos still drives him today.
Ray believes that all students deserve the highest quality education and the art of teaching is to craft explanations so that students can understand complex or difficult problems. However, a good education is more than the sum of the academic subjects; it’s about developing the whole child. Good schools offer a range of opportunities and experiences achieved through a broad and balanced curriculum.
In the last few years Ray has worked across a number of schools as a science consultant and over the last six years, as part of the leadership team in a successful secondary school. In this role, he has been able to support other senior leaders, middle leaders and teaching colleagues in the pursuit of better outcomes for all learners.
Outside school life, Ray is an avid ‘Newcastle United’ fan, dog walker and taxi driver to his two daughters!
Vice Principal – Mrs Debbie Mitchell
Coming Soon
Assistant Principal– Mrs Katherine Nelson
Katy has a passion for teaching with a specialism in History.
A History specialist and former Advanced Skills Teacher, Katy started teaching in 2001, qualifying from Durham University after studying for her BA Hons in History at Sheffield University. Fifteen of those teaching years have been spent as Middle Leader in various Curriculum and Pastoral roles, within 4 Local Authorities. Katy is currently Assistant Principal in charge of Teaching and Learning, joining the school in September 2019.
Katy wants the best for all students and is ethically committed to the notion that if provision for students at Ingleby Manor Free School does not meet the exacting standards she has for her own two children, then reflection and strategic change is required. She wants a happy school for all. Katy is focused on ensuring that all students have access to a broad and balanced curriculum, which is appropriately differentiated to enable them to succeed and achieve. Likewise, she recognises the importance of Continuing Professional Development for staff and keeping dialogues about the craft of education at the forefront of everything we do in school.
Katy works with diligence, passion, integrity and positivity to ensure the best of outcomes for staff, students and parents/carers of Ingleby Manor Free School.
Outside school life, Katy is a mum to her two young daughters and is forever trying to juggle the demands of parenthood!
Assistant Principal – Mr Christopher Rea
Chris has always had a passion for teaching, and has 25 years of experience in the profession. He specialises in Humanities.
Chris is our specialist in Humanities and Sport. As our Extended Curriculum Leader, we asked Chris to say a few words.
“Previously a teacher at another school in Stockton on Tees, I was part of the team that raised standards and expectation across the School under challenging circumstances. I have had a wide and varied career and have taught in both Primary and Secondary setting, so understand good progress is crucial at every level. I have had a life-long love of all activities related to Sport and the study of Humanities and still participate regularly in cricket and cycling.
Teaching and learning is my passion; creating windows of opportunity for the students in our care is central to this in a changing and challenging world. I firmly believe that to stretch students in all aspects of education is imperative if they are to succeed in a world in which they can compete with others, while demonstrating clear moral strength and interpersonal skills. The curriculum and expectation on offer at Ingleby Manor driven by a motivated board of Governors and Staff will allow our students to be inspired and to enjoy the challenge to be successful.”