Sixth Form Team

The Whickham Sixth team are dedicated to providing a supportive, inspiring, inclusive and safe learning environment to help students be the best they can be, and who they want to be.

Lynne Gainford is an experienced teacher who has been in the profession since 1998. Since completing a Bachelor of Education (Hons) degree in Physical Education, she has taught Physical Education across the 11-18 age range in state schools and independent schools, both in the UK and overseas. Lynne has held a number of leadership positions in academic and pastoral roles, including Head of Year, Head of PE, Head of Faculty and Assistant Headteacher. Lynne is currently Assistant Headteacher within Whickham School with specific responsibility as Head of Sixth Form. She relishes the opportunity to support students in achieving their academic and personal goals.

Ian Turnbull has worked at Whickham School since 2002 after previously working in the private training sector. He has a BA in Education with Business modules and teaches in the IBT faculty teaching Business, Enterprise and IT across all key stages. Ian has spent most of his time at Whickham School combining his teaching with roles in pastoral care and worked as a sixth form Head of Year since 2012. He recognises the many barriers and complex difficulties facing young people and is dedicated towards supporting them in maximising their potential.

Kath Flint has worked within secondary education for 20 years covering a range of support, pastoral and teaching roles. She has a degree in Education Practice, QTLS and also holds a Counselling Diploma which she utilises in the pastoral support of sixth form students. Alongside her Head of Year role, Kath coordinates the Extended Project Qualification and is heavily involved in supporting career progression, attainment and the well-being of all Whickham students.

Debbie Ross has worked at Whickham School since 2017 after 26 years in Local Government where her roles included the leadership and management of a range of support services to Schools and Young People. Debbie has a Degree in Education and is a L6 Qualified Careers Guidance Practitioner. She has a passion for education, inclusion, diversity and empowerment and brings with her a wealth of organisational skills and real-world experiences that she draws upon to help students to be ambitious and broaden their horizons. She also works to ensure that students have the knowledge and skills to achieve their potential and reach their goals and aspirations, whatever they may be.