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.
Gavin Houston is a Whickham School A Level Class of 2002 Alumni. He has worked in Education since 2007, initially at Joseph Swan, where he spent 12 years in a range of student support roles including Behaviour & Inclusion Team and Pastoral Leader. He rejoined us at Whickham in 2019 as a Pastoral Leader in lower school, making the move to the Sixth Form Team as Head of Year 13 in 2025. He brings with him an understanding of the complexities and issues facing young people, along with the passion and dedication to support them with their attendance, behaviour and mental health, ensuring they maximise their potential.
Paul Antony is an experienced Pastoral Leader. His career started with professional football, playing for Carlisle United, Northern Ireland and Gateshead. He holds a Sports Science Degree and his 20 year education career started as a Sports Coach and Lecturer. He has a wealth of Sixth Form experience in mentoring, SEND, pastoral support, progression management, UCAS and Post 18 Information Advice and Guidance. Before joining Whickham Paul spent 11 years as Head of Year at Kenton School, successfully leading two-year groups on their academic journey from year 7-11 and taking the lead on behaviour and attendance, safeguarding, wellbeing, academic attainment, and whole school enrichment – an area that he is very passionate about.
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.