Senior Leadership Team

David Grigg is Principal of Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy, having been appointed in April 2002 after six years as Headteacher of Stanley School of Technology. He is a member of the National Council of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and is Chair of ASCL's National Funding Committee. David chairs the Gateshead Association of Secondary Headteachers and is a member of the National Advisory Panel of the Education Funding Agency. In 2000, David was awarded the Leadership Trust Award for Outstanding Leadership as part of the National Teaching Awards.

John began working at LLOB in 1993. He started life here as a Head of House. His responsibilities now include inclusion and support.

Heather Raistrick has worked at Lord Lawson since 1986 and teaches in the Geography and PE departments. She is currently Deputy Principal and leads the Quality Assurance Team which includes quality of teaching, whole school data, school self evaluation and teaching staff performance management. Heather is also in charge of Educational Visits and runs a Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group in the 6th form.

Iain Beveridge has worked at Lord Lawson since 2002 and previously worked in a School in Durham. Iain also has 10 years experience in private industry including working with numerous major motor manufacturers. Iain is responsible for several key areas of the Academy including, curriculum, ICT developments, major contracts and day to day operations. Iain is also a competitive road cyclist in his spare time and races for his local club Sunderland Clarion.

Paula Trueman has worked at Lord Lawson for 26 years, her roles have included Head of the Mathematics Department, Head of Fleet House and now Assistant Principal with responsibility for the curriculum and timetable.

Sue is currently an Assistant Principal with responsibility for KS5. Sue started working at Lord Lawson in 1994 as an NQT in the Geography department, since then she has done several different jobs within the school leading to her current position although she still thoroughly enjoys her geography teaching and working on teaching and learning. She has taken over this role of responsibility for KS5 in September 2012 and is enjoying working with post-16 students helping and supporting them with their A level and BTEC courses.

Jim Diamond has worked at Lord Lawson since 1997. Previously Head of Fleet House, he is now an Assistant Principal responsible for Inclusion and Support. He is also the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO).

Nick has worked at Lord Lawson since 1996. He spent over ten years in charge of the Sixth Form and was also i/c for curriculum and timetabling at KS5. He is now part of the Quality Assurance Team and works directly under the Deputy Principal. His main responsibilities include reporting to parents; strategic lead for data; strategic lead for the quality of teaching including the use of assessment; monitoring of quality of teaching and Ofsted preparation. Nick also line-manages ICT, Performing Arts, Technology, Art & Design and PE across KS3 and KS4. He currently teaches History and Politics.

Mrs Taylor began her career as an Art teacher at Pennywell School, Sunderland, from 1994-2006 where her roles included Deputy Head of House & Excellence in Cities Coordinator. She moved to Lord Lawson in 2006 as Director of Arts College, then to Assistant Principal, Director of Specialisms, from September 2008. As well as continuing to teach Art, she currently oversees both Applied Learning and the Visual Arts specialism at Lord Lawson.

Linda Alder has been employed at Lord Lawson since 2002 having previously been employed by Durham Constabulary.