L - R: Brian Adcock, Deborah Cunningham, Fergus Nicholson, Elliott Ward and Dr John Hind with commemorative drawing by student Fergus

New chair of governors at Dame Allan's 

Dame Allan's Schools have announced appointment of a new chair of governors

Posted by Hannah Oakman | July 06, 2016 | People, policy, politics

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Brian Adcock has been appointed as new chair of governors at Dame Allan’s as Elliott Ward steps down after a decade of service to the schools. 

Elliot Ward has shown tireless enthusiasm and support for Dame Allan’s over the last ten years. With a background in finance and property development he was instrumental in supporting the building work at the schools including a purpose built Sixth Form block, the state-of-the-art Junior School, and the Dr Alan Reece Design Technology Centre which opened last year. In 2013 Ward was awarded an MBE for his ‘hands on’ services to education and the community. 

He said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to be chair of governors at Dame Allan’s Schools. I have been lucky to work alongside the excellent, capable and committed people who work at Dame Allan’s and I know that under the guidance of Brian Adcock and Deborah Cunningham the Schools will continue to flourish.”

Adcock has served ten years as vice chair of governors. Speaking about his appointment, he said: “I am of course thrilled to be the new Chair of Governors and am in a very fortunate position as Elliott Ward has left the schools in such a healthy condition. I am looking forward to carrying on his work and making sure that Dame Allan’s continues to be innovative and challenging.”

The schools have now appointed Deborah Cunningham as vice chair of governors, continuing the support she has provided as a member of the schools’ parents’ association.

Dr John Hind, Principal of Dame Allan’s Schools said: “Dame Allan’s Schools are indebted to Elliott Ward for the work he has done. He has given his constant, unwavering support and helped with a vast range of projects. His vision and drive have been an inspiration to us all and he will always be an important member of the Dame Allan’s family.

"We are however thrilled to welcome Brian Adcock and Deborah Cunningham as chair and vice chair. We know they will show great enthusiasm and passion in their roles.”

Dame Allan’s schools are a group of independent schools in Newcastle upon Tyne. The schools were founded in 1705 with the Girls’ School believed to be one of the oldest independent girls’ schools in the country.

The schools are pioneering in their offering of the ‘diamond model’ of education, meaning students receive the academic benefits of single sex education, with the social advantages of co-education.